Mario Testino has been chosen as the official photographer to capture Princess Charlotte's christening on Sunday. Kensington Palace has confirmed the news, announcing that the Peruvian artist, who was once tipped to photograph Prince George's own baptism, will take on the role.
A truly fitting choice, Mario has worked with members of the British royal family countless times before.
The 60-year-old, who said he was "overwhelmed and honoured" to be chosen, was also the creative mastermind behind Prince William and Kate's beautiful engagement photos.
© Photo: Getty ImagesMario Testino said he was "overwhelmed and honoured" to be chosen
It comes as no surprise then that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have called on the help of their trusted photographer to play a part in their daughter's big day on Sunday. The ceremony will take place in the same church where William's late mother Princess Diana was christened, the St Mary Magdalene Church on the Queen's Sandringham estate.
The day before the announcement Mario shared a throwback photo on Twitter of Prince Charles with his sons William and Harry. The black-and-white photo showed the father-son group radiating happiness, with the future King wrapping an arm around each of his children.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Charlotte's christening will take place on Sunday
Mario – whose other high-profile clientele include Kate Moss, Julia Roberts, Gisele Bündchen, Margaret Thatcher and Madonna – has seen his work appear on the covers of dozens of magazines.
The high point in his career, however, came in 1997 when he was chosen by Princess Diana to photograph her for Vanity Fair. Mario has regularly been commissioned by the British royals ever since.
Recalling the moment he took William and Kate's engagement photos, Mario said: "I waited a long time, an hour or two, to make that picture perfect. But I wasn't totally satisfied. Then, when I'd finished the shoot, they were about to leave and they suddenly hugged in front of a radiator."
© Photo: Getty ImagesMario's clientele include Kate Moss (pictured) and the late Princess Diana
"It was spontaneous emotion," he told The Telegraph. "You could see they were completely in love."
William "is more like his mother" said Mario of the second-in-line to the throne, before adding, "There's a kindness and a gentleness there that instantly wins you over."
Kate, meanwhile, "is beautiful in a different way" to the late Princess Diana. "She radiates happiness," he said. "She is comfortable in her love."
