The excitement in the air was palpable as royal fans congregated outside St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham for Princess Charlotte's christening. Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, opened the paddock outside the church to members of the public so they could participate in the family's special day.
Among the crowd was royal enthusiast Terry Hutt, who camped outside the Lindo Wing for two weeks ahead of Princess Charlotte's birth on 2 May. Donning a patriotic Union Jack suit, the octogenarian excitedly held up a sign which read "Princess Charlotte christening day".
© Photo: Getty ImagesRoyal superfan Terry Hutt waited outside the church
The group of well-wishers gathered in the paddock on Sunday as they eagerly awaited the arrival of William, Kate and their two children. The royal couple made their first public appearance as a family of four at the christening, and have said they will "be pleased" to greet members of the public outside the church.
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be pleased to welcome well-wishers into the paddock outside the church. The Duke and Duchess are hugely grateful for the warm wishes they have received since Princess Charlotte's birth – many of them from local people in Norfolk – and are delighted the paddock can be opened on the day of the christening," a statement released by Kensington Palace said.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCrowds of well-wishers gathered for Princess Charlotte's christening
While many royal fans will be keen to present the couple with gifts to mark the occasion, it has been confirmed that any flowers brought to the christening will be given to East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), the charity that Kate has supported since January 2012.
The table set up in the paddock for the charity donations was already filled with flowers ahead of the christening, which EACH chief executive Graham Butland said would be "delivered to our hospices for our families, volunteers and staff to enjoy".
© Photo: Getty ImagesWilliam and Kate arrive with their two children
As well as getting a rare glimpse of William and Kate with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, members of the public will also see other royal guests including the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
