Prince William and Kate are often hailed as modern, hands-on parents, but at the christening of their newborn daughter Princess Charlotte, the couple gave several nods to royal tradition. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrated the momentous event with poignant touches from the past, from Charlotte's gown to her pram.
As royal watchers had predicted, Charlotte was dressed in the same christening gown that was worn by several royal babies before her, including her older brother Prince George. The beautiful lace confection is actually a replica of the one used by Queen Victoria's children, after the original became too fragile to use.
Kate used a vintage Millson pram, which belonged to the Queen, to bring Princess Charlotte to the christening
Charlotte, at two months old, looked angelic in the dress, which featured a long train, intricate bows and a high collar.
But it wasn't just Charlotte who melted the hearts of royal fans and onlookers waiting outside St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham – the same venue where Prince William's late mother Princess Diana was baptised back in 1961.
© Photo: Getty ImagesBig brother Prince George looked adorable in red shorts and a white shirt
Prince George, who has fast become a trend-setter at almost two-years-old, was the spitting image of his dad, wearing an outfit that was virtually identical to the one William wore in 1984 when he met newborn Prince Harry in hospital for the first time.
More than 30 years later, George, who was dressed in Rachel Riley red shorts and a smocked white shirt, bore a striking resemblance to his own father at a similar age. The little boy and his daddy held hands as the family walked into the church.
Spanish nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo wore her formal Norland College uniform for the event
Meanwhile Spanish nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo was dressed in her traditional uniform from Norland College, the prestigious nanny training school she graduated from.
She chose to wear the "formal uniform" to the ceremony – a 1950s-style brown dress complete with a Norland hat, gloves and lace-up shoes – instead of the "practical uniform" of navy trousers, a blue blue sweater and blue collard shirt.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCharlotte was dressed in the same lace christening gown that her brother George donned in 2013
Prince William and Kate used the vintage Millson pram to bring baby Charlotte to the christening. The Duchess was pictured pushing her daughter in the elegant, silver-wheeled large pram – the same one the Queen used for her younger children Princes Andrew and Edwards some 50 years ago.
The service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who baptised baby Charlotte and also christened Prince George back in 2013.
Charlotte was baptised in the traditional silver Lily Font, which stands at 17-inches high and had been brought specifically to Norfolk from the Tower of London, where it is kept alongside the rest of the Crown Jewels.
© Photo: Getty ImagesWilliam and Kate served slices from their eight-tiered wedding cake at the reception after the service
After the ceremony, the Cambridges, who were making their first official appearance as a family of four, and their select guests made their way back to the Queen's Sandringham House where the festivities continued.
Just like at George's christening, guests were served slices from William and Kate's eight-tiered wedding cake, which was created by HELLO! Online blogger Fiona Cairns.
