Prince William and Princess Kate celebrated the birth of their first child, Prince George, in 2013, sparking joy among royal enthusiasts and commentators anticipating the future king’s arrival. Twelve years ago today, Prince George was christened in the Chapel Royal at St James’ Palace, a momentous occasion capturing four generations of the royal family’s lineage in a historic photograph. Dressed in a meticulously crafted replica of Queen Victoria’s daughter’s christening robe, Prince George exhibited impeccable behavior during the ceremony, symbolizing a blend of tradition and modernity.
Following royal customs, the young Prince was christened using the exquisite 175-year-old Lily Font and incorporated water from the River Jordan into the ritual. While William and Kate adhered to many royal protocols, they diverged by selecting George’s godparents, straying from the traditional practice of exclusively choosing royal and blood-related figures. This decision marked a shift towards a more contemporary approach within the monarchy.
Zara Tindall, William’s cousin without a royal title, stood as the sole royal family member among George’s seven godparents, reflecting a departure from long-standing customs. The selection of close friends and family members without royal titles as godparents continued with the christenings of Princess Charlotte in 2015 and Prince Louis, emphasizing the couple’s inclination towards personal connections over traditional ties.
The inclusion of individuals like Oliver Baker, Hugh Grosvenor, and Emilia Jardine-Paterson in George’s godparent circle highlighted the couple’s emphasis on relationships rather than royal lineage. This departure from historical practices signaled a shift towards a more inclusive and modern approach to royal traditions.
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