New details are emerging from the royal christening of Prince George, which was held in the Chapel Royal at St James’ Palace on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Queen Elizabeth II as well as other members of the royal family, godparents and other relatives were in attendance for the momentous occasion.
Prince William and Kate Middleton chose two hymns, two lessons and two anthems for the 45-minute service, according to a statement from the palace.
The hymns were “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” and “Be Thou My Vision.”
Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry participated by reading the lessons, which were St. Luke Ch. 18, verses 15-17 and St. John ch. 15, verses 1-5, respectively.
“Blessed Jesu! Here we Stand” by Richard Popplewell and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” by John Rutter were selected by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as the anthems.
“Blessed Jesu! Here We Stand” has a special significance for the royal family: it was written for Prince William’s baptism, which was held on Aug. 4, 1982.
The Processional Organ Music was Johann Sebastian Bach’s Fantasia in G, while the recessional organ music was C. M. Widor’s Toccata from Symphony No 5.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev. Justin Welby, baptized the young prince in the Lily Font, using water from the River Jordan. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert commissioned the silver font for the birth of their first child, Victoria, Princess Royal, in 1840. It has been used at every royal christening since 1841.
Prince George was dressed in a handmade replica of the royal christening robe, made by Angela Kelly, dressmaker to Queen Elizabeth II. His mother donned a cream ruffled Alexander McQueen coat dress, while his father wore a navy suit with sky blue tie.
Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole, arrived with her siblings, Pippa and James. Prince Harry came with his grandmother, as well as Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.
Following the service, Prince George’s paternal grandparents will host a private tea in Clarence House. Guests will be served slices of christening cake, which is a tier taken from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding cake.
