Duke and Duchess get blessing for christening

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have reportedly left senior members of the Royal Family off the guest list for Prince George’s christening this month with the Queen’s blessing.
The Earl and Countess would prefer an intimate family affair. Picture: GettyThe Earl and Countess would prefer an intimate family affair. Picture: Getty
The Earl and Countess would prefer an intimate family affair. Picture: Getty

The Daily Express reports that the Duke and Duchess, whose Scottish titles are the Earl and Countess of Strathearn, have spoken with the Queen about their plans for an ‘intimate family affair’ for the occasion on 23 October, and she has given the go-ahead for their plan.

Last week it was revealed William’s aunts Princess Anne and Sophie, Countess of Wessex would not be invited to the christening of the Duke and Duchesses first born in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace. Today it appears to be confirmed that Prince Andrew and Prince Edward will also be absent from the ceremony.

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The full guest list for the service will not be confirmed until nearer the day, details of the six chosen godparents have also not yet been released.

The decision to have Prince George christened at the Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace is a break with royal tradition. Prince William was christened in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace, it is thought the Chapel Royal will be a more intimate and personal setting for the service later this month.

The Earl and Countess of Strathearn have an emotional attachment to St James’s Palace. In 1997, the body of William’s mother Diana, lay before the chapel altar so her family and friends could pay their respects in private, before the public funeral in Westminster Abbey.

In April 2011, Kate was confirmed into the Church of England at the chapel before her marriage to Prince William.