Prince Louis Christened in Public Appearance with Royal Family

Prince Louis, fifth in line to the British throne, made his first public appearance since being born on April 23 at his christening ceremony held at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace.

The sleeping baby was held by his mother, Kate Middleton, as the family walked to the entrance of the chapel for the ceremony.

Prince William looked after Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who looked happy and content, before the family were greeted by the Archbishop of Canterbury ahead of the 40-minute ceremony at around 4 pm.

The christening ceremony was conducted by the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who also led the service for Prince George, at the same location.

Prince Louis has been kept out of the spotlight since his birth and his christening was the first time he was seen publicly since being presented to the world by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the hospital steps.

The christening was attended by members of the Royal Family, including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

Also present were Mr and Mrs Michael Middleton, Mr and Mrs James Matthews, Mr James Middleton, and Prince Louis' godparents and their spouses, Nicholas Van Cutsem, Guy Pelly, Harry Aubrey Fletcher, Lady Laura Mead, Hannah Carter and Lucy Middleton.

All are close friends or family members of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The Honiton lace and white satin gown worn by Prince Louis is a replica of the silk and lace outfit worn by all royal children since 1841.

The original gown was commissioned by Queen Victoria for her daughter Victoria and was worn by 62 royal babies, including the Queen.

It was made by Scottish dressmaker Janet Sutherland.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte also wore the same gown at their christenings.

Another tradition upheld at the christening was the use of the lily font, which has been used for every royal christening since 1841.

Made from silver, gold and decorated with flowers, ivy and cherubs, it features the royal arms of Queen Victoria and the joint royal arms of Victoria and Prince Albert, Prince Louis' great-great-great-great-great-grandparents, who were married in the Chapel Royal in 1840.

The ceremony was not attended by the Queen and Prince Philip, who had a mutual agreement with the Cambridges not to attend.

However, eager royalists were camped outside the palace hoping to catch a glimpse of young Louis.

The christening was significant as it marked the first time that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children were seen together in public since the birth of Prince Louis.

The family was joined by newlyweds Harry and Meghan, who looked glamourous at the event.

The christening of Prince Louis was a private affair, with only close family members and friends in attendance.

The ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Clarence House.