Here's the Special Meaning Behind Prince Louis' Christening Date
2018 has been a jam-packed year if you’re part of the royal family. Kate Middleton and Prince William welcomed their youngest child, Prince Louis, into the world in April—and then Meghan Markle and Prince Harry celebrated their historic wedding in May. Now, there’s another big event just around the corner: Prince Louis will be christened on Monday, July 9.
Kensington Palace announced last month that Prince Louis’ christening will take place at the Chapel Royal of St. James’s Palace in London. The private 40-minute ceremony will be conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and rumor has it that Baby Louis will wear the same white gown his siblings George and Charlotte wore for their own christenings (if you remember, George was christened in 2013 at the Chapel Royal, while Charlotte was christened at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Norfolk in 2015). The garment is a replica of a dress made for Queen Victoria’s oldest daughter in 1841.
The July 9 date is especially important in royal family history. As the Mirror noted, 71 years ago, in 1947, Elizabeth II (who hadn’t yet assumed the throne) announced that she was engaged to Philip Mountbatten. They had been engaged more about a year, but it didn’t become public until July 9. The rest is obviously history, and it’s fun to think of how it all kicked off on that special day. Now, the Queen and Prince Philip might get to relive that sweet moment while celebrating their youngest grandson.
As the day approaches, a few pictures of Kate’s own christening have emerged on social media. The images show the Duchess of Cambridge being christened on June 20, 1982. (We have a feeling Prince Louis is going to look just as cute as she did.)
https://twitter.com/TeaCambridges/status/1014183507860623360
There’s still no word on who the baby’s godparents will be, but that’s typically revealed on the day of the ceremony. Personally, we’re rooting for Meghan and Harry, although that’s unlikely, since the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have picked close friends for George and Charlotte. Still, we can cross our fingers and hope it all stays in the family.
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