George Visits Santa

Wednesday 24th December, 2014

Merry Christmas!

The Duchess of Cambridge has taken young son Prince George to two different festive fairs in the lead up to Christmas. 

Just two weeks ago Catherine and George visited Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park where they spent around an hour looking at the attractions including Santa Land.

Last weekend William joined his wife and 17-month old son on a trip to Thursford village's annual Santa's Magical Journey. According to the Sunday Express:

"The young prince gazed in awe as at animated reindeer, penguins, polar bears and elves set among twinkling lights, tinsel and fake snow during his hour long visit.

He also got to see real life elves hard at work making toys in Santa's workshop and met giant-sized teddy bears preparing to load presents into his sleigh for delivery on Christmas Eve.

The highlight of his festive treat came when he summoned up the courage to walk through a magical forest and go into Father Christmas's house so he could meet the great man himself.

George had the chance to chat to Father Christmas while William and Kate stood beside him and was given a gift-wrapped wooden train as a present."

Thursford is near the Cambridge's new home Anmer Hall in Norfolk so I am sure that the family will make return visits in the years ahead.

Christmas Celebrations In London

Wednesday 17th December, 2014 

source: Daily Express

The Queen hosted her extended family for the traditional pre- Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today.

Prince George attended the celebrations with his parents The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and his nanny Maria Teresa Borrallo.

The lunch is an opportunity for the members of the royal family who aren't invited to Christmas Day lunch at Sandringham House to get together with other branches of the family. 

Amongst those seen arriving were Prince Harry, Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of Kent, his daughter Lady Helen Taylor and her daughter Lady Marina-Charlotte. Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Peter and Autumn Phillips and Princess Anne's husband Commander Timothy Laurance were also in attendance.

George's Latest Fashion

Tuesday 16th December, 2014


The knitted vest Prince George was wearing in the latest photos released on the weekend came from Cath Kidston.

Hello magazine reported that the grey knitted vest with soldiers on the front has been sold out for sometime. The company is looking to source more because of the "George Factor". 






 From the Cath Kidston blog:

Merry Christmas Prince George!

We were so proud to see our favourite little soldier Prince George wearing his London Guards tank top for official Christmas portraits this year. Our knitted cotton-blend tanks are the perfect way to keep kids cosy in the Christmas chill and free to run around during all the exciting festive fun.

According to Hello, George was also wearing a white long sleeved body suit by Polarn O. Pyret (below), Griotte cord shorts and navy long socks by Amaia, and shoes by Start Rite.

Grandpa Charles and George

Unseen photo

Viewers of a BBC interview that was streamed live on the internet in November,  saw a never released photo of Prince Charles holding his first grandchild Prince George. 

The photograph was taken by Jason Bell in October 2013 after George's christening.

Prince Charles was interviewed to encourage young people to get involved in helping others. Whilst admitting social media is not his forte, Charles acknowledged that is an effective way of reaching a huge audience. 

The framed photo of Charles and George was displayed on a table in The Prince Of Wales' Garden Room in Clarence House.

source:BBC

New Photos Of George

Saturday 13th December, 2014

Three new photos of Prince George have been released for Christmas. 

The photographs show George sitting on steps in the courtyard of his parents Kensington Palace apartment. The young royal was 16 months old when the photos were taken at the end of November by Edward Lane Fox, Prince Harry's private secretary.

George was wearing long socks, buckle up shoes, shorts, a white long sleeve top and a navy v-necked knitted vest featuring soldiers.

Prince William at around the same age Christmas 1983

George Snippets

28th November, 2014

A leaked portrait of the Cambridge family (above) has surfaced on Twitter. The photograph was taken for an official thank you card for the Australian and New Zealand visit earlier in the year. 

The shot was taken in March by Jason Bell and was most likely done at the same time as the official pre-tour family photo seen below. 

There has not been much official news or sightings of Prince George recently. Most attention has been paid to his mum Catherine who is expecting a new baby in April. 

But Prince William has shared some lovely quotes about his son over recent weeks. 

Malta, Mid September
Representing The Queen in Malta, William told President Marie Louise Coliero Preca that it was just as well Prince George had not accompanied him. Admiring a beautiful room in San Anton Palace, the Duke said:

"Malta may not survive baby George. There are a lot of precious things here."

Imperial War Museum, 12th November
Attending a dinner in his role as Royal Patron, SkillForce, Prince William was presented with Christmas bells by a group of school children.

Commenting that the bells would be useful in keeping tabs on young George, William remarked:

"We'll put these in his pockets. Then we'll know where he is in the house!"

George In Scotland

31st October, 2014

Balmoral Castle

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and 15 month old son Prince George have headed to Scotland for a short holiday. 


The family has been staying at The Queen's Scottish home Balmoral Castle since last week after flying to Aberdeen Airport. Scotland holds a special place in Catherine and William's hearts after having met whilst students at St Andrew's University. 

Catherine recently made a return to royal duties after being bedridden with extreme morning sickness for several weeks. The new Cambridge baby is due in April 2015. 

William and Diana Aberdeen Airport 1983

Harassment

Early in October The Duke and Duchess started legal proceedings against a photographer they believed to be harassing George and his nanny Maria Teresa Borrallo. It seems the action was prompted by the photographer allegedly photographing the young royal in Battersea Park.

The Daily Express quoted a royal spokesman as stating:

"The Duke and Duchess have taken legal steps to ask that an individual ceases harassing and following both Prince George and his nanny as they go about their ordinary daily lives.

"An incident last week has prompted their royal highnesses to seek reasonable assurances from the individual about his behaviour. The individual was spotted at a central London park in the vicinity of Prince George, who was removed from the park immediately.

"There is reason to suspect that the individual may have been placing Prince George under surveillance and monitoring his daily routines for a period of time.

"The Duke and Duchess understand the particular public role that Prince George will one day inherit, but, while he is young, he must be permitted to lead as ordinary a life as possible. No parent would tolerate the suspicion of someone pursuing and harassing their child and carer whilst their child is playing in a public park or going about their daily activities."

Baby Due In April

20th October, 2014

Catherine and William

Clarence House today advised that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's second child is expected in April 2015. 

"Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in April 2015.
The Duchess of Cambridge continues to be affected by Hyperemesis Gravidarum, but her condition is steadily improving."

Catherine and William will today greet the President of Singapore and his wife as part of a State Visit. The meeting will take place at the Royal Garden Hotel which is next door to Kensington Palace. William and Catherine are also expected to attend more formal parts of the State Visit today.

The Duchess' future attendance at engagements is on a case by case basis depending upon her morning sickness. 

Since the pregnancy was announced on the 8th September, several royal visits have been cancelled including that of her first solo overseas visit to Malta. Prince William took Catherine's place on that occasion.

Late last week, Catherine and William were photographed attending her obstetrician's rooms for the 12 week scan.

A Second Baby For Catherine and William

Monday 8th September, 2014

Clarence House released the following statement today:

"Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child.

The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.

As with her first pregnancy, The Duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Her Royal Highness will no longer accompany The Duke of Cambridge on their planned engagement in Oxford today. The Duchess of Cambridge is being treated by doctors at Kensington Palace."

The Duchess was last seen in public on the 29th August at Kings Cross train station having returned from a stay in Norfolk with The Duke. The couple had been overseeing continuing renovations to their country residence Anmer Hall however Prince George had stayed in London with his nanny. 

It is believed that Catherine is in the very early stages of pregnancy and normally an official announcement is not made until around the 13 week gestation period. However, as she is again suffering from extreme morning sickness and will need medical care and bed rest she will be unable to undertake public engagements for an unknown period of time.

Amner Hall Renovation

Amner Hall

8th August, 2014


Prince George has been spending some of the U.K. summer at his parents new home Anmer Hall.

Amner Hall is on the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and the home was gifted to Prince William for his 30th birthday in 2012. The Cambridge family have been at Amner for the past two weeks overseeing the final stages of it's extensive renovation.

Work has been slow on the 200 year old, Grade 2 listed home. It has been reported that the renovations have cost GBP 1.5 million. The property boasts 10 bedrooms, a tennis court and swimming pool. A new conservatory-style room has been installed along with a new driveway and planting more advanced trees to ensure greater privacy. 

Lady Diana Spencer in 1981

It is interesting to note that Prince William's late mother Diana, Princess of Wales was born on the Sandringham Estate at Park House in 1961. Her parents were renting Park House from The Queen as both Diana's parents came from families of trusted aides to the royal family.  Diana's family, the Spencers later moved to Althorp House in Northhamptonshire when her father became Earl Spencer upon the death of her grandfather.

Diana's childhood friends included Princes Andrew and Edward. 

Hence Prince George has ties to both paternal grandparents at Amner Hall and his childhood will be spent here and at the Cambridge's London residence at Kensington Palace. 

Park House

New Role

Kensington Palace has announced that Prince William will join East Anglian Air Ambulance as a helicopter pilot from early next year.

The Duke of Cambridge will first undertake 999 training and a civilian pilot course. The Duke will be flying as a co-pilot on the EC145 T2 aircraft. Over time will progress to a pilot in command position.

William will be based half way between London and Norfolk so can easily reside in either Kensington Palace or the Cambridge's new home, Amner Hall. 

The Prince's salary will be donated to charity.

Fun At The Playground

11 August, 2014

The Duchess of Cambridge last week took her son Prince George to a special playground just a stones throw from their Kensington Palace home.

The playground was built in memory of George's late grandmother Diana, Princess of Wales three years after her death in 1997. 

It can be revealed that Catherine and George spent 15 minutes playing in the sand and enjoying the Peter Pan inspired equipment.

No doubt George will enjoy climbing the large wooden pirate ship when he is older.

copyright blog author

George In The Swim

July, 2014

The Duchess of Cambridge has told former world and Commonwealth champion James Hickman that Prince George loves to go swimming. 

Catherine met Hickman this week at a Sportaid charity function. "Kate's been swimming with him. She said he loves the water and he grabs things to splash with."

George and Catherine regularly use the Buckingham Palace pool and it is thought they went on the morning of George's birthday last week.

Prince George

George's Birthday Party

22nd July, 2014

Kensington Palace

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted an afternoon tea to celebrate Prince George's first birthday.

Close family, godparents and those who have played a role in George's life so far were invited to the Cambridge's new home at Apartment 1A, Kensington Palace. 

Royal guests included Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry and Kensington Palace neighbours Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Catherine's parents Carole and Michael Middleton and her siblings Pippa and James were also seen arriving.

George's nanny Maria Teresa Borrallo was present as was George's first nanny Jessie Webb. 

The Queen stayed for around an hour and the the party spanned the time of George's birth - 4.24pm

Absent from the celebrations were Prince Philip, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall who all had previously arranged engagements. 

George's 1st Birthday

22July, 2014

source: Clarence House

Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge today turned 1!

George's parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released three photos to mark the occasion. The photoshoot had taken place a few weeks ago at the Natural History Museum in Kensington when the family visited the Sensational Butterflies exhibition. Catherine is Patron of the Museum. 

Press Association's John Stillwell took the photos which show the young Prince fascinated by the butterfies and also demonstrating his new walking skills. The photographer said George was "quick on his feet", "determined" and "lively".

Catherine and William released the following statement:

 "We would like to take this opportunity on George's first birthday to thank everyone over the last year, wherever we have met them, both at home and overseas, for their warm and generous good wishes to George and our family."

George was wearing striped dungarees by Petit Bateau. His parents will be hosting an afternoon tea for George's godparents and close family.

source:Clarence House

source: Clarence House

George At The Polo

Sunday 15th June, 2014

Prince George made a surprise appearance at the polo today. Prince William was competing in a charity polo match at Cirencester Park Polo Club on his first Father's Day. 

The Duchess of Cambridge brought her son along to watch William and Uncle Harry play on opposing teams. George, who is now almost eleven months old, crawled on the lawn and showed he is almost walking unaided.

The little prince was sporting a white polo top and the Neck and Neck striped dungarees that he wore when departing Australia in April.

source: Clarence House

Farewell Australia

April 25th, 2014

source: Clarence House

William and Catherine attended a Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial to Commemorate ANZAC Day. This was a last minute schedule addition as they also took part in the later pre-arranged ANZAC service. 

Then, mid afternoon, the couple and their baby son George flew out of Canberra's Fairbairn Air Force Base at the conclusion of a very successful New Zealand and Australia Tour. The family flew to Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport to connect with a commercial Qantas flight to London via Dubai 

Prince George wore striped dungarees by Neck and Neck and Early Days pre walker shoes. A matching red cardigan and white polo top completed the look.

George, now nine months old was the undoubted star of the tour, but his father William showed a new maturity in the way he carried out his duties. Catherine seemed to grow in confidence in her royal role. 

Royal tours such as this are "sink or swim" as the large number of duties packed into each day require stamina, confidence and an ability to make small talk with large numbers of strangers.  

I think most would agree that the Cambridge family renewed interest in the British Monarchy and Her Majesty The Queen would be very pleased.

source: Clarence House

source: Clarence House

Transiting in Sydney enroute to London

Cambridges Arrive In Canberra

Sunday 20th April, 2014

Government House, Canberra

The Cambridge family ended their very busy Easter Sunday by flying from Sydney to the Australian capital, Canberra.

The flight time is usually less than half an hour so there would have been time for only a cup of tea for the Duke and Duchess and a quick snack for George.

Upon arriving at Fairbairn Airforce Base, Catherine and William were met by Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

Young George was dressed in a lovely blue Moss stitch cardigan by Rachel Riley ( http://www.rachelriley.com/product/787/Baby_Boy/Clothing/Knitwear), navy shorts and his Early Days pre-walker leather shoes.

Canberra's Government House in the lake-side suburb of Yarralumla will be the base for the family for the remaining 4 days of the tour. I am sure Catherine, William and George will go for walks in the grounds and see the large kangaroo population that calls this residence home. 

Tomorrow is a designated rest day.

source: Clarence House

Prince George meets the George the Easter Bilby

source:Clarence House

Sunday 20th April, 2014

Prince George celebrated his first Easter today by going to Sydney's Taronga Zoo with his parents.

The Australian Government's official gift to George upon the occasion of his birth was a bilby named George!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, ably assisted by their young son, officially opened the new Prince George Bilby Exhibit at Taronga and met the marsupial namesake.

In Australia, it is common to buy chocolate bilbies in lieu of chocolate rabbits for Easter. This aims to raise awareness for the endangered bilby's plight.

Gorgeous George was hugely excited to see the animal and was patting the glass trying to reach it. Catherine remarked "he's trying to grab his ear," To which William replied "if he gets it he'll never let go,"

The young royal was presented with a soft bilby toy and he promptly threw it aside, much to his parents embarrassment! George was then handed to his nanny Maria and his parents continued to tour various zoo exhibits.

George was wearing a Rachel Riley blue striped polo top and navy shorts. He also sported Early Days leather shoes.

Later in the day the family will leave Sydney and fly to the Australian capital Canberra where they will be based for the remainder of the tour.

source: Clarence House

source: Clarence House

George Jets Into Sydney

April 16th, 2014

Catherine, William & eight months old George arrived at Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport today aboard a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing 737. 

After spending 9 days in New Zealand the next stage of the Cambridge family's tour got underway on a beautiful sunny day in Sydney. 

The royal couple were greeted by Governor General Peter Cosgrove (seen above and below) , his wife, Prime Minister Tony Abbott and wife Margie. New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell had stood down from his position just that morning amid claims he did not reveal a gift of expensive wine. 

The Duchess of Cambridge carried George from the aircraft and then handed the bouncy and energetic baby to Prince William.They farewelled George who headed off for a nap.

The couple then travelled to the Sydney Opera House for a function before being whisked across Sydney Harbour to their base at Admiralty House.Here they will stay as guests of the Governor General until later in the tour when they travel to the Australian capital Canberra.

George was dressed in the "Smocked Sailboat Romper" in white by Belgian company Les Petites Abeilles. The company name means "the little bees". The smocking on the clothing uses the honeycomb stitch. The romper sells on the site for 60 euros.

source:indianexpress.com

source:MontrealGazette

Goodbye New Zealand

16th April, 2014

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George departed New Zealand today after a successful 9 day tour. They smiled as they boarded a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing 737 for the journey to Sydney.

The tour saw eight months old George undertake his first public engagement when he joined a Plunket playgroup with ten other babies at Government House.

The royal couple themselves proved to be hugely popular with New Zealanders and did much to dampen anti-monarchist sentiment. 

Prince George looked gorgeous in Dungarees by Rachel Riley, Early Days Pre-Walker leather shoes (last seen at the playdate) and a very sweet cream cardigan.

Now onto Sydney, Australia for the next two weeks.....

The royal family leave New Zealand after a very successful visit.          source:Clarence House

George's First Engagement

Wednesday 9th April, 2014

Under the watchful eye of his proud parents, eight months old Prince George took part in his first official duty today.

The occasion was a playdate at Government House organised by family support group, Plunket. Plunket offers health services and advice to young families in New Zealand. Ten other families and their young babies of similar age to George were selected to take part in the playgroup. 

George showed off his two bottom front teeth and guests were told he has four or five more about to pop though. The young prince squirmed in his mothers arms and sucked her hair but once put down he crawled off to find a toy. 

He loved the tamborine, wooden toys and blocks. George was not shy and seemed to take command of the room. Catherine remarked that he had played with other babies before but never in a group as large as today's. 

source: Mirror.co.uk

The prince was dressed in a navy sailboat smocked dungaree from Rachel Riley. Underneath he wore the Milo bodysuit from Chelsea Clothing Company. The outfit was completed with the Early Days pre-walker leather shoes.

source: Governor General NZ

source: Governor General NZ

William and his parents at the same Government House 31 years earlier

Cambridge Family Arrives In New Zealand

Monday 7th April, 2014

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and son Prince George arrived in New Zealand capital of Wellington on 7th April.

They had travelled on a commercial Qantas flight from London to Sydney via Dubai. After a short wait in Sydney, they boarded a New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 for the 3 hour journey to Wellington.

Here the family disembarked for the start of their three week tour of New Zealand and Australia. Despite the long trip from London, the William and Catherine looked happy and excited to be at last getting the tour underway.

The Duchess, dressed in a bright red Catherine Walker coat , carried her son from the aircraft. The couple then travelled to Government House for a ceremonial welcome and then spent the next two nights at Wharekauhau Lodge in Palliser Bay at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island.

After this private stay to recover from their jet lag, the Cambridge family will be staying all but one night of their New Zealand tour at Government House.

source: news.com.au
George and Catherine about to board a flight from Sydney to New Zealand

George arriving in Wellington, New Zealand

New Cambridge Family Portrait

29th March, 2014

Kensington Palace has released a new portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with son Prince George. 

The photo has been issued ahead of the family's tour of Australia and New Zealand in early April. 

Eight month old George is shown smiling at the family dog, Lupo. The little prince is wearing a light blue jumper with his name printed on it. 

William, Catherine and George are due to arrive in New Zealand on Monday 7th April ahead of the tour start on 9th April. 

Prince William was almost the same age as his son when he visited these countries with his own parents the Prince and Princess of Wales in March and April 1983.

George and Lupo star in this new portrait

William and mother Diana before their 1983 Downunder

New Nanny Named

20th March, 2014

Prince George's new fulltime nanny has been identified. 

Her name is Maria Teresa Turrion Barallo and she is in her mid thirties. Maria trained at the prestigious Norland College in Bath. 

Maria's training at Norland included taekwondo, evasive pram techniques and the students are taken to Castle Combe raceway to perfect driving skills and driving in difficult conditions at high speed. 

Maria is from Spain and has reportedly worked for wealthy families for around two decades. It is through their connections that William and Catherine heard of Maria and her dedication to the job. 

Kensington Palace said in a statement:
"As an employee of the Royal Household we would ask, please, that Maria's privacy, and that of her family and friends, be respected," added a spokesman for the palace.


"We will not be giving further details on Maria or her employment, except to say that the Duke and Duchess are of course delighted she has chosen to join them."

Fulltime Nanny Spotted With George

9th March, 2014

Seven months old Prince George has been spotted in Hyde Park in the care of a new nanny. 

George's parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have flown to the Maldives for a holiday after William completed his 10 week bespoke agriculture course at Cambridge University.

It is believed the new nanny is a full time replacement for Jessie Webb who has been helping on an ad-hoc basis. Catherine's mother Carole Middleton and Ms Webb have been guiding the unnamed nanny through the routines of the young prince. 

The nanny will be on hand for the Cambridge's tour of Australia and New Zealand due to commence on the 7th of April. A rest day on the 8th is planned ahead of the tour proper starting on the 9th April. 

William, Catherine and George to visit Downunder

2nd March, 2014

A media release was issued by Kensington Palace today in connection to the Cambridge family's upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand. 

There was much speculation about whether baby George would travel with his parents on this tour. Kensington Palace confirmed that he will join his parents and would be just eight months old.

The media release follows:

"As previously announced, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit New Zealand and Australia in April 2014.
Their Royal Highnesses, accompanied by Prince George, arrive in New Zealand on Monday 7th April, before travelling to Australia on Wednesday 16th April. The Royal Tour concludes on Friday 25th April.
The Duke and Duchess have been invited to visit by the New Zealand and Australian governments. While The Duke of Cambridge has visited both countries several times, The Duchess has yet to travel to either. The Tour will provide the opportunity for The Duke and Duchess to visit a number of towns and cities across both countries. Specific events will celebrate Australia's and New Zealand's success in the fields of technology, tourism, sports and the creative arts.
In what is the one-hundredth anniversary of the start of the First World War, The tour will also include several opportunities to recognise the sacrifice of members of the Australian and New Zealand armed forces. Among these, Their Royal Highnesses will attend a ceremony in Blenheim, New Zealand, and the ANZAC Commemorative Service in Canberra, Australia.
Prince William visited Christchurch shortly after the earthquake of February 2011. On this visit, Their Royal Highnesses will witness the city's reconstruction programme and view its plans for the future. They will also visit an area of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales badly hit by bushfires in October 2013."

Prince William first visited Australia and New Zealand with his parents the Prince and Princess of Wales in March and April 1983. The tour was six weeks long.

William was just nine months old at the time and this was a break in tradition. Previously, royal parents would travel and leave their children at home. Diana was having none of this and persuaded the Queen to allow William to travel with her and Prince Charles.

Given her age, it is unlikely part time nanny Jessie Webb will accompany George on the tour. A search for a more permanent replacement for Ms Webb is likely to be underway.

Wales Family before their 1983 tour of Australia and New Zealand

 

William and Diana in Melbourne, 1983.

George's First Holiday Abroad

2nd February, 2014

The Duchess of Cambridge and baby son Prince George have flown to the Caribbean island of Mustique for a holiday with Catherine's family.

Prince William is currently undertaking a bespoke ten week agriculture and farm management course at Cambridge University to prepare him for when the time comes to succeed Prince Charles as the Duke of Cornwall.

William started the course on 7th January and will have 20 hours of classes each week. Subjects include site management, conservation, farming and supply chains and planning policy.

From the Prince of Wales website:

"The Duchy consists of 53,408 hectares of land in 23 counties, mostly in the South West of England. The Duchy estate was created in 1337 by Edward III for his son and heir, Prince Edward, and its primary function was to provide him and future Princes of Wales with an income from its assets."

"The Duchy now has 3500 individual lettings, including arable and livestock farms, commercial units and residential properties.  It runs its own nursery in Lostwithiel which sells more than 4000 varieties of plants and the Duchy also rents out holiday cottages in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly."

As the Duke will be commuting by train to Cambridge each day, it was the perfect time for Catherine and George to join the Middleton clan on their annual sunny break. The royal duo were joined by Catherine's brother James on the scheduled British Airways flight from London and by all accounts George was very well behaved.

Christening Of Prince George

Wednesday 23rd October, 2013

Prince George Alexander Louis, the first born child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was today christened at the Chapel Royal, St James' Palace London.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby conducted the service which used the Lily Font and water from the River Jordan. Prince William was also christened using the Lily Font but his service was conducted in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace.

Only close family, friends and godparents were invited to the Chapel Royal as William and Catherine wanted an intimate service. Those in attendance included The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, Catherine's parents Carole and Michael and her siblings Pippa and James.

Prince George’s godparents were announced by Clarence House:

• Mr Oliver Baker. Oliver attended the University of St Andrews with The Duke and Duchess, as did his wife Mel. Oliver shared a house with William and Catherine during their time at university.
• Mrs Emilia Jardine-Paterson. Emilia attended Marlborough College with The Duchess whilst her husband David went to Eton at the same time as William.
• Earl Grosvenor (Hugh). Hugh, 22, is the son and heir of The Duke of Westminster. Hugh's mother, the Duchess of Westminster is a godparent to Prince William and Prince Charles is Hugh's godparent.
• Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton. Jamie served as Private Secretary to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry from 2005-2012 and continues to serve part-time as Principal Private Secretary and Equerry. Jamie was also an equerry to the late Queen Mother. His son Billy was a page at William and Catherine's wedding.
• The Hon Mrs Julia Samuel. Julia was a close friend of William's mother The Princess of Wales. She is a bereavement counsellor in the NHS paediatrics department of St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington where Princes William and George were born. She has a private practice and is founder of the charity Child Bereavement UK, of which William is patron.
• William's cousin Zara Tindall. William and Zara have always been close and she is expecting her and husband Mike' first child in January.
• William van Cutsem .The van Cutsem family are old family friends of Charles and his sons. William van Cutsem's older brother Hugh's daughter Grace was a bridesmaid at the Cambridges' wedding.

Prince George wore the hand made replica of the Royal Christening Robe, made by Angela Kelly, Dressmaker to The Queen. The 172 year old original robe which royal babies have traditionally worn had become fragile. The last baby to be christened in the original robe was Prince Edward's daughter Lady Louise Windsor in 2004. The new gown has only been used by three babies before George- Lady Louise's brother James, Viscount Severn and Peter Phillips daughters Isla and Savannah.
Also in attendance today was Jessie Webb who has been helping Catherine and William as a nanny for George on a short term basis. Jessie was a nanny to William and Harry and agreed to come out of retirement to help William with his first born.
Afternoon tea was held at Clarence House for the guests and they were served cake that had been a layer of William and Catherine's wedding cake.

Official photos were taken by Jason Bell and included an historic shot of four generations of the monarch and her three heirs- The Queen, Prince of Wales, Prince William and Prince George.