Prince George is christened at St James's Palace

Prince George is held by his father the Duke of Cambridge ahead of his christening. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Prince George was christened today in a small, private service at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace.

The royal baby looked peaceful as he emerged from the chapel in the arms of his mother the Duchess of Cambridge, who beamed with delight.

It had clearly been a joyful family occasion for the royals and Kate's family, the Middletons.

George arrived for the ceremony in the arms of his father, the Duke of Cambridge, and gurgled happily when his great grandparents The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh arrived for the short service.

The three-month-old baby, who will one day be king, was last seen when he was a day old, following his birth on July 22.

He was wearing in a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter in 1841, which almost touched the ground.

Royal Correspondent Tim Ewart reports:

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge asked seven people to be Godparents to Prince George, including William's cousin Zara Tindall:

  • Oliver Baker

  • Emelia Jardine-Paterson

  • Earl Grosvenor

  • Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton

  • Julia Samuel

  • Zara Tindall

  • William van Cutsem

Prince Charles and Camilla are all smiles as they leave Prince George's christening. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, who conducted the christening told George's parents and godparents that they had a "simple task" to "make sure he knows who this Jesus is".

Michael Middleton and nanny Jessie Webb leave the Chapel Royal. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

He added: "Speak of him, read stories about him. Introduce him in prayer. Help him to grow and flourish into the person God has created and has called him to be."

The Duchess of Cambridge carries Prince George as she leaves the Chapel Royal. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Harry and Pippa gave bible readings and the service also featured two hymns, two lessons and two anthems chosen by William and Kate, who wore a cream Alexander McQueen outfit and a matching hat by Jane Taylor.

The Queen leaves the christening holding an order of service. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

One extra guest was the duke's former nanny Jessie Webb who left the chapel chatting to George's grandfather Michael Middleton.

Ms Webb has been helping the Cambridges with child care duties on an ad hoc basis and attended the christening in her role as nanny.

Pippa and James Middleton leave the Chapel Royal in St James's Palace. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

The day ended with the guests enjoying afternoon tea at Clarence House hosted by Charles and Camilla, with the royals, Middletons and godparents served slices ofchristening cake - taken from a tier of the Cambridges' wedding cake.