Prince George christening coins

A special set of coins will be created to mark the christening of Prince George, the Royal Mint has announced.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's baby son will be christened at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, on Wednesday October 23 - just over three months since his birth.

There will be a gold kilo coin, £5 coin in silver and another more affordable £5 coin.

Details of the prices and how many will be created have yet to be announced.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said he was "delighted" to be asked to conduct the christening of Prince George:

Prince George will be the first royal baby to be christened at The Chapel Royal at St James's Palace for 25 years.

Princess Beatrice was the last royal baby to be christened there in December 1988.

Royal babies usually have five or six godparents, although the Prince of Wales had eight.

Contenders for the role for Prince George are expected to include the baby's uncles, Prince Harry and James Middleton, and aunt Pippa Middleton.

Close friends of the couple, such as William's old school friend Thomas van Straubenzee or one of the van Cutsem brothers, are also tipped to be in the running.

Godparents often also have close historic ties to the royal family.

Royal babies are usually christened in a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter in 1841.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex's son Viscount Severn became the first royal baby to wear the new robe at his christening in 2008.

It was made by the Queen's dresser Angela Kelly and the team of dressmakers at Buckingham Palace, and features the same lengthy skirt and elaborate collars and bow as its predecessor.

Royal christenings are traditionally private affairs, held behind closed doors when the baby is just a few months old and attended only by family, godparents and close friends.

Children are often christened in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace, where Prince William's ceremony was held. Prince Harry was christened in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Prince George will be christened on Wednesday October 23 at The Chapel Royal at St James's Palace by The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, Kensington Palace announced.