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A new Channel 5 documentary has uncovered the “poignant” reason why Prince William and Kate Middleton decided to hold Princess Charlotte’s christening at a small church in Sandringham.
Unlike her brothers Prince George and Prince Louis, who were christened at St James Palace, Charlotte’s ceremony was held in St Mary Magdalene’s Church on the Queen’s Sandringham estate.
The venue is usually private, however, during the royal ceremony in July 2015, a select number of the public were permitted to gather outside the chapel to observe the proceedings.
Now, a Channel 5 documentary, ‘Secrets of the Royal Palaces’ has dug into why William and Kate chose this unusual venue, highlighting a link with William’s late mother Princess Diana.
The documentary’s narrator suggested that “it was a surprise to many” when William and Kate decided to invite members of the public to gather outside the typically private church on the Sandringham estate for Charlotte’s christening.
“Royal christenings, you imagine palaces, you imagine state, pomp, particularly when you are talking about a child of the future King,” described Emily Andrews, royal editor of the Mail on Sunday.
But, the narrator described how there was a “poignant reason” for why such a quaint church had been chosen by the Cambridges.
“The chapel of St Mary Magdalene is the parish church of Sandringham House,'' continued Emily. “It has the history as well through William’s mother, Diana Spencer, as she was also christened there.
Royal journalist Richard Kay added: “Prince William likes this symbolism. He has made it clear that he wanted Diana to be involved on the journey that he embarked on with Kate.
“First as his wife by presenting her with his mother’s engagement ring, and then at Charlotte’s christening because he chose the very church where Diana was christened herself.”
Like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their daughter Lilibet, Kate and William also honoured Diana by using her name for Charlotte’s middle name.
“I think he very wisely decided not to give Charlotte his mother’s name as her first name; everything she did, everything she said would be compared with her,” Richard suggested.
“But by giving Diana as the middle name, it ensures that she is there if you like, that she is still there at the heart of William’s family.”
Broadcasting on Sunday (February 13) at 20.30pm, the episode also reveals that the antique colour of Charlotte’s christening dress was created by dunking the outfit in various types of tea.
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- Prince William
- Princess Charlotte
- Princess Diana
- Royal Family
- Kate Middleton Duchess Of Cambridge
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