Gurgling George brings joy to four royal generations

The royal baby looked peaceful as he emerged from the historic Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace 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, as well as his seven godparents who include Zara Tindall and six of his parents’ close friends.

George had arrived for his christening 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 service.

The three-month-old prince, who will one day be king, was making only his second appearance in public. His only previous public outing was when William and Kate left the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in central London the day after he was born on July 22.

On that occasion, they proudly showed him off to the world’s media and could not contain their joy as he slept peacefully.

Since then his father has revealed that George has a good pair of lungs but he appeared to be on his best and quietest behaviour for his first official engagement.

Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton both gave readings at the service which lasted around 35 minutes.

An official picture will be released today to mark the baptism, showing the four generations of the Royal Family together.