The Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, in pictures

Princess Charlotte was christened infront of the Queen and close family and friends as the Cambridges had their first public outing as a family of four. The service took place at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

Official photographs by Mario Testino: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte, who was christened at Sandringham. They are pictured in the Drawing Room of Sandringham House with Queen Elizabeth II (seated right) and (standing, from left), Michael Middleton, Pippa Middleton, James Middleton, Carole Middleton, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of Edinburgh.

This weekend royal fans saw the Duke and Duchess walking down Sandringham as they headed to St Mary Magdalene Church looking sharp for the baptism of the newest royal baby. Prince William was holding hands with Prince George -who was sporting an almost identical white-and-red outfit worn by his father when he was taken as a baby boy to meet his brother Harry for the first time - while Catherine pushed an iconic, antique Silver Cross pram carrying the little Princess. 

 As the crowds enjoyed the very special royal moment, many had their fashion-eye trained on the Duchess, who opted to wear an elegant knee-length, long-sleeved creation by the British label’s creative director Sarah Burton, who also designed Middleton’s wedding dress in 2011 and the design she wore for Prince George’s christening in October 2013. 

Prince William in 1984 and Prince George at Princess Charlotte's christening

Prince William in 1984 and Prince George at Princess Charlotte's christening

Charlotte was christened in a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841. The original is too delicate to wear and its exact copy is now used for royal baptisms.

The simple dress has a geometric inverted neckline and oversized lapels, dramatically contrasting with the 2013’s ruffled and flared cream dress.

She sported her hair up and accessorised it with a sophisticated Jane Taylor feathered hat in a white floral design. The Duchess also wore matching court shoes and opted, once again, for Mappin & Webb jewellery, choosing a pair of teardrop earrings and delicate necklace. 

We’re not surprised about the designer choice, Catherine, who is a global fashion icon, seems to favour Alexander McQueen designs, as she continues to select custom made designs for her finest occasions, from her wedding in 2011 to her children’s christenings.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge talk to Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Duke of Cambridge and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall as they arrive at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate for the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge in King's Lynn