Kate cradles sleeping Louis as Wills, Harry & Meghan attend prince’s christening

A BEAMING Kate Middleton cradled Prince Louis in her arms as she stepped out of his christening ceremony with Prince William, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George in tow.

The 11-week-old prince slept peacefully as a host of Royals filed out of the exclusive ceremony - including his newlywed aunt and uncle.

25

The family of five were followed out of the ceremony by Harry and Meghan - who was attending her first royal christening, into the Chapel Royal.

Beaming Kate arrived with Wills this afternoon, who strolled hand-in-hand with Charlotte, three, and four-year-old George, into the ceremony in central London.

It was the first time the proud parents have been seen in public with their three children.

Little Louis was dressed in the same cream, frilly lace royal christening gown his sister was christened in - a replica of the robe made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter in 1841.

25

25

25

25

The ceremony was conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

As Kate chatted to the him while holding Louis, she could be heard describing her sleeping son as "very relaxed and peaceful".

The duchess added, with a smile: "I hope he stays like this."

Meghan looked stylish, dressed in an olive-green Ralph Lauren outfit and Stephen Jones hat.

25

25

Charles and Camilla were also in attendance, arriving shortly before Kate and Wills.

Pregnant Pippa Middleton was among the first guests to arrive.

Wearing a blue dress, Kate's sister headed to the service alongside her cousin Lucy, who is also one of Prince Louis's godparents.

The proud aunt, 34, was pictured outside ahead of the intimate ceremony.

25

25

25

Buckingham Palace today said the decision that the Queen and her 97-year-old husband would be absent had been made "some time ago" and was not due to health reasons.

Instead, the ever-busy monarch will be on the road ahead of a busy week of engagements that include President Donald Trump's visit to Windsor this Friday.

It comes after Kensington Palace today announced Prince Louis' six godparents - all close friends of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Those given the role of godparents include Nicholas van Cutsem, Guy Pelly, Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, Lady Laura Meade, Hannah Carter and Lucy Middleton.

25

25

25

Also among the close-knit group of guests at this afternoon's event will be doting grandparents Prince Charles and Camilla.

The Queen's absence from today's event comes after she was forced to pull out of a morning service at St Paul's Cathedral last month.

The monarch missed the event as she was "feeling under the weather".

But the great-grandmother was soon able to recover to take up her normal schedule.

25

25

Prince Philip will also be missing for today's christening, having recently pulled back from engagements.

The 11-week-old prince wore the handmade replica of the Royal Christening Robe, made by Angela Kelly, Dressmaker to The Queen.

It's the same gown that was worn by his older sister Princess Charlotte and big brother Prince George.

The little royal, who was born in April, will be christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

25

25

25

25

Tweeting this morning, the Archbishop wrote: "I’m delighted and privileged to be christening Prince Louis today – a precious child made in God’s image, just as we all are. Please join me in praying for him and his family on this special day."

The Lily Font and water from the River Jordan will be used during the baptism.

Kensington Palace today revealed details of this afternoon's christening, saying the guests would be served a slice of cake preserved from Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding day.

A private tea will then be held at Clarence House.

25

25

25

25

25

25

It comes after it was revealed Prince Harry has paid around £8,000 for a first edition Winnie-The-Pooh for his nephew's big day.

The 33-year-old newlywed plans to start an exclusive library for the young Prince, in tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana.

MOST READ IN NEWS

KNIFE 'MURDER'

Dad arrested as two women 'including partner' killed in 'stabbing rampage'

BLAZE TRAGEDY

Woman dies in massive house fire in early morning Boxing Day inferno

SCREW SHAME

Female prison officer nicked after 'being filmed having sex with inmate'

GOING ROGUE

Real-life legends behind SAS Rogue Heroes including hero with bullet in neck

A friend said: “One of Harry’s happiest childhood memories was being read a bedtime story by his mother.

"She loved all the old classics and Harry had the brilliant idea of starting a little library of first editions for Louis, Charlotte and George to enjoy as they get older."

They added the doting uncle had originally wanted to get Lewis Carroll’s Through The Looking Glass, but decided on Winnie-The-Pooh.