Prince George’s christening is a moment that deserves to be properly marked and the new royal family portraits, shot by celebrity photographer Jason Bell in the Morning Room at Charles’s official London residence, Clarence House, manage to truly capture the youthful nature of the moment for posterity. On Thursday, the Palace released four official portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son, Prince George, along with the royal couple’s close ones. The photoshoot began 35 minutes after Prince George’s baptism, on Wednesday.
The most intimate of photos shows the proud new parents and their lovely son dressed in the Honiton lace christening gown. The young Prince looks like he was born to steal the spotlight with his adorable chubby checks. Another photo illustrates the royal succession and features Queen Elizabeth, her son Charles, Prince William and, of course the newest member of the royal family who may have to wait 60 years to become king. It’s the first photography of the kind in 114 years. The last similar image was taken in 1899, when Queen Victoria posed with Edward VII, George V and Edward VIII.
Another photo shows The Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry of Wales in the back row and Queen Elizabeth, the Duchess of Cambridge holding Prince George with the Duke of Cambridge.
The most formal of photos features the Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge, who is lovingly holding Prince George and the Duke of Cambridge in the foreground. In the background stand the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and Catherine’s family Pippa Middleton, James Middleton, Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton.
Naturally, everyone was in a good mood, as evidenced by the classy royal portraits. Remarkably, the baby was on his best behavior for the occasion according to a statement made by his mother at the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Philanthropic Initiatives gala dinner, held Thursday night at London’s Kensington Palace State Apartments. “He was such a good boy actually. We’re very lucky, he’s not always like that.”, said Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge.
See also: Meet the Royal Baby: Kate Middleton and William Introduce Their Son
Photos: People