Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge, the fourth in line to the throne, will be christened at 11:30 a.m. ET (4:30 pm local time) on Sunday in a quintessentially English country church, St. Mary Magdalene, on the Sandringham estate, in Norfolk, England.
The 45-minute Anglican baptismal ceremony is anything but simple. For starters, her guests include her great-grandparents the Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, grandparents the Prince of Wales Charles. And of course, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Williams and Kate as well as their son, two-year-old Prince George.
Also attending the ceremonies are Carole and Michael Middleton and Kate's siblings Pippa and James Middleton.
Speculations as to whom Princess Charlotte's godparents are flying around Britain. Pippa's name emerged as a likely candidate as well as Prince Harry although he will not be attending the ceremony as he is currently in Africa on a conservation mission, said USA Today.
The 36-year-old Mike Tindall, a close friend of Prince William since his marriage to Zara Phillips is also rumored to be a likely candidate to be one of Princess Charlotte's godparents. Philips is the only royal godparent to Prince George, according to The Telegraph.
The Buckingham Palace said the godparents, expected to number to six, would be announced on the morning of the ceremony.
The Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby of the Church of England will officiate the christening of Princess Charlotte, reported The Independent.
The public will also have the opportunity to see Princess Charlotte for the first time as well as other members of the Royal family as Prince William and Kate have designated an area outside the church know as the paddock to watch them walk to and from the venue similar to the arrangements for the Christmas Day service.
Norfolk Police head Superintendent Kevin Clarke said they are expecting a large crowd to gather at the paddock to witness the event. He also advised the public to arrive early. He said, "With this being such a special occasion we are expecting the area to be extremely busy on Sunday and encourage the public to heed our advice so they can enjoy the event safely."
A spokesman for the Kensington Palace was quoted as saying, "The Duke and Duchess are hugely grateful for the warm wishes they have received since Princess Charlotte's birth - many of them from local people in Norfolk - and are delighted the paddock can be opened on the day of the christening."
Princess Charlotte will be wearing a replica of the traditional silk, satin and lace garment that was first worn by Queen Victoria's first child in 1841. The royal christening gown had been worn by every royal baby since 2008. Queen Elizabeth commissioned a replica of the royal christening gown because the original was to fragile for further use.
Also, on Wednesday, the Royal Mint unveiled a 5-pound silver (roughly $8) commemorative christening coin for Princess Charlotte. The coin is decorated with cherubs playing-harm surrounded by lilies and frame. Written at the center of the coin was, "To celebrate the Christening of Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge 2015."
