Prince George will be christened by Archbishop of Canterbury at chapel ceremony next month.

'Prince George will be christened by The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby.'

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are expected to attend the christening along with the Prince of Wales, who has become a grandfather for the first time, and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Kate's family - parents Carole and Michael Middleton and siblings Pippa and James - are likely to be invited along with the Prince's godparents, who have not been publicly named.

The christening will be a private event with photographs released afterwards of William, Kate and their son, together with senior royals.

Kensington Palace said 'close members of both families' would attend but the names of senior guests would be released at a later date.

The release of a rare family picture will accompany the christening - a monarch and three heirs to the throne.

This is not the first time such a picture has been taken to add to the royal photo albums.

In 1894, Queen Victoria was photographed with her son Edward VII, grandson George V and great-grandson Edward VIII.

Royal christenings are usually held at Buckingham Palace or at places of worship at Windsor Castle.

It is understood that William and Kate favoured the Chapel Royal because it is, in the words of one royal aide, ‘an historic, quite intimate chapel.’

'It is something they have been thinking about for some time and they just very much liked personally,’ they said.

Princess Beatrice was the last royal baby to be christened at St James's Palace in December 1988.

The Prince was born on July 22 this year at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in west London.

He is third in line to the throne after her father, Prince William, who is second in line to his father, Prince Charles.

The Archbishop has spoken of his joy at being asked to conduct the christening: 'I am delighted to be invited to conduct the baptism of his royal highness Prince George.

'It is a great privilege and honour and will without doubt be an occasion of immense joy and celebration. I am looking forward to welcoming him into the family of the church.'

The young prince will be 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.

It was made by the Queen's dresser Angela Kelly and the team of dressmakers at Buckingham Palace, and features the same lengthy skirt and elaborate collars and bow as the original gown which is 172 years old. 

The Earl and Countess of Wessex's son Viscount Severn became the first royal baby to wear the new robe at his christening in 2008.

source:dailymail.co.uk