Prince George's Christening Nears, Prince Harry's Girlfriend Cressida Not Expected
Prince Harry will be attending his nephew's christening on Wednesday, but his reported girlfriend Cressida Bonas is not expected to accompany him.
Three-month-old Prince George will be christened at The Chapel Royal, St. James' Palace on Oct. 23 before royal family members including his parents, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as Queen Elizabeth II.
However, Prince Harry's girlfriend Cressida Bonas will not be amongst those gathered at the milestone moment. The 24-year-old heiress is believed to have started dating Harry over a year ago.
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"It was always so unlikely that she would be invited," explained a source close to the royal family, according to People.com.
Furthermore, Bonas' attendance may apply unnecessary scrutiny on her relationship with Harry.
"If she went to this totally private service, it would be tantamount to saying they were about to be engaged," another observer noted, according to People.
Instead, St. James's Palace said that "close members of both families" of Prince George's parents would be attendance, and that names of senior guests would be released at a later date.
Also expected at his christening are the child's paternal grandparents; Prince Charles and his wife Camilla. Also, Middleton's parents Carole and Michael Middleton are expected to attend, in addition to her siblings Pippa and James.
Despite their royal background, Kate Middleton and Prince William have opted for a far less lavish christening ceremony for their first-born son.
Furthermore, holding it at The Chapel Royal is especially meaningful for Prince William since it was where the body of his late mother, Princess Diana, was held before her funeral in 1997.
"It's a special place for William," one source told Us Weekly. "Having the service there is one way of involving his mother, who he so wishes could be here for all of this."
Portraits taken from the special event are expected to be released on Thurs. Oct 24. They are being shot by famed photographer Jason Bell, according to the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge was born on July 22 and is the third in line to the British throne, following Prince Charles and Prince William.
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are incredibly grateful for the support and goodwill being expressed at this happy time," the palace said. "Their Royal Highnesses are grateful, too, for the many gifts they have already received."
The delighted parents urged well-wishers to give to "those more in need; perhaps a children's charity," the palace continued.
