Royal christening: the font

There's nothing ordinary about the font that will hold the water with which Prince George will be baptized on October 23rd 2013 at St James' Palace, London.  For while most parents turn up at the church and use the facilities already in place, the royals like to bring their own font along.  It adds a touch of continuity to an occasion which has taken place at many different royal residences over the last century and a half since the Lily Font was introduced by - Queen Victoria.

The Lily Font was commissioned by Queen Victoria ahead of the birth of her first child, Princess Victoria, in November 1840 and was used for the first time at the little girl's christening in February 1841

 

Here's hoping William or Kate remembered to save the date with the Tower of London.  The font is usually kept there with the Crown Jewels.  It was made by a firm called E. and W. Smith and the lily motif symbolizes purity while the water lilies stand for new life.  There is also a scroll bearing the royal motto, Dieu et Mon Droit, adopted by Edward III in the 14th century and said to have been first used by Richard I as he rode into battle during his brief reign of 1189 - 1199.

 

 

The christening of Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louisa in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace on February 10th 1841 - the first time the Lily Font was used

 

The font will be filled with water from the river Jordan, as is customary at royal christenings.  And all ears will be on the prince to see if he cries.  A good old bellow might be a good sign - his great grandmother, Elizabeth II, is said to have cried so loudly at her own christening that her uncle, the future Edward VIII, couldn't stop laughing.