Sunday 25, Noon - Royal Christening St George's Chapel

[Raconteur]

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It was unusual for a Christening to be held outside the private family chapel inside the Castle and so when it was made clear that for THIS christening it was to be in St George's it caused several things to happen. St George's Chapel is overseen and run by a Dean and Cannons who have been appointed by the Sovereign and they form what is called a Chapter. St George's is the only body of secular cannons in the Country living under Religious Rules that have been in place since the Middle Ages. By rights it should have been the Dean of St George's that conducted the Service of Christening for the Royal Prince but he had been passed over in favor of the Archbishop of Canterbury for the second time in the manner of just a few days. The Archbishop had officiated at the recent Chichester Wedding and now this Christening. The Dean's sullen mood at what he considered to be an insult was understood and many supported it but it could not alter the proceedings. 

Entering thru the West front steps those attending would then pass under the doorway and into the Nave. Walking past the staircase that led down they would come to a side Chapel called the Consistory Court with its Font on the right side. This was far too small an area to hold all those expected and so it had been decided that it would be held further up the Nave and to the right which was the South transit with its stained glass windows. This was done so that there was no need to go past the Pulpit and then into the Choir. Chairs had been placed in rows facing a stone font that was unadorned and rested atop an octagonal base. It held a small amount of water. A table beside was laid with a pristine white linen cloth where a silver bowl and a crystal decanter had been placed. Another white cloth covered the bowl. The decanter was partially filled with liquid. This is the Holy Oil. A mixture of olive oil from Jerusalem, balsam, and aromatic resin.

The Cannon Precenter, whose job it was to look after the Chapel and the ordering of its Services, was busy directing and checking the lists he had been given. The section reserved for the Royal Party was to the right and the chair cushions here were purple and not the red on all the others. The premise being that Courtiers would understand that the space there was for only those chosen. The first row on the left had been marked for the God Parents as they participate in the Service. If, by some mishap, none arrived then it would be given out for regular seating with Chapel staff seating by Precedence (rank). But there were enough chairs placed that there should be no issues and it was after all expected that ALL would act in the manner suited to the setting. 

There were no decorations or flowers. 

It was but a short time until the West doors would be opened and guests would arrive. The Royal Family would enter thru side doors and be shown to their seats. The little Prince would not be with them. He would be brought in once the anointing was to actually be done. The Archbishop would conduct the Service as was set out and he would run its length. This was too important to rush and the comforts of the congregation did not matter.