A paddock in the English countryside — more used to stampeding cows than people — opened its gates Sunday to royal well-wishers hoping to catch a glimpse of the country’s newest princess.
Charlotte, fourth in line to the UK throne, was christened in the church at St. Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, Norfolk.
It was a private service for close family and friends.
“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,” Kensington Palace said.
The local police force, the Norfolk Constabulary, was prepared for the large crowds. History shows that thousands of people turn out for key royal moments, especially those involving the younger royals. For this event, there was an open invitation and lots of notice, so people were expected to come from much farther afield than the local villages.
This is all in stark contrast to Prince George’s christening at a chapel in central London, where there was no public access. Their father, Prince William, is constantly trying to balance his family’s privacy and the public interest. William grew up hounded by the media and is very sensitive to that but also understands his future royal subjects want regular updates on him and his family.