Prince George of Cambridge Christening Pictures, Video: Prince William and Kate Middleton Name Seven Godparents

Oct 23, 2013 12:33 PM EDT

Prince William and Catherine (Kate Middleton) Prince George Christening October 2013
Britain's Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive with their son Prince George for his christening at Chapel Royal in St. James's Palace in London, Oct. 23, 2013. (John Stillwell/ AP Photo)

Prince George of Cambridge was christened with water from the River Jordan Wednesday at a four-generation gathering of the royal family in London. George is third in line for the British throne, he was baptized by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at the Chapel Royal at St. James' Palace. 

Palace officials had said water from the River Jordan -- where Christians believe Jesus Christ was baptized -- would be used for the christening. The river's waters have often been used to make the sign of the cross on the heads of royal infants. 

Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh attended the service along with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, Kate's family--the Middletons, sister Pippa and brother James and Prince George's seven godparents.

More Photos: Prince George's Christening


George was wearing a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter in 1841.  

Pippa Middleton read from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 18, verses 15-17 and Harry read from the Gospel of John, palace officials said.

Kensington Palace announced the seven godparents that are chosen from William and Catherine. They are Oliver Baker, a friend from St. Andrews University; Emilia Jardine-Paterson, who went to the exclusive Marlborough College with Kate; Hugh Grosvenor, who is the son of the Duke of Westminster; Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, a former private secretary to the couple; Julia Samuel, described as a close friend of the late Princess Diana; Zara Tindall (nee Phillips, expecting a child of her own), who is William's cousin, and William van Cutsem, a childhood friend of William. 

The occasion will also be marked with a set of commemorative coins, the Royal Mint has announced. 

There are nine coins in the collection, ranging in value from £5 to £50,000. Four are made of silver - according to the Royal Mint, crossing the baby's palm with silver is "a long-established tradition, conferring good health and prosperity to newborns"; one is platinum; one is copper-nickel; and the remaining three are 24-carat gold, which "marks the royal celebration".