Princess Charlotte's christening details revealed

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge depart the Lindo Wing with newborn Charlotte, in May. Photo / Getty Images

The Queen has invited the Middletons for tea at Sandringham following Princess Charlotte's christening on Sunday.

She will host a "low-key" reception at her private residence in Norfolk for family and friends after an "informal" service at the local parish church on her Norfolk estate, the Mail understands.

Guests include the Duchess of Cambridge's parents Carole and Michael and siblings Pippa and James - as well as Charlotte's godparents and their partners.

Only a handful of royals, including Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, will be present among the two dozen or so guests, with doting uncle Prince Harry missing out as he is currently on a conservation mission in Africa.

Also present will be Prince William and Kate's nanny, Maria Borrallo, who will accompany the royal party as they walk from the Queen's home to St Mary Magdalene Church. Prince George, who turns two later this month, is expected to make the quarter-mile journey largely on foot.

Unusually for a royal christening, members of the public have been invited to watched the royal party make the trip from the paddock outside the church - although the actual christening will remain a private affair. Other expected guests include the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, and Sandringham Rector The Reverend Canon Jonathan Rivers - both of whom are officiating at the ceremony.

After the royal high tea, William and Kate and their closest family and friends will retire to their nearby mansion, Anmer Hall.

Prince George with his little sister Princess Charlotte. Photo / Kensington Royal

Kensington Palace revealed yesterday that long-standing royal photographer Mario Testino, who took William and Kate's engagement portrait, will take the official christening photographs.

Mr Testino was also a favourite of William's late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, and was responsible for some of her most celebrated shoots. He replaces Jason Bell, who was a surprise choice for Prince George's christening portraits.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "The Duke and Duchess are delighted that Mario Testino will help capture this important moment for their family and look forward to sharing the photographs with the public."

The photographer said he was "overwhelmed" at the commission. "I am honoured to be chosen to document this occasion and to carry on the documentation of the family that is the soul of this country, a country that has given me so much," he said.

- Daily Mail