Princess Charlotte's christening eases royal selfie rules

Prince George pleases the crowd, giving them a wave has he leaves his sisters christening with his parents. Photo / AP

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge broke Royal tradition, allowing the public to take souvenir pictures and "selfies" at the christening of Princess Charlotte.

The modern move meant the event was the most public christening of a member of the Royal Family ever.

Princess Charlotte after her christening at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. Photo / AP

Well-wishers are normally banned from taking pictures when the Queen and her family attend services at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The restriction is only lifted on Christmas Day.

But William and Kate, often fiercely protective of their privacy, asked for the rule to be relaxed, authorising people to take pictures of them with Charlotte and her brother Prince George.

Kensington Palace confirmed that the public would be able to use their own cameras in the paddock outside the church, set aside as a viewing area for thousands of spectators from as far abroad as Australia and the US.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "The Duke and Duchess have received good wishes from people across the country and they wanted to open the paddock to those who want to see their family.

"If people want to get pictures for themselves to enjoy then they are welcome to do so."

It was only the second time Britain's newborn princess, who is fourth in line to the throne, has been seen in public since she was born on May 2.

Royal fans gather to watch the royal couple leave the christening of the new daughter, Princess Charlotte. Photo / AP

Prince William, Kate the Duchess of Cambridge and their son Prince George. Photo / AP

Prince William, Kate the Duchess of Cambridge, their son Prince George and daughter Princess Charlotte in a pram leave after Charlotte's christening. Photo / AP

Like her elder brother George, Charlotte was dressed for the occasion in a replica of the intricate lace-and-satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, also named Victoria, in 1841. Until 2008, that original gown had been worn by all royal babies - including the queen - at their christenings.

The 16th-century church, close to William and Kate's country house Anmer Hall, is where the royal family traditionally gathers for Christmas service. It is also where Charlotte's late grandmother, Princess Diana, was christened in 1961.

- Daily Mail, nzherald.co.nz