PHOTOS: Britain's Princess Charlotte christened on royal estate

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Thursday, July 9, 2015
Prince William and his wife, Kate, pose for a photo with their children after the christening of Princess Charlotte at the Sandringham Estate on July 5, 2015.
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PHOTOS: Britain's Princess Charlotte christened on royal estatePrince William and his wife, Kate, pose for a photo with their children after the christening of Princess Charlotte at the Sandringham Estate on July 5, 2015.
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LONDON -- Prince William and his wife Kate have marked a milestone for their newborn baby Princess Charlotte -- a christening ceremony on Queen Elizabeth's country estate.

Hundreds of fans gathered outside St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, near England's eastern coast, cheering as William and Kate arrived with toddler Prince George and 9-week-old Charlotte, who was in a vintage pram.

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.

In a tribute to his mother, Prince William had his daughter christened at the same church where Princess Diana was also christened.

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.

Following royal tradition, holy water from the River Jordan, where it is said Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, was used for the baptism.

On July 9, the royal family released four official images to mark the christening. Among the photos are family portraits of the immediate family, including Charlotte's older brother Prince George. Also included is a single photo of the extended family with Kate's parents and siblings, William's father Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Queen Elizabeth II taken in the drawing room of the Queen's Norfolk residence.

The photos were taken by celebrity photographer Mario Testino, who famously photographed the late Princess Diana.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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