The Archbishop of Canterbury has baptised Prince George in an intimate private ceremony at St James's Palace this afternoon. During the 45-minute service, conducted by the Most Revd Justin Welby in the Royal Chapel, hymns Breathe on Me, Breath of God and Be Thou My Vision were sung.
During his address Archbishop Welby reminded the parents and the godparents that the service is not centred on "a maker of rules and regulations" but on "Jesus, who calls each of us to take a journey".
He said those who make this journey must look in two directions: "First, they look at the world. "Jesus tells his disciples to let people come to him. To do that they have to be outward looking, in touch with the world, welcoming, generous-spirited, alive with the life of the Christ to whom they will introduce all who come."
He also said that as a Christian, Prince George "is to share the life of Christ which is in him, regardless of whom he meets, their faith or nature or habits, so that others find life". Adding that "sharing may be in words, or generous actions - most likely both -but it will be both very costly and infinitely rewarding".
The Archbishop then said the second direction in which Christians must look is towards Christ: "In both readings, Jesus centres the commands on himself: come to me, abide in me.
"He is the only place to go to for the resources George will need so that he is everything he can be, so that he becomes most fully the person God has created him to be. Without me, says Jesus, you can do nothing."
The Archbishop said the parents and godparents of Prince George have a "simple task" to "make sure he knows who this Jesus is. Speak of him, read stories about him. Introduce him in prayer. Help him to grow and flourish into the person God has created and has called him to be". The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also chose lessons from Luke 18, verses 15-17, read by Pippa Middleton and John 15, verses 1-5, read by Prince Harry.
The Choir of Her Majesty's Chapel Royal sang anthems Blessed Jesu! Here we Stand and The Lord Bless You and Keep You. The third in line to the throne has seven godparents including Prince Williams cousin Zara Tindall. Other senior royals, four members of the Middleton family, the godparents and their spouses were invited. The Dean of The Chapel Royal, Rt Revd Richard Chartres, and the Sub-Dean of the Chapel Royal, Revd Prebendary William Scott were also in attendance.
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has made a rallying call to parents to talk to their ministers about baptism and its meaning as the Kirk joins with the Christian family around the world in welcoming Prince George who was baptised today.
Rt Revd Lorna Hood tells Premier the baptism ceremony is slightly different in Scotland.
Prince George wore a replica of the christening gown made for Queen Victoria's daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841.
The official christening photographs will be taken by portrait photographer Jason Bell and those taken after the ceremony will show the Queen with three future monarchs - the Prince of Wales, William and George.
After the service, the Prince of Wales hosted a tea at Clarence House. Before today's ceremony Archbishop Welby had said he hopes others will be inspired to seek the same ceremony for themselves and their children.
In a short YouTube video message released ahead of the big day he explained the significance of baptism and why it is such an important moment for anyone, whoever they are.