The future King’s special day took place over 60 years ago and now you can witness the amazing never-before seen footage from the christening.
It’s easy to forget that before cheeky two-year-old Prince George, there was another adorable baby who the world was captivated with, Princess Elizabeth’s first-born son – Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.
The historic video was released by Associated Press and one of the world’s largest newsreel archives British Movietone.
It shows a very tiny four-week-old Prince Charles at his baptism being lovingly cradled by his then 22-year-old mother, Princess Elizabeth.
The fascinating black-and-white video has a powerful British voice-over that talks through the day’s proceedings. The old school accent reminds is evocative of the formalities of that era.
Just like his grandchildren, Charles’ had a private ceremony but they let the cameras in before and after the service.
Prince Charles of Edinburgh was as sweet as button as he slept through all the fanfare and fuss.
Both Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip have that new-parent glow while they proudly smiled for the cameras.
The footage also shows the royal family taking different group photos, including a precious one of Queen Mary holding her newborn great-grandson Prince Charles.
Kensington Palace may have tweeted Princess Charlotte’s birth certificate, but in Charles’ day it was captured on video. A close-up of the document bears his full name Charles Philip Arthur George, and his parents’ signatures.
Unlike Charlotte and George, the now 66-year-old was wearing the original Honiton christening robe, dating back to Queen Victoria’s day. The current generation donned a replica which was created by Queen Elizabeth’s dressmaker.
Just like with this generation of royals, a crowd of well-wishers gathered in celebration of the momentous occasion. No doubt the well-wishers were anxious to get a glimpse of the 50 attendees, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Geoffrey Fisher, and Charles’s relatives, such as his great-grandmother Queen Mary.
Similarly to George and Charlotte’s christening, Prince Charles’ service hosted four generations of royals , including his grandfather, King George VI, who is heard on the voice over as being “well enough” to attend the family occasion, for which there was “natural delight.”
Prince Charles is sound asleep in his mother, Princess Elizabeth’s arms.
Charles chuckles with his new mate, Larry the Lobster.
We’re sure Prince Charles would love to watch the footage, but he is currently preoccupied hanging out with some of Cornwall’s finest crustaceans.
On Wednesday, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall met with costumed marine characters on Fistral Beach in support of eradicating ocean litter.
Alex Milden, 25, was lucky enough to be dressed up as Larry the Lobster and it looks like he made Charles chuckle!
“The Prince commented that I must be very warm inside the suit today,” Alex revealed to the Daily Mail.
“He was very interested and supportive of our work at the Marine Conservation Society and I explained we were wearing the costumes to highlight the problem of marine litter.”
It’s amazing to think that the tiny baby in the footage would grow up to be such passionate royal figurehead!
Watch the incredible footage in the video player above!
