Royal christening

THE baby son of the Earl and Countess of Wessex was christened at a private ceremony yesterday.

The Queen's four-month-old grandchild was christened James Alexander Philip Theo at a private chapel in Windsor.

Close family members of his parents, Edward and Sophie, attended the event, including the monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh. The christening was conducted by the Rt Rev David Conner, the Dean of Windsor.

Edward and Sophie's second child was born by Caesarean section at Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey, on December 17. He weighed 6lb 2oz.

The delivery was without complications – a huge relief for the parents, whose four-year-old daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, was born prematurely in 2003 when the countess herself fell dangerously ill.

James, the first male grandchild for the Queen and Philip since the birth of Prince Harry 23 years ago, is eighth in line to the throne.