The role of godparent is one of the greatest honours a friend can bestow — particularly when the child in question is third in line to the British throne.
Last week, it was announced the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s son, Prince George, will be christened on October 23 in the Chapel Royal at St James’ Palace. It is believed there will be six godparents. Princes William and Harry had six each, while Prince Charles had eight — including his grandfather George VI and great-grandmother, Queen Mary.
William and Kate are likely to choose younger role models, but should also observe Royal tradition. Historian and biographer, Robert Lacey, explains: “Previously, godparents were chosen for dynastic reasons but now there is a greater need for people who can advise Prince George throughout his life.”
Ingrid Seward, author of A Century Of Royal Children, admits: “It’s difficult at the best of times but in this instance it’s a minefield.”
The decision will be taken by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, a couple who are not afraid to break with convention. Here are the most likely candidates...
The maid of honour: Pippa Middleton, 30
Why: It will be a break with Royal tradition if Pippa becomes a godmother but her ‘Royal Hotness’ is not only the sister of the mother-to-be, she is her best friend.
Why not: Are we ready for the inevitable book spin-off, Pippa’s Guide To Godparenting?
Kate’s other best friend: Hannah Carter, 31
Why: Sporty school friend of Kate’s. William and Kate were guests of honour at her wedding to Robert Carter in Suffolk last year.
Why not: She once sold a story to the press.
The traditional court: The best man Prince Harry, 29
If William follows his father’s lead, he will pick his ‘best man’ as a godfather to the Royal baby. Prince Charles chose The Duke of York as Harry’s godfather.
Why not: ‘Funcle Harry,’ might inject a little too much mischief into his nephew’s life.
The royal mentor: Peter Phillips, 35
Why: As the Queen’s eldest grandchild, and Prince Charles’ godson, Peter Phillips has always acted as a mentor to his younger cousins — particularly in the days after Diana’s death. He and William are very close.
Why not: The couple allowed Hello! magazine to cover his 2008 wedding to Autumn Kelly.
The aunt: The Countess of Wessex, 48
Why: The Countess of Wessex was a great support to Kate in the run-up to the wedding, giving her advice on Royal protocol. It would also please the Queen who adores Sophie.
Why not: In 2001, Prince Edward’s television company, Ardent Productions, was caught spying on William at St Andrews University.
The furniture designer: Viscount Linley, 51
Why: As the eldest son of Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon, he and wife Serena would act as a link to the previous generation.
Why not: His controversial friendship with oligarch Sergei Pugachev, a member of Vladimir Putin’s inner circle.
The Spencer cousin: Lady Emily McCorquodale, 30
Why: The daughter of Princess Diana’s elder sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is close to William — and would acknowledge Diana’s side of the family.
Why not: The Royals are not keen on Lady Emily’s uncle, Earl Spencer.
The bicycling monarchy: Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, 40
Why: He is a member of what is known as ‘the bicycling monarchies’ — modern European royals — and is married to a commoner, Mette-Marit.
Why not: Earlier this year, he made a visit to an American cluster bomb manufacturer.
The second cousin: James Ogilvy, 49
Why: His father, Sir Angus Ogilvy, was the Queen’s favourite cousin while his mother, Princess Alexandra is Prince William’s godmother.
Why not: He is already godfather to Princess Eugenie.
The baby’s uncle: James Middleton, 26
Why: When Kate’s dyslexic brother gave a reading at the Royal Wedding, he soared in the public estimation.
Why not: The Royal Family won’t want his girlfriend, TV presenter, Donna Air, at the christening.
The Greek royals: The Crown Prince of Greece and Denmark, 46
Why: Prince Philip is the grandson of George I of Greece.
Why not: He won’t be hands-on as he lives in New York with his wife Marie Chantal.
The film assistant: Lady Rose Gilman, 33
Why: The youngest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, William’s second cousin once removed, has kept a low profile and is admirably discreet, working as an art assistant in the film industry as Rose Windsor.
Why not: No reason — she’s almost perfect.
The wild card: Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor, 34 and 33
Why: The son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent lives in Los Angeles with his wife Sophie, an actress who starred in Peep Show. She is the half-sister of TV host Claudia Winkelman.
Why not: The Royal playboy has admitted to dabbling in cocaine.
The sports heroes: Mark Tomlinson, 31, Laura Tomlinson, 28
Why: As a keen polo player, he became friends with the Prince as a teenager and was also in Kate’s year at Marlborough. Laura is the daughter of Olympic dressage gold medallist Wilfried Bechtolsheimer.
Why not: The husband and wife team have matching odds but it’s unlikely they will both be chosen.
The prep school friend: Thomas Van Straubenzee, 31, and Lady Van Straubenzee, 26
Why: Thomas, known as Van, went to Ludgrove prep school with William and is one of his oldest friends.
Why not: His wife, Melissa Percy, is a better shot than Prince William on the grouse moors.
Kate’s best friend: Catriona Foyle, 32
Why: Kate turned to Trini, a friend from Marlborough, after her break-up with William.
Why not: Princess Diana was not allowed her friends as godparents to Prince William — only to Prince Harry.
The dark horse: James Meade, 31
Why: The old Etonian who recently married Lady Laura, daughter of the 8th Earl of Romney, delivered the unofficial joint best man’s speech at the Royal Wedding.
Why not: The risque contents of that speech.
William’s artistic stepsister: Laura Lopes, 35
Why: As the daughter of the Duchess of Cornwall, Laura has known William for most of her life and has become friendly with his wife.
Why not: Her husband Harry was once a Calvin Klein model.
The Wild card: Guy Pelly, 31
Why: Guy is one of William’s oldest friends and organised his stag do. He was also a regular at the notorious ‘Club H’ at Highgrove where Harry held parties.
Why not: He has publicly stated he will not be a godfather.
The old family friend: Hugh van Cutsem, 39
Why: Hugh’s father was one of Prince Charles’ closest friends. Grace, five, his daughter with wife, Rose, was the cutely grumpy Royal bridesmaid — covering her ears on the balcony.
Why not: Grace might steal show at christening.
