Britain's Princess Charlotte christened in intimate ceremony

London

Britain's Princess Charlotte was christened in an intimate ceremony today, in the royal baby's second public appearance since her birth nine weeks ago to proud parents Prince William and Kate.

Just 21 guests attended the low-key baptism held inside the 16th century Church of St Mary Magdalene on the country estate of the baby's great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, as crowds waited outside.

Charlotte arrived for the ceremony in a vintage pram used by Queen Elizabeth for her own children in the past, pushed by her mother Kate, who wore an elegant cream outfit and hat. 

"When I found out the christening was happening while we were here I knew I just had to be there," said Laurie Spencer, 52, from Florida, who gave up a ticket to the British Grand Prix to join the crowds.

Prime Minister David Cameron joined in the festivities, writing "My best wishes to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Princess Charlotte's Christening today" on his Twitter page.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual head of the world's Anglicans, performed the baptism, using the ornate silver gilt Lily Font that is part of the crown jewels and pouring holy water from the River Jordan on the baby's head.