Blessings on day of Prince George’s baptism

Peter Kerridge, CEO of Premier Christian Radio, delivers a huge Christening card signed by 5,000 listeners to St James's Palace in London

The giant card, conveying the congratulations and best wishes of listeners of Premier Christian Radio, was dropped off by the station’s CEO Peter Kerridge at St James’s Palace.

Mr Kerridge said: “As William and Kate make promises to bring Prince George up in the love of Jesus Christ, we know Christians all over the country would want to send their blessings to the Royal Family on this special occasion.”

Prince George will be christened at the palace this afternoon in a private ceremony for family and friends.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, who will perform the baptism, said it was a “hugely important” day that he hoped would inspire others to seek the same ceremony for themselves and their children.

The Most Rev Justin Welby said the baby Prince would be joining two billion people around the world in the “family of the church”.

In a YouTube address, he said his message to Kate and William was: “What a treat, what an amazing gift, what wonderful times that you will have.

“There’ll be great times and tough times – there always are with children.

“Through christening you’re bringing God into the middle of it all, and I know that when he’s in the middle of it all somehow it’s held in his hands, and that’s extraordinary.”