Prince George Christening: Archbishop's Message

The Most Reverend Justin Welby speaks about the moment when he will baptise the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's son Prince George.

-A few months ago, millions of people around the world celebrated the birth of Prince George. These extraordinary reactions were all over the world. New we're celebrating the next huge important moment, which is his christening.And this the Chapel Royal at St James' Palace, where archbishop of the Canterbury will baptize Prince George on Wednesday in front of the Duck and Duchess of Cambridge's closest family and friends.

-I'll mark Prince George with the sign of the cross on his forehead. I'll splash water on the head of Prince George three times, by which we understand that this person belongs to God.

The Chapel Royal has been the setting for historical royal occasions ever since the reign of Henry VIII, such as the marriage of Queen Victoria in 1840. It will be beneath the all hand ceiling, where the future supering governor of the Church of England will be christened George Alexander Louis.

-Being baptized means you join the family of church, almost 2,000 million people around the world. What a family!

But it's a family that is d*ing in size. Barely half of the number of baptisms take place today, compared to a time when Prince Charles was christened at the Buckingham Palace, but it's not an altogether worrying trend argue some.

-My experience as a baptist is that people have the needs to coming forward to have the child christened. They tend to be more sincere. They tend to be a genuine interesting faith. And I always think, be honest with you, child on front of you, n* child is a good thing.

The Reverend Sally Hitchenet has worked with Justin Welby and knows William and Kate will be in very safe hands.

-He's actually quite normal. He's very makes of joke when things are funny. He's not afraid to sort of smile if something goes wrong. I would imagine his welcome will be very warm, very personal.

And no doubt uplifting, at time when parenthood may still seem a little adornting.

-My message to them would be what a treat! What an amazing gift! What wonderful times that you will have!

Paul Harrison, Sky News, St James' Palace.