Palace announces Prince George's christening date

Prince George will be privately christened on Oct. 23, when he's just over 3 months old, Kensington Palace has announced.

The venue, the Chapel Royal at St. James' Palace, holds poignant significance: It's where Princess Diana's coffin lay before her Westminster Abbey funeral, to allow the family a private sanctuary to pay their respects.

Indeed, the BBC reports that the Henry VIII-built chapel is a small space, which means the baptism will likely only be for close family and friends. George's dad, Prince William, was christened at Buckingham Palace in 1982.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revered Justin Welby, will perform the service next month. "I am delighted to be invited to conduct the baptism of His Royal Highness Prince George. It is a great privilege and honor and will without doubt be an occasion of immense joy and celebration. I am looking forward to welcoming him into the family of the church," he said.

Born July 22, the baby will wear a copy of the lace and satin gown worn in 1841 by Queen Victoria's oldest daughter, Victoria.

The last royal to be christened in the Chapel Royal was William's cousin Princess Beatrice, in December 1988.