The christening service was traditionally the first time a royal child was shown to the public.
Image: © ANP
The christening of Princess Catharina-Amalia, 12 June 2004.
Nowadays, a parent presents the new member of the Royal House to the media in the hospital as soon as possible after their birth.
The christening of an heir apparent usually takes place during a church service. A special christening robe was designed for Princess Wilhelmina, which was later also worn by Princess Juliana, Princess Beatrix, Princess Christina, Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Catharina-Amalia.
For other members of the Royal House, christenings have become more of a private occasion in the present century. They are often conducted in private and on a moderate scale. Many services of this kind have taken place in the chapel at Het Loo Palace. The sacrament of baptism is often administered by the same minister who officiated at the parents’ wedding.