Britain's Princess Charlotte to be christened in July

(AFP) Prince William's baby daughter Charlotte will be christened on July 5 in the same rural English church where his late mother Diana was baptised, the palace announced Friday.

Princess Charlotte of Cambridge will be christened at St Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham, near her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II's country estate in Norfolk, eastern England.

William and his wife Kate live in a mansion on the estate that was given to them by the queen, and have been staying there since Charlotte's birth at St Mary's Hospital in London on May 2.

The area has strong ties to the prince's mother, who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997. Diana was born in Sandringham and christened at Mary Magdalene Church in 1961.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased to announce the christening of Princess Charlotte will take place on Sunday 5th July," read a statement from Kensington Palace, the couple's London residence.

In tribute to his grandmother and mother, William and Kate gave Charlotte the middle names Elizabeth and Diana.

The princess is fourth in line to the throne after her brother Prince George, who was born on July 22, 2013. He was baptised in St James's Palace in London.

Charlotte will be christened as a member of the Church of England by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, spiritual leader of the Anglican Church.

It is traditional for British royals to be christened with water from the River Jordan, where Christians believe that Jesus Christ was baptised.

Charlotte is expected to be dressed in a replica of the intricate lace and satin gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, also Victoria, in 1841.

The original robe, which has a long skirt and elaborate collars and bow, was last used in 2004. To preserve it, a replica was commissioned.