A history of royal baptisms as Princess Charlotte's christening portrait is released

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Official pictures of Princess Charlotte's christening were released today
They follow in a long line of royal family christening portraits
FEMAIL looks back at the pictures that were released over the last century

Published: 16:05 EST, 9 July 2015 | Updated: 17:49 EST, 9 July 2015

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As Kensington Palace released the official pictures of the christening of Princess Charlotte this afternoon, there was a flurry of excitement on social media.

Within an hour of the photos being published on Instagram, they had garnered hundreds of thousands of likes and comments.

Royal fans pored over every minute detail, including the fashions, expressions and standing arrangement in the portraits.

Scroll down for video

The Queen, as Princess Elizabeth, was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on 29 May 1926 in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace by the Archbishop of York, Cosmo Gordon Lang

This is, of course, nothing new. Official christening portraits have been released by the royal family for years.

Chronologically, the provide an interesting history of how the royal family has changed over the years.

From the fashions of both the men and women, to the demeanor of the adults, they show how the royals have become more accessible over time.

The stern pictures depicting the Queen's christening back in 1926 when she was simply Princess Elizabeth are in stark contrast to the portrait of Kate and William from last weekend.

Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) holding her daughter Princess Anne with the Duke of Edinburgh at her side.

On October 21 1950, Princess Elizabeth, who later became Queen Elizabeth II had her daughter Princess Anne christened by the Archbishop of York, Cyril Forster Garbett..

She posed for an official portrait at Buckingham Palace in the Music Room with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh.

Elizabeth was elegant in a floral dress and a fifties-style hat, while Philip wore a white rose on his suit.

The christening of Princess Anne and her husband Captain Phillips's son Peter Phillips

In 1977, Princess Anne and her husband Captain Phillips had their eldest child Peter Phillips christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Robert Runcie.

The family once again posed for the official photo in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace.

Sitting beside Anne is Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone. On the back row from the left is Captain Phillip's parents, the Queen, Captain Phillips, the Queen Mother And Prince Philip.

The christening of Princess Anne and her husband Captain Phillips's daughter Zara Phillips

For the christening of Zara Phillips, the family gathered at the Private Chapel in Windsor Castle on 27 July 1981.

Zara was christened Zara Anne Elizabeth , by the Dean of Windsor, the Rt Rev. Michael Mann.

The official portrait was smaller than that of her brother and featured; the Queen, Princess Anne holding Miss Zara Phillips, Mrs Peter Phillips, Mr Peter Phillips, Captain Mark Phillips and The Duke of Edinburgh.

The christening of Princess Diana and Prince Charles's son Prince William

Charles and Diana present newborn Prince William in 1982

Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Robert Runcie in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace.

He was baptised two months after his birth on 4 August, 1982, which was also the Queen Mother's birthday.

The christening of Princess Diana and Prince Charles's son Prince Harry

Prince Harry was was baptised on 21 December at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie.

Prince William played the clown while the photographer was taking the official portrait, which made for a very informal and warm photo.

The christening of the Duchess Of York (Sarah Ferguson) and Prince Andrew's daughter Princess Beatrice

The Duchess Of York (Sarah Ferguson) and Prince Andrew chose to have their first daughter baptised at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace on 20 December 1988.

She was christened Beatrice Elizabeth Mary after Queen Victoria's youngest daughter Princess Beatrice.

The christening of the Duchess Of York (Sarah Ferguson) and Prince Andrew's daughter Princess Eugenie

When the Duchess Of York (Sarah Ferguson) And Prince Andrew had their daughter Prciness Eugenie baptised, they chose the church of St. Mary Magdalene.

She was christened Eugenie Victoria Helena at the church of St. Mary Magdalene on December 23 1990 by the Bishop of Norwich.

Eugenie was the first royal baby to have a public christening.