Godparents a surprise at Princess Charlotte's christening

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge depart the Lindo Wing with newborn Charlotte, in May. Photo / Getty Images

Holy water from the River Jordan, a gown based on a design from 1841, a commemorative coin and a crowd of thousands ... the royal christening tomorrow will have all the pomp expected - just don't mention the godparents.

The identity of the godparents has remained a closely guarded secret - but it emerged yesterday that Prince Harry will miss out on the duties when Princess Charlotte is christened.

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The 30-year-old prince had been one of the favourites, having missed out on fulfilling the godparent role for his nephew Prince George. But he embarked on a three-month trip to Africa at the end of June knowing he would not be needed for the ceremony.

As Princess Charlotte's uncle, he will be so close to her that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, are understood not to feel the need to honour him with the role.

The identity of the godparents will be revealed when Charlotte is christened at 3.30am Monday New Zealand time at the church of St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham, with fewer than 30 guests.

Several thousand members of the public are expected to take up the Duke and Duchess's invitation to share in the day by standing in a paddock outside the churchyard.

They will have the opportunity to see the Duke, Duchess, Prince George and Princess Charlotte together in public for the first time.

The young princess will wear the same christening gown her brother wore when he was baptised in October 2013 - a replica of the gown that Queen Victoria's eldest daughter wore for her christening in 1841.

She will be baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, using water from the River Jordan, where it's believed Jesus was baptised by St John.

The church is where Diana, Princess of Wales, was christened in 1961.

Prince William wanted Charlotte's christening to be as close as possible to his mother's birthday - Diana would have been 54 this Thursday.

The Royal Mint has unveiled a £5 commemorative coin featuring two harp-playing cherubs surrounded by swags of lilies.

The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and the Middleton family will be among the guests.