Beverly hosts a right royal party

Beverly Long hosted a high tea to celebrate the christening of Prince George. Photo / Sophie Ryan

While guests sipped tea, the finest china was kept behind glass at Beverly Long's high tea celebration for Prince George's christening.

Mrs Long served friends and guests from Mountain View Retirement Home in Maungatapere home-made lamingtons, scones and club sandwiches to commemorate the important date.

The third in line to the throne was christened in the Chapel Royal of St James's Palace overnight (3pm October 23, UK time), in a 45-minute ceremony. Mrs Long welcomed guests to her Onerahi home with "God Save the Queen" and a brief explanation of her vast collection, of royal family memorabilia, tallying around 2500 pieces. She began collecting at 11, she said, and every piece had been photographed and catalogued.

She was thrilled with her few pieces of Prince George memorabilia and was looking forward to buying more after the formal family portraits were taken following the christening.

"I've got a teddy bear, one plate and a beaker, so I've stared the George collection, but after the formal photos they will bring out a whole range of things," she said. "He is the fourth generation, that's really special."

Mrs Long said it was very rare to have three heirs to the throne.

It was the sixth high tea Mrs Long has hosted for significant royal occasions.