Royal superfans spent last night waiting for the christening of Prince George under a tarpaulin on a side street by St James's Palace as the rain poured down.
About half a dozen people had staked out their spots at dawn today ahead of the christening of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's son.
The first among them was John Loughrey, 58, a chef from Wandsworth, who has slept in the doorway of a wool shop in Piccadilly since Sunday to be assured of a good view for the christening - which will take place n front of close family and friends of Prince George's parents.
The three-month-old infant, who will one day be king, will be baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, in the little known Chapel Royal at St James's Palace this afternoon.
It emerged today that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have named Zara Tindall and six other close friends as the godparents of their son Prince George.
Anne Daley, accompanied by her pet spaniel, Camilla, brought an ornate fully iced blue christening cake all the way from Cardiff, and it was still intact.
The former air stewardess said she was also celebrating her birthday today, declared she was "the same age as Carole Middleton", 56 years old.
She said: "Last night was horrendous but it was well worth it just for a glimpse of Prince George.
"It's fabulous to share the day with him."
Mr Loughrey added: "For me, it's amazing that three future kings will be in the same room during the christening: Charles, William and George."
Terry Hutt, 78, arrived outside the palace yesterday morning and carried a Union Jack rubber duck he hoped to give as a christening gift.
He spent 12 and-a-half days outside St Mary's Hospital in Paddington waiting for the birth.
Mr Hutt, a carpenter, said: "It's only a small toy but I live in hope I can give it to William or Kate for baby George.
"It's a very special occasion, it's like a holiday for me."
