The Long-Awaited Son is Born!

Following on from the success of BBC Two's 'Britain's Tudor Treasure: A Night at Hampton Court', Lucy Worsley will explore the christening ceremony of Edward VI, the long-awaited first male heir of Henry VIII. Worsley, who is the chief curator of the Historical Royal Palaces will be joined by BBC producer Rachel Jardine who also worked on the TV programme and Canon Denis Mulliner, the chaplain of Her Majesty's Chapel Royal where the christening took place over 450 years ago.The panel will treat guests to vivid tales of the preparations and rituals undertaken for the little prince and performers in costume will re-enact the masque which would have been commissioned for the royal christening. A drinks reception will be held at the palace before guests are led into the magnificent Great Hall to hear more about one of the most significant events in King Henry VIII's reign – a far cheerier do than the annulments and beheadings he was used to handing out.