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Prince George christening: story behind the bishop's 'medallion'

A large plate worn at Prince George's christening by Dr Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London, was a giant clasp holding his robe together

A large plate worn at Prince George's christening by the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London, was a giant clasp holding his robe together
The Bishop of London talks with the Prince of Wales following the christening of Prince George Credit: Photo: JOHN STILLWELL/PA

Of all the fashion statements made at Prince George’s christening, the Bishop of London’s was perhaps the most striking.

Dr Richard Chartres wore a circular plate, nine inches in diameter, across his chest.

The plate – called a morse – displayed the Christ Pantokrator depiction of Jesus holding a closed book representing the Gospels.

It is based on an 11th century mosaic found in a church in Dafni, Greece.

Jesus’s head and clothes are embroidered in coloured silks, while the background is lamé, which consists of man-made fabric interwoven with metallic threads.

Jacquie Binns, who was specially commissioned to make the morse for Dr Chartres in 2003, said: “It is an icon that he has always been close to, I think.”

The size and design of the plate made it “very rare”, she added.

Morses are usually square and measure around 18 square inches - significantly smaller than the clasp worn by the Bishop, which he wears at selected celebratory occasions.

Ms Binns, 50, who has been making clerical garments and accessories since 1986, said she “always loved” seeing her work displayed.

It was particularly “wonderful” to see the morse take such a prominent position at the christening.

It held together the bishop’s robe, or cope - also made by Ms Binns.

The red and cream-coloured hooded cope is made of a wool fabric.

Red, gold-edged flames on the back of the robe signify the Holy Spirit.