Advertisement

The Matrimonial Girl’s Baby Is Baptized

Share
From Associated Press

Four-month-old Rocco Ritchie upstaged his mother, Madonna, on the eve of her wedding, as the pop diva and her husband-to-be brought their baby to church for his baptism Thursday evening.

The 300 or so locals outside the church were easily outnumbered by the media regiment.

Looking demure in a long, double-breasted cream-colored coat, Madonna, 42, smiled and waved to the cheering fans as she arrived at Dornoch Cathedral with her fiance, Guy Ritchie, 32, and their son.

But the crowd gave an even bigger cheer for Sting, who came to the church earlier along with Gwyneth Paltrow, rumored to be the bridesmaid, and Stella McCartney, who is presumed to be the designer of Madonna’s wedding dress. She is the daughter of musician Paul McCartney.

Advertisement

Today’s wedding is expected to be strictly private and safely inside Skibo Castle, developed a century ago as steel baron Andrew Carnegie’s palatial vacation hideaway overlooking Dornoch Firth.

Madonna’s private security men shepherded invited guests into the church for the baptism.

When they emerged half an hour later, the couple paused briefly on the steps as Ritchie held their baby, who was swathed in blankets.

The Rev. Susan Brown, the Church of Scotland minister who agreed to marry the couple, also conducted the baptismal service.

Seeking better views outside the cathedral, a dozen kids had clambered up trees, which swayed beneath their weight.

“I was hanging on to a fence on my tiptoes for two hours. My feet are killing me, but it’s worth it,” said 47-year-old Margaret Wilson. “Rocco was just a small wee bundle, and Madonna, such a lovely wee lady.”

“My mission since I was small has been to see Madonna,” said a delighted Elizabeth Gwinne. “Now I’m off to celebrate with an extra large portion of fish and chips--with extra salt and vinegar!”

Advertisement
Advertisement