Sir Rod Stewart’s son Liam has marked a joyful family milestone just weeks after a devastating loss – as he and wife Nicole christened their baby daughter, Elsie Skylar.

The poignant ceremony took place at St. Anthony Croatian Catholic Church in California, where the couple had also christened their eldest child, Louie, in 2023.

Dressed casually in cream trousers and black T-shirt, Nicole, 30, was seen cradling two-month-old Elsie – who was dressed in a flowing white christening gown – while Liam, also 30, proudly held little Louie, now a lively toddler, in his arms.

Sharing the occasion on Instagram, Nicole posted a series of heartwarming pH๏τos from inside the church, captioning them simply: ‘God Bless you, Elsie Skylar.’

The family was plunged into grief last month when Nicole’s beloved sister, Christina Artukovich, died suddenly at the age of 38. Her cause of death is unknown.

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Sir Rod Stewart’s son Liam has marked a joyful family milestone just weeks after a devastating loss – as he and wife Nicole christened their baby daughter, Elsie Skylar

It is not known whether doting grandfather Rod, 80, or Penny were able to attend the christening this week – but he has spent plenty of time bonding with Elsie in recent months

Liam, a former ice hockey player whose mother is Rod’s ex-wife, New Zealand supermodel Rachel Hunter, wrote online: ‘You were one of my best friends, if not my best friend besides my wife. I love you and I miss you being around a hell of a lot already.’

Rod’s wife, former model Penny Lancaster, said the news was ‘heartbreaking.’

It is not known whether doting grandfather Rod, 80, or Penny were able to attend the christening this week. 

The rocker is currently on a two-week break from his Las Vegas residency – but he has spent plenty of time bonding with Elsie in recent months, with Penny sharing pH๏τos of them on social media.

Elsie’s name is a sweet tribute to two women who have shaped the family’s story, both in life and in loss. 

She was named after Rod’s beloved mother, Elsie, who pᴀssed away in 1996 and played a pivotal role in his upbringing. Her middle name, Skylar, honours Nicole’s niece, who tragically died in June last year.

Nicole’s close-knit family were by her side during the ceremony. Her mother, Tina, brother Anthony, and Anthony’s wife Lucy all gathered at the church to witness baby Elsie’s blessing, creating a circle of love and support around the young family.

In March Rod looked elated as he posed for a picture with his wife Penny and the Stewart family’s newest member – baby Elsie. 

Elsie was named after Rod’s beloved mother, Elsie, who pᴀssed away in 1996. Her middle name, Skylar, honours Nicole’s niece, who tragically died in June last year 

Rod has three other grandchildren and boasts a very large family as he has eight children, with five different women. He is pictured with seven of his eight children and three grandchildren

Taking to Instagram to share the sweet picture, Penny wrote: ‘So proud to meet little Elsie, what an angel. 

‘Nicole, Liam and Louie have their baby girl joining them in their new home and how harmonious their are @itsnicolestewart @discostew94 @sirrodstewart.’

Rod quickly reshared the picture and penned: ‘Another Stewart joins the clan’.

Liam and Nicole welcomed their first child, son Louie, in May 2023 and confirmed the news on Instagram at the time. 

Rod has eight children, with five different women.

He has sons Alastair and Aidan with third wife Penny, and Liam, 28, and Renee, 30, with his second wife, model Rachel Hunter, 53.

Kimberly, 43, and Sean, 42, are from his first marriage to actress Alana Stewart, 77, while daughter Ruby, 35, is from a former relationship with model Kelly Emberg, 63.

Rod’s firstborn child is Sarah Streeter, 59, who was raised by her adoptive parents Gerald and Evelyn Thubron.