The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared photographs from Archie’s private christening on Saturday at the Queen’s Private Chapel at Windsor Castle and we can’t believe he’s already two months old!
The photographs shared to their official Instagram account, show two images taken by royal photographer Chris Allerton, the same photographer who photographed Meghan and Harry’s wedding in May 2018, as well as the iconic image of the Queen meeting Archie for the first time, just hours after he was introduced to the world two days after his birth.
The first photograph, taken in the Green Drawing Room – the same room many of Harry and Meghan’s official wedding portraits were taken – shows an adorable little Archie sitting on Meghan’s lap wearing the replica Horton lace christening with a proud Prince Harry sitting next to his family with his arm wrapped around Meghan, who looks radiant in a white Dior gown.
Also present in the photograph are the proud grandparents, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, along with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who looked gorgeous in a pink Stella McCartney ensemble, and Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Princess Diana’s sisters.
The second photograph is a beautiful black and white shot of Duchess Meghan, Prince Harry and baby Archie. Archie looks serene in his mother’s arms with his eyes closed, while Prince Harry looks down at him lovingly.
“This morning, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was christened in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle at an intimate service officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby,” begins the post’s caption.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are so happy to share the joy of this day with members of the public who have been incredibly supportive since the birth of their son. They thank you for your kindness in welcoming their first born and celebrating this special moment.
“Their Royal Highnesses feel fortunate to have enjoyed this day with family and the godparents of Archie.”
Adding: “Their son, Archie, was baptised wearing the handmade replica of the royal christening gown which has been worn by royal infants for the last 11 years. The original Royal Christening Robe, made of fine Honiton lace lined with white satin, was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1841 and first worn by her eldest daughter.
“It was subsequently worn for generations of Royal christenings, including The Queen, her children and her grandchildren until 2004, when The Queen commissioned this handmade replica, in order for the fragile historic outfit to be preserved, and for the tradition to continue.”
Speaking about being given the opportunity to capture such a momentous day, Chris said: “I am honoured to take the official photographs at the christening of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, and to once again, be part of such a special and joyous occasion for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
While there had been speculation Archie’s christening would be held in the much larger, St George’s Chapel – the same venue where not only his parents, Harry and Meghan tied the knot a little over a year ago, but also where his father was christened – but a statement released by Buckingham Palace earlier this week confirmed this was not the case.
The statement also informed the public that not only would the occasion be completely private, but that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would not be releasing the names of the people chosen to be Archie’s godparents, which was met with displeasure by some royal commentators and members of the public.
Ahead of their nephew’s christening the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were spotted arriving at Windsor Castle earlier in the day.
According to The Daily Mail Prince William drove himself and Kate discreetly through the back entrance into the castle grounds, meanwhile Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla were thought to have arrived earlier via helicopter.
The Duchess of Sussex’s mother Doria Ragland also reportedly flew in earlier from Los Angeles to attend her grandson’s christening.
One significant absentee for the special occasion however was none other than The Queen, Archie’s great grandmother, who was unable to attend due to an undisclosed prior engagement, however it’s not the first great grandchild’s christening that she’s missed.
Also due to a prior engagement she wasn’t able to attend Prince Louis’ christening which was held around this time last year.
Despite saying they were not going to disclose the names of Archie’s godparents, on Thursday Meghan was spotted at Court 1 at Wimbledon to cheer on her good pal Serena Williams, where she was accompanied by two of her long-time friends from her college days at Northwestern University in the US, Lyndsay Roth and Genevieve Hillis, sparking speculation that they’re up for the role of godparents.
Meghan looked liked she was having a ball as she cheered and laughed courtside, looking her characteristically stylish self in a black cami, white pinstripe blazer, jeans and sunnies and trilby, but there was a subtle piece of jewellery that she chose to wear that really got people talking.
Worn around her neck was a delicate gold necklace with an ‘A’ charm – an adorable tribute to none other than baby Archie.
It’s no surprise that the doting mother would want to keep her son as close to her as possible even when she’s not with him, and this is no doubt a sweet and very fitting way for the stylish mum to do so.
Since Archie’s birth, glimpses of the youngest royal has been few and far between.
After his press call on May 8th, two days after his birth, Duchess Meghan shared an artistic photo of his tiny foot on Instagram to mark Mother’s Day, and for Father’s Day the couple shared a photo of Archie’s face, showing him adorably clinging onto Harry’s thumb, so it’s fair to say we’re delighted to get another glimpse of the gorgeous wee bub.
While Meghan is currently on maternity leave, it was announced in June that the family of three will be heading on a royal tour of southern Africa in the British spring, visiting South Africa, Malawi, Angola and Botswana.
The trip will make Archie officially the youngest royal to go on an international tour at just under six months old!
Born on May 6th, Archie’s christening today marks exactly two months since his birth.
Following an official statement from Buckingham Palace to confirm his birth, Prince Harry fronted the press to announce the exciting news, looking clearly thrilled saying he was “over the moon” at the birth of his first child.
Two days later the Sussexes made their debut as a family-of-three and also announced his adorable name – sans a royal title – Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.