INSIDE THE ROYAL CHRISTENING SHOWDOWN
THE MOMENT THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE BROKE DOWN
They’ve vowed to give their son a normal and private upbringing. However, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s controversial decision to break away from royal tradition once again by making Archie’s christening a private affair has caused more tension behind palace walls than ever before.
According to royal insiders, Kate in particular, who has been very busy carrying out her royal duties of late, was less than impressed when learning of the details surrounding her nephew’s christening at a private chapel inside Windsor Castle.
It is understood that Harry and Meghan’s latest move to completely exclude the public from the day further angered the Duchess of Cambridge, who believes the couple are disrespecting the monarchy as they continue to “play by their own rules”.
Sources reveal that it all came to a head during a rehearsal for the christening, when Meghan apparently confronted Kate.
“Tensions have been brewing between Kate and Meghan for a while, so no-one was surprised that it all boiled over at the christening rehearsal,” says a source. “Meghan basically went after Kate while there was a break in the rehearsal – it was very heated and the whole palace is talking about it.
“It started when Meghan
asked Kate not to do anything to steal her thunder at the christening. Kate was pretty taken aback and said she would never do that, which only set Meghan off more.”
The insider said Meghan was also upset that Kate went to see her friend Serena at Wimbledon.
“Just a lot of silly and unreasonable things, but Meghan clearly had a lot of things that she wanted to get off her chest,” the source added.
“Kate was very upset after and was visibly shaken. She knows Meghan is emotional at the moment and was taking everything out on her at the rehearsal, but it didn’t make it any easier to take.
“She tried to keep it in but ended up leaving the rehearsal in tears and Wills had to comfort her. It was awful.”
As well as not revealing details about the event, an official palace announcement stated that the godparents would remain private too.
While newspapers are putting odds on close friends of the couple filling the roles, Phil Dampier, author of Royally Suited: Harry and Meghan in Their Own Words, tells New Idea: “The Queen is not attending but this isn’t a snub – she has engagements in Scotland and has had a busy summer.
“I’m sure William and Kate will be there and maybe one of them will be a godparent.
“That would be the best way
to put all the rumours about a rift between the Fab Four to bed.
“But if the Sussexes just choose friends that will only fuel the stories!”
In fact, some royal experts fear this could be the final straw for Kate and William.
“Harry and Meghan are obviously determined to do things their way,” Phil added.
“It’s unfortunate to say the least that they want to keep Archie’s christening private just a week after it was revealed taxpayers have spent a fortune on their new home.
“While the christenings of William and Kate’s children were not exactly public events, a camera was allowed to film the arrivals of the royals and godparents on the day.
“I get the impression that Harry goes along with what Meghan wants.”
However, Phil warns that should Harry and Meghan continue to shut the public out, the consequences could be dire.
Just weeks ago, reports emerged revealing the staggering amount the new parents spent on renovating Frogmore Cottage ahead of Archie’s birth.
According to figures published from the Royal Family’s Sovereign Grant financial report, approximately $4 million in taxpayers’ money was used to refurbish Harry and Meghan’s home, which included a new staircase, fireplace and floating floor.
As a result, questions have been raised and campaigners have called for a parliamentary inquiry to be launched.
“There are 5000 to 6000 people sleeping rough on the street and we are devoting all this money to a very privileged family. It’s a sick joke,” Daily Mirror’s associate editor Kevin Mcguire told the BBC.
“Even if the royals are a tourist draw, how do you justify 2.4 million (GBP) and counting on a cottage for a couple?”
The public are said to be furious, with one royal commentator claiming that Meghan and Harry can’t demand privacy for their son while asking the public to fund their family’s lifestyle.
Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Celia Walden said: “The decision was variously blasted a ‘public snub’ and a ‘slap in the face’, with some raging ‘you can’t have your cake and eat it’.”
But just like Archie’s birth, it seems Harry and Meghan want to control everything and will only publicly share images – taken by photographer Chris Allerton – from the christening once they are ready.
“I think Meghan is undoubtedly an influence and
I do worry that she is acting like a Hollywood actress, protected by agents and publicists,” Phil added.
“But this won’t work with the royal family, who need to be accessible to the public on who they depend for survival.”
Phil says it’s William and Kate who are proving to be more likeable with their more natural and endearing approach towards the public.
“You saw that when William wandered out to say hello to fans of his mother Diana on what would have been her 58th birthday,” he explains.
“William is seeming friendly and approachable while Harry is looking more distant and remote, which is an odd change from the past.
“It will be fascinating to see which royal tour will attract the most interest later this year – Harry and Meghan in Africa or William and Kate in Pakistan. Then we will see where the rivalry takes us.”