Snap decision: First photo of Archie but details still scant
Modern royals give tradition a twist as family and friends attend ceremony
The first pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s baby son, Archie, were released following his Christening at Windsor Castle yesterday.
Many details about the event, including the names of Archie’s godparents, will not be released.
Godparents of royal babies are traditionally announced beforehand – often on the morning of the christening – but Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The godparents,
in keeping with their wishes, will remain private.”
Archie Harrison MountbattenWindsor was christened in a private chapel by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, in front of just 25 close friends and family of Harry and Meghan.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, were at the event, but the Queen was not able to attend because of a prior engagement.
T h e Du k e a n d Du c h e s s of Cambridge are not thought to have brought Archie’s cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with them. The sisters of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah Mccorquodale, were at the event.
Archie, who was born in May, wore a handmade replica of the royal christening robe created by the Queen’s dressmaker Angela Kelly.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby baptised Archie using water from the River Jordan out of the silver Lily Font in accordance with royal tradition, a spokeswoman said.
Fashion photographer Chris Allerton, who took Harry and Meghan’s wedding photographs, captured the moment.
A spokesman for Harry and
Picture:
Meghan said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to share the happiness of this day, and would like to thank everyone around the world for their ongoing support.
“They feel so fortunate to have enjoyed this special moment with family and Archie’s godparents.”
Well- wishers gathered at Windsor Castle but some expressed disappointment that Archie was christened in a private chapel.
Anne Daley, 63, who travelled to Windsor from Wales, said she was “very hurt”. She added: “I pay a lot of tax for their civil duties.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s home, Frogmore Cottage, was renovated with £2.4m of taxpayers’ money.
Ms Daley added: “That baby is Princess Diana’s grandson. We should be able to see the christening.”