It’s been almost two months since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their son, Archie Harrison, into the world, which means the child’s christening isn’t too far off.
But for royal admirers hoping to see an adorable family photo or two, they shouldn’t hold their breath. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning a private baptism for their little one, the Palace confirmed on Wednesday. While the service is always private, fans sometimes get to see the royal family members arrive for the big event—just as they did for the christenings of Prince William and Kate Middleton‘s children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
“It is not that different as all royal christenings are private,” royal expert Marlene Koenig tells E! News. “It really should not matter to the public, although the tabloid press will wander into the conversation and criticize the couple for their decision to have the christening at the private chapel in Windsor Castle.”
This privacy news shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to Harry and Meghan’s fans. After all, the couple kept the details about the child’s birth plans private. In addition, fans have rarely seen the royals’ bundle of joy since his birth.
Royal admirers will also recall Meghan was baptized in a private ceremony just before she tied the knot with Harry. What’s more, the two have been known to go against royal protocol.
Still, fans are curious about the big day. For a breakdown of what we know so far, read on below:
theroyalfamily via Instagram
When is the christening? Saturday, July 6.
Where is the christening? Archie will be christened in a small private ceremony by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. According to Koenig, the couple likely had to ask to hold the baptism there as the chapel was “largely destroyed by the 1992 fire” and later rebuilt.
Why will it be private? Even though Archie’s parents live in the public eye, sources tell The Sunday Times the duke and duchess consider him a “private citizen” and feel strongly about “shielding” him.
Is this the first time a royal baptism has been private? Nope! Koenig tells E! News that both Prince Andrew and Prince Edward‘s baptism were private.
In fact, Koenig says it was “largely unusual” for William and Kate to allow the press to be there for the family’s arrival and departure.
Who are the godparents? The Palace has shared that the godparents “will remain private” to respect their wishes. There was some initial speculation that George Clooney or Amal Clooney would make the list. After all, the couple attended Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding, and the barrister hosted a baby shower for the duchess. However, the actor has since shot down these rumors.
What will Archie wear on the big day? Koenig tells E! News Archie will wear the same christening gown his cousins have worn. The gown is a replica of the original, which was made in 1841 for the christening of Queen Victoria‘s eldest daughter, Victoria, Princess Royal, and was worn by several members of the royal family, including Harry, William, Charles and Her Majesty. After years of wear, The Queen retired the garment and commissioned Angela Kelly to make a handmade replica. James, Viscount Severn was the first to wear the new garment at a christening held in a private chapel at Windsor Castle.
Will there be any cute photos? The Duke and Duchess of Sussex “look forward to sharing some images” taken on the day by photographer Chris Allerton, the Palace confirmed.
This article was originally published on Mon., Jul. 1, 2019 10:32 a.m.
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