Royal baby Archie to be christened on Saturday – but event will be private

By Rhiannon Mills, royal correspondent

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son Archie will be christened on Saturday.

The christening will take place at Windsor Castle, where the couple got married and close to their new home, Frogmore Cottage, on the Windsor estate. The Archbishop of Canterbury will perform the ceremony.

The palace said in a statement: “Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor will be christened in a small private ceremony by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle ‪on Saturday 6 July.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex look forward to sharing some images taken on the day by photographer Chris Allerton.

“The godparents, in keeping with their wishes, will remain private.”

Their decision to keep the event entirely private with no access for any television cameras or news photographers, even as they arrive at the chapel, has led to debate about what should constitute a completely private event when you are a member of the monarchy.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge allowed one television camera and one photographer to take pictures as the family and godparents arrived for the christenings of Prince George and Prince Louis at St James’s Palace.

There has been speculation about who may be chosen as Archie’s godparents, after the star-studded guest list for Harry and Meghan’s wedding.

Two favourites to take on the important roles are Meghan’s close friend Jessica Mulroney, and Harry’s close friend Charlie Van Straubenzee. George and Amal Clooney and tennis star Serena Williams also feature on the bookies’ list.

Archie, who was born on 6 May, is seventh in line to the throne. Before he was born, Prince Harry and Meghan made it clear that they wanted to protect the privacy of their new family. They decided not to announce where he was born immediately, and opted for a very small photo opportunity to introduce their son to the world.

They have since posted two photos of Archie on their @sussexroyal Instagram account: one showing his foot, and another showing the little boy in Prince Harry’s arms.

In the latest report on the royal finances it was revealed that it cost £2.4m to refurbish Frogmore Cottage, their new family home on the Windsor estate, paid for by the taxpayer.