Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are facing public outrage after it was revealed that the parents “demanded a private baptism” for their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The couple are determined to keep their son a “private citizen”, with sources confirming that they plan a media-free baptism. This goes against the royal tradition set by Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, who have previously invited media to attend while the family walks to and into the church, keeping the actual ceremony as a private affair. But will the couple release any photographs?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child Archie Harrison into the world on May 6.

Eight-week old Archie is due to be christened on Saturday, July 6.

Royal christenings are seen as important historic events, which involve a number of traditions and precedents that must be adhered to.

For instance, Archie is due to wear the Honiton lace replica gown has been worn by every one of Queen Eliazabeth II’s great grandchildren.

The original gown was commissioned by Queen Victoria for the baptism of her first child Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louisa in 1841.

That gown was worn by 62 royal babies (including five monarchs) over the course of its 163 years of royal service.

The delicate dress had strict care instructions and had to be hand-washed with spring water after each ceremony, before being stored in a dark room.

Although the lace gown was carefully protected over the years, it was retired in 2004, in a bid to protect it.

Now, royal babies instead wear a replica dress which was created with the original Honiton lace gown in mind.

Angela Kelly, the Queen’s wardrobe advisor, was then enlisted to create the replica, which has been used ever since.

Meghan and Harry are also and the use of the Lily Font which has been used in all royal baptisms as far back as 1841.

The tradition dictates that water from the River Jordan, where Jesus was baptised, is used for the royal events.

The couple are also intending to follow tradition in terms of the officiant conducting the ceremony.

The christenings of senior royals, including Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry and all three of the Cambridge children, are typically conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Duchess of Sussex herself was christened and confirmed by the Archbishop of Canterbury ahead of marrying Prince Harry last year as a mark of respect to the Queen, so he is expected to officiate the ceremony for the new royal baby, too.

However, Harry and Markle are known as rule-breakers and it seems that they are looking to break tradition with Archie’s christening.

The couple have been open about their determination to keep their son a “private citizen” and now sources have reported that the Sussex couple plan to have a media-free baptism.

Archie Harrison will be christened at the Queen’s private chapel inside Windsor Castle away from the press and public – skipping the tradition walk to and into the church that was been televised for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Photographs will then be released afterwards to the media and through the couple’s Instagram page and other social media channels.

Usually royal christenings are private affairs, but the momentous occasion has long been marked with an official family portrait for posterity.

The portraits have at times provided a sweet insight into family life, with a young Prince William famously taking centre stage during Prince Harry’s christening photographs in 1984, with the rest of his family laughing behind him.

In the past, high-profile photographers have been chosen to take the official portraits, but at times extra photographs are commissioned.

For instance, Kate Middleton and Prince William hired a private photographer to take additional images during Prince Louis’s christening last year.

The Sussexes may well turn again to their engagement and wedding photographer Alexi Lubomirski to capture the occasion.

Source: Read Full Article