Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will celebrate the christening of Archie on July 6, 2019. The event will not be as much of a spectacle as previous royal christenings have been, however. The reason is Harry and Meghan's commitment to privacy.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been clear that they want Archie's upbringing to be much more private than Harry's own. In the early days of Archie's life, they've already taken steps to ensure that. From their move to Frogmore Cottage to forgoing a title for Archie, they're definitely looking for a more low-key life for their family. Now it's been revealed that Archie's christening and the details of it will also remain private.
People reports that Buckingham Palace has released a statement ahead of the special occasion. The statement confirms that the christening will take place this weekend in the Queen's Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. While the Sussexes will release photos from the event at a later date, the statement revealed that they will not divulge the names of Archie's godparents.
It's hard to believe that baby Archie is already 2 months old! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child on May 6, 2019. Fans of the Sussexes were overjoyed for the new little family.
Before Archie was born, Harry and Meghan were making moves to ensure that his upbringing would be relatively normal. For the couple, that included a move from Kensington Palace to the more-secluded Frogmore Cottage.
The couple also made the decision not to pursue a title for Archie. That means that he isn't a prince and has no other title, although that is subject to change when Prince Charles one day becomes king.
Now Harry and Meghan are taking additional steps to preserve the privacy of their little family. They've decided to make Archie's upcoming christening a private event, differing from the christenings of William and Kate's children.
While all royal christenings are private in the sense that they aren't open to the public, Harry and Meghan took some extra steps. For one, the press will not be allowed to photograph the royal family and other guests entering and exiting the event.
The event will take place in the Queen's Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. A royal source tells People that they chose the location because they "wanted an intimate, peaceful setting in a place with such a special connection to Her Majesty."
A statement released by Buckingham Palace gives further information about the privacy of the event. The statement reveals that Harry and Meghan have decided not to release the names of those they've chosen as godparents for Archie.
The news isn't too surprising when you consider the relationship between the media and Meghan in particular. It's understandable that Harry and Meghan wouldn't want to subject loved ones outside of the public eye to the inevitable invasion of privacy.
Hello! has pointed out that baptism records with the Church of England are public record accessible for a fee. We have a feeling that the royal family may have a little more pull than that, however. The Queen will likely help ensure that Harry and Meghan's wishes be honored.
The lack of formal announcement hasn't stopped people from speculating on their choices. Serena Williams' presence in London this week for Wimbledon has many people thinking she may be one of their choices.
Meghan's close friends Lindsay Roth and Genevieve Hillis were with her this week as well when the Duchess of Sussex attended Wimbledon to watch Serena play. Because of this, their names have also been thrown around as potential godparents.
There are a few more high-profile names that have been suggested. Stars like Oprah Winfrey and George and Amal Clooney might be more used to the invasion of privacy, however, which doesn't quite fit some theories out there.
While we won't be privy to that particular information, we will still get to see some photos from the event that Harry and Meghan handpick. Photographer Chris Allerton will be on hand capturing the precious moments.
Whomever Harry and Meghan choose, they are sure to be people who will guide their son with the values they hold dear. We're sure that Archie will have the support of so many loved ones as he enjoys this special milestone.
