Meghan and Harry share ‘deliberately intimate’ Archie christening photo to ‘endorse' event

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry caused a stir when they refused to allow press to their son Archie Harrison’s funeral as Kate and William have with their children in the past.

The ceremony took place today without the Queen present.

This evening the couple posted official pictures of the day.

One was a traditional posed group shot, the other a stylistic black and white image reminiscent of their engagement photographs.

Judi James, a body language expert, analysed the images for Express.co.uk.

She said the black and white shot gave a glimpse into Meghan’s ‘Hollywood’ beginnings.

“Harry, Meghan and Archie’s heads are posed deliberately close in the romantic Hollywood style pose, suggesting high levels of trust, and that all three are almost lost in a bubble of bliss and joy,” she said.

However, there may be more to his stance that appears at first.

Judi continued: “It looks deliberately intimate rather than a pose to camera to share the joy and the way we are invited to glimpse the loving moment rather than participate goes some way to endorse their request for a private event.”

But what did Judi make of the group shot?

“The formal group shot adheres to royal guidelines, with Harry sitting upright and dashing while Meghan beams with excitement and delight beside him,” she said.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton appeared somewhat self-conscious, Judi said.

“Kate sits slightly scrunched as though determined to not steal anyone’s thunder while William’s fig-leaf pose behind her makes him look like a Victorian patriarch.

“Charles and Doria look as happy and relaxed together as they did at the wedding and Charles hand on Harry’s chair suggests he’s a very proud dad.”

If Kate was trying not to steal the limelight in the image it appears she may have failed as fans have been gushing over her gorgeous outfit. 

Kate Middleton at Archie’s christening beamed in a pale pink gown, with a pussy bow tie neckline and a waistband which showed off her stunning figure.

The Duchess chose dark red heels and a matching headband to finish off her fashionable look.

Prince Harry was called “a mess” by Twitter users, however. 

One wrote: “Charles and William appropriately dressed in dark suits. Harry looks the usual mess – inappropriate light suit paired with brown suede scuffed shoes and black socks??”

Who is Meghan Markle? Quick profile

Meghan Markle was born Rachel Meghan Markle, on August 4, 1981 to parents Doria Ragland and father Thomas Markle.

Her father was previously married to Roslyn Loveless and Meghan has two elder half sibling – sister Samantha Markle and brother Thomas Markle Junior.

Actress

Meghan’s first television appearance in the USA was in an episode of the medical drama General Hospital in 2002.

She later moved on to roles in CSI, Without a Trace and Castle along with bit parts in Hollywood films including Get Him to the Greek, Remember Me and Horrible Bosses.

Meghan was also a “briefcase girl” on Deal or No Deal – but her most famous role was as Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits, which launched in 2011.

She was written out in the finale of the seventh series when her character got married, which aired in April 2018 – just before she got married herself.

Charity and humanitarian work

Meghan Markle’s career in television has gone hand-in-hand with her support for causes close to her heart.

She wrote about the stigma around menstrual health in an article for Time magazine and was a Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada – with whom she travelled to Rwanda for the charity’s Clean Water Campaign.

And her commitment to gender equality has seen her work with the United Nations – receiving a standing ovation in 2015 for her speech to mark International Women’s Day.

Relationships

In September 2011, she wed film producer Trevor Engelson, who she began dating in 2004.

But the pair divorced two years later in August 2013, citing irreconcilable difference.

She was in a relationship with celebrity chef Cory Vitiello for almost two years, before they broke it off in 2016 but the two remain good friends.

And in June 2016, she met Prince Harry on a blind date set up by a mutual friend.

Their relationship began in October that year and just over one year later, on November 27, 2017, the pair announced their engagement.

They married on May 19, 2018 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

Meghan’s heritage

Some have claimed Meghan Markle is the first mixed-race member of the Royal Family.

Historians are still arguing about Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III.

But Meghan will be the first royal to openly embrace a mixed-race heritage.

She has written about the difficulties of being a biracial actress in Hollywood as she claims she is not black enough for some roles and not white enough for others.