Meghan Markle & Prince Harry: What to expect from baby Archie’s christening

Buckingham Palace recently confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son Archie Harison Mountbatten-Windsor will be christened this weekend. 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. Releasing a statement, the Palace said: “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.” So what will Archie’s big day be like?

Archie’s christening gown

Baby Archie is expected to be subjected to royal tradition by wearing a gown previously worn by each of his cousins.

The gown has been worn by all of the Queen’s great grandchildren and it is expected that baby Archie will be no exception.

The historic piece of clothing is a replica of the Honiton lace christening gown 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.

Wearers of the original gown included George V, Edward VIII, George VI and the Queen, as well as Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry.

Guests

It has been reported that Harry and Meghan will be inviting just 25 guests to baby Archie’s christening, as they choose to keep the event private.

While the guest list is yet to be revealed, there are some people who are likely to be in attendance on the day.

Archie’s grandfather Prince Charles and his wife, Duchess of Cornwall Camilla, are likely to make an appearance, as well as Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, who is thought to be flying over from California.

Harry’s brother Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, could also be at the christening, although it’s not clear whether their three children – Prince George, five, Princess Charlotte, four, and Prince Louis, one – will be going with them.

It’s not known whether Meghan’s friends will attend the event, as the guest lists very tight, but if it’s anything like their wedding day last year, fans could catch a glimpse of some A-list stars entering the church.

Celebrities including tennis champ Serena Williams, actor Idris Elba and actress Priyanka Chopra turned up to the star studded wedding last summer.

One person who will not be there on the day, however, is the tot’s great-grandmother the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II did not attend the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s youngest son Louis’ christening last year. In addition, the Queen is on her summer break at the time of the ceremony. The monarch usually stay at Balmoral in Scotland from the beginning of July until October.

Godparents

Within the statement, the palace revealed: “The godparents, in keeping with their wishes, will remain private.”

Fans have been speculating who the couple will choose to be Archie’s godparents, with Princess Eugenie recently tipped to be a top choice.

However, there is now one person with spectacular odds – Meghan’s best friend Jessica Mulroney. According to Coral, odds are now just 1/2 for Mrs Mulroney, making it very likely she could be named Archie’s godmother.

Harry Aitkenhead, from bookmakers Coral, said: “We’re just days away from knowing who will be Archie’s godparents and Jessica Mulroney appears to be a banker.

“She’s heavily odds on to be given the honour, and with royal children often having a few godparents we have also made Harry’s close friend Charles Straubenzee too.”

Fashion stylist Mrs Mulroney’s children had starring roles in the Sussexes bridal party. She and her husband Ben have also played a significant role in Meghan’s relationship with Harry.

Serena Williams, George Clooney’s lawyer wife Amal and Harry’s close friend Charlie Van Straubenzee have also been rumoured for the role.