Baby Archie christening: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle release FIRST PICS from ceremony
The official portraits from baby Archie Harrison's christening are here!
Just hours after the royal christening, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex took to Instagram to release two beautiful photographs taken by photographer Chris Allerton at Windsor Castle.
A family photo inside the castle’s Green Drawing Room shows Harry and Meghan sitting with their child alongside the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.
Standing behind them are the Prince of Wales, Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, the Duke of Cambridge and the sisters of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby conducted the ceremony while some members of the St George’s Chapel Choir, a choral group who performed at Harry and Meghan’s wedding, sung during the christening.
A second shot in black-and-white shows Meghan dressed in white gazing into Harry’s eyes as she cradles baby Archie – with the castle’s Rose Garden in the background.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are so happy to share the joy of this day with members of the public who have been incredibly supportive since the birth of their son," the caption read.
"They thank you for your kindness in welcoming their first born and celebrating this special moment.
Keeping with tradition, Archie wore the handmade replica of the royal christening robe, made by Angela Kelly, dressmaker to the Queen.
Earlier this week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their plans to keep the christening a private ceremony.
A statement from Buckingham Palace read: "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 6th July.
"The godparents, in keeping with their wishes, will remain private."
Despite this, well-wishers have flocked to Windsor Castle to celebrate the christening.
Royal biographer Penny Junor has called the couple’s decision to exclude the press and public a mistake, saying well-wishers would want to share in their big day.
While Mark Borkowski, a public relations consultant, said the duke and duchess were employing the public relations strategy of “Hollywood A-listers” by keeping their son’s christening private.
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