Kate Middleton and Prince William bore the brunt of widespread criticism for their poses in the official christening photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s baby Archie Harrison over the weekend.
But as controversy over the Duke of Cambridge’s ‘sour’ looking face and the Duchess of Cambridge’s strained posture subsides, Kate has found herself the focus of very different speculation – about another royal baby!
WATCH the sweet moment Prince George gets upset when he’s told off by mum Kate:
The future King and Queen consort of England are already parents to Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 4 and one-year-old Prince Louis, but after Kate’s appearance at Archie’s christening British bookies have slashed the odds of a 2019 pregnancy announcement to extremely short odds.
Royal experts believe the hype surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first child may have “tugged at the heartstrings” of William and Kate, now little Louis is approaching his toddler phase, Express.co.uk reports.
In recent months, inside reports from Kensington Palace have consistently claimed the 37-year-old Duchess has her heart set on one final addition to her young royal family.
“Catherine would like a fourth child,” a source told Daily Mail.
“She loves children and is prepared to put herself through another pregnancy even though they have been complicated in the past.”
Kate suffered with the condition hyperemesis gravidarum during all three of her pregnancies, a complication which causes severe, constant nausea and weight loss.
Speaking to New Idea, another source revealed: “Kate has seen the bond between George and Charlotte and thinks it would be lovely if Louis had a sister closer to his age.”
“Kate is doing things her way, but William has always supported her and will do anything to make her happy; that is a promise he made before they married.”
The news comes as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to be slammed for their decision to christen their eight-week-old baby boy in private at Windsor Castle, in front of just 25 close family and friends.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex took to social media to share two official photos from Archie’s big day, taken by royal photographer Chris Allerton, with the caption:
“This morning, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was christened in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle at an intimate service officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
“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. They thank you for your kindness in welcoming their first born and celebrating this special moment.
“Their Royal Highnesses feel fortunate to have enjoyed this day with family and the godparents of Archie.
“Their son, Archie, was baptised wearing the handmade replica of the royal christening gown which has been worn by royal infants for the last 11 years. The original Royal Christening Robe, made of fine Honiton lace lined with white satin, was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1841 and first worn by her eldest daughter. It was subsequently worn for generations of Royal christenings, including the Queen, her children and her grandchildren until 2004, when the Queen commissioned this handmade replica, in order for the fragile historic outfit to be preserved, and for the tradition to continue.”
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were not in attendance due to prior commitments for the Queen, the same reason the 93-year-old monarch was absent from Archie’s cousin Prince Louis’ christening last year.
In a notable break from royal tradition, the identities of Archie’s godparents have been kept a secret, a move which has been criticised by royal fans in the wake of the Sussexes’ $4.3 million renovation to Frogmore Cottage which was funded by British taxpayers, News.com.au reports.
WATCH this video for everything we know about Archie’s top secret christening: