Baby Archie has been christened in a private ceremony in Windsor
In case you’ve somehow managed to avoid all the news coverage and excitement over the royal baby, Baby Sussex has arrived. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed a baby boy on Monday 6 May.
After sending the world into a frenzy with their first appearance just days after Meghan gave birth, and sharing a new photo of baby Archie two weeks ago, excitement built again over the weekend as the royal baby’s christening took place in Windsor.
Many details about the ceremony were kept fairly under wraps in the lead-up, including the names of Archie’s godparents – who still haven’t been revealed.
“The godparents, in keeping with their wishes, will remain private,” Buckingham Palace recently announced, though there was plenty of speculation as to who baby Archie’s godparents could be.
Meghan’s close friend Jessica Mulroney and Harry’s close friend, Charlie Van Straubenzee are rumoured to have been chosen. Tennis star Serena Williams and George and Amal Clooney were also favourites on the bookies’ list.
Where did baby Archie’s christening take place?
The christening was a private occasion held at Windsor Castle, where Harry and Meghan married back in 2018. The official photographer was Chris Allerton, and The Archbishop of Canterbury performed the ceremony.
The Lily Font, a gold christening bowl commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was also brought to Windsor Castle especially for the royal christening. The £11,000 font is usually kept in the Tower of London, but is always transported to British royal christenings.
View this post on Instagram
There were 25 guests at the christening in total, though an official list has not been made public.
“The venue, in the inner sanctum of the castle, means it’s impossible to offer public access to the ceremony,” explained Royal reporter Rebecca English before the ceremony. “Although pressure is on to allow at least one news organisation access to arrivals, as well as the couple’s chosen photographer.”
Did the Queen attend baby Archie’s christening?
The Queen didn’t attend due to a prior engagement, though Doria Ragland, Meghan’s mother, as well as Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall were in attendance.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also there, though their children weren’t with them.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to share the happiness of this day, and would like to thank everyone around the world for their ongoing support,” a Royal Communications spokesperson said.
“They feel so fortunate to have enjoyed this special moment with family and Archie’s godparents.”
It was only a few weeks ago that Harry and Meghan celebrated their very first Father’s Day as a family, posting an adorable picture of their son to their official Instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
Back in May, the happy news was announced this official Instagram account after Buckingham Palace confirmed Meghan had gone into labour.
Speaking to the press shortly after the birth, Prince Harry explained: “I am very excited to announce that Meghan and myself had a baby boy early this morning. A very healthy boy.”
“Mother and baby are doing incredibly well. It’s been the most amazing experience I could ever have possibly imagined.”
Alongside an adorable family photo with The Queen and Prince Philip, a caption on the Sussex Royal Instagram account revealed: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are pleased to announce they have named their first born child. Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.”
Appearing in public for the first time as a family, Harry and Meghan shared the first glimpse of Baby Sussex in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle.
Meghan and Harry’s #royalbaby makes his first appearance! “I have the two best guys in the world, so I’m really happy,” says the Duchess of Sussex https://t.co/Qlt4LS1PgR pic.twitter.com/WaByMftOFS
— CNN (@CNN) May 8, 2019
Speaking about their new addition, Meghan revealed:”He has the sweetest temperament, he’s really calm and has just been a dream. It’s been a special couple of days.”
She also added: “It’s magic, it’s pretty amazing, and I have the two best guys in the world so I’m really happy.”
So, now that we have a new royal baby on the scene, here’s everything you need to know about Baby Sussex.
When was the Baby Sussex born?
After going into labour in the early hours of Monday 6 May, Baby Sussex was born at 5:26 am weighing 7lbs 3oz.
Where did Meghan Markle give birth?
Since news of her pregnancy broke, there had been a lot of speculation over where Meghan would give birth. She reportedly snubbed the famous Lindo Wing in favour of a more private setting.
It’s claimed she had shown an interest in The Mulberry Birth Centre at the NHS-run Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey. However, it has also been wildly reported that Meghan and Harry had opted for a home birth at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor Castle grounds.
However, now that Archie’s birth certificate has been published, it’s been confirmed The Duchess gave birth at the exclusive Portland Hospital in London.
The Duchess had allegedly been preparing for a home birth, but was driven to The Portland private hospital in central London by Harry and their Scotland Yard security team.
What is Baby Sussex’s name?
After previously explaining they would be taking some time to announce their son’s name, it has since been revealed on the couple’s official instagram account.
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
“We are still thinking about names, ” Harry previously told the press. “The baby’s a little bit overdue, so we’ve had a little bit of time to think about it, but that’s the next bit.
“We will be seeing you guys in two days’ time as planned, as a family, to share it with you guys so everyone can see the baby.”
Now, check out some of the most popular royal baby names.
Royal baby boy name odds
According to betting shop William Hill, Alexander was the favourite at 4/1. Arthur was at 5/1 and James was the 3rd favourite at 6/1.
What will Baby Sussex’s title be? Will he be a prince?
Unless the Queen steps in, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s firstborn will not be a prince.
Back in 1917, King George V limited the number of titles within the royal family. As a great-grandchild of the sovereign, Harry and Meghan’s baby is too far down the line of succession to be an HRH. Baby Sussex is currently 7th in line to the British throne.
As Harry’s first son, Baby Sussex will eventually inherit the Duke of Sussex title from his father. In the meantime, he may also take on one of Harry’s subsidiary titles (given to Harry on his wedding day) such as the Earl of Dumbarton.
Harry and Meghan’s future children will be given the titles of Lord or Lady and the surname Mountbatten-Windsor.
When did Harry and Meghan announce the royal baby news?
Kensington Palace revealed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were expecting their first child back in October 2018. Taking to Twitter, a representative wrote: “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019.”
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019. pic.twitter.com/Ut9C0RagLk
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 15, 2018
When was Baby Sussex due?
Although a specific due date was never confirmed, it’s thought that Meghan was due to give birth in late April or early May 2019. She was reportedly about a week late when she gave birth.
What happened at Meghan Markle’s baby shower?
Meghan celebrated the imminent arrival of her baby with a star-studded baby shower in New York. The party at a swanky Upper East Side hotel was hosted by tennis star and Meghan’s longtime friend Serena Williams.
Stars such as Amal Clooney were joined by some of Meghan’s best friends including stylist Jessica Mulroney, and Meghan’s former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer.
According to Tatler, the event was held in the $75,000-a-night Penthouse Suite at luxury The Mark Hotel.
Did Serena Williams reveal Baby Sussex’s gender?
The internet recently went into meltdown after Meghan’s long-term pal and sporting superstar Serena Williams seemingly gave away the sex of Harry and Meghan’s baby.
Speaking to E! News about Meghan’s journey into parenthood, Serena was asked how she thinks the Duchess of Sussex will fair as a mother.
“She’ll be the best mom, for sure,” Serena explained, before adding some advice for mums-to-be. She went on to speak about one particular unnamed friend who’s seemingly pregnant with a girl.
“Accept mistakes and don’t expect to be perfect. We put so much pressure on ourselves. My Friend is pregnant and she’s like, ‘oh, my kid’s going to do this.’ And I just looked at her and I was like, ‘no, she’s not.”
Despite these recent revelations, there’s been much speculation about the sex of Harry and Meghan’s baby for months. Hot off the back of her fancy New York baby shower, guests were spotted with both pink and blue gifts and decorations.
However, speaking at the Endeavour Awards on 7th February, Meghan revealed they were keeping the gender of the baby a surprise.
When asked if she’s having a boy or a girl, Meghan said: “We don’t know,” before explaining, “Yes, we decided to keep it a secret.”
Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Instagram?
Yes! Ahead of the royal baby’s imminent arrival, Prince Harry and Meghan have created their own Instagram account. You can find them here: @sussexroyal.
To mark the occasion, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a series of images of their official outings alongside personal snaps.
The caption reads: “Welcome to our official Instagram; we look forward to sharing the work that drives us, the causes we support, important announcements, and the opportunity to shine a light on key issues. We thank you for your support, and welcome you to @sussexroyal.”
Meghan Markle’s Maternity Wardrobe
Take tips from Meghan’s pregnancy wardrobe to dress your bump in style…
Royal Baby Fever Sparks Growing Trend in Luxury Babywear
As royal baby fever sweeps the nation, a new consumer trend is also on the rise. From mini-Gucci tracksuits worth over £1000 to diamond-detailed dummies and designer pushchairs, demand has never been higher for high-end baby products.
Speaking to Reuters ahead of Meghan’s due date, Baby and Little London’s Editor at Large, Kate Freud, explains how the royal baby is boosting the luxury market.
“It’s grown into a huge market,” Kate revealed.
“It’s been hugely helped by the royals because it gives a lot of these brands an international platform,” she continues.
As for the imminent arrival’s newborn wardrobe, Kate Freud hints Meghan will step away from Prince William and Kate’s choices of traditional childrenswear brands.
“I can imagine (Meghan) mixing the traditional brands with a more contemporary spin,” she explains.
Read More:
- This is Officially the Most Fashionable Pram in London
- Zara Kids Launches new VIEW.S Collection With Chelsea College of Arts
Want more information and inspiration on everything parenting and lifestyle? Hit ‘Like’ on our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and join the conversation on Twitter. Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe to Baby Magazine!
