It was a day of celebrating for the royal family.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were accompanied by Kate Middleton and Prince William, as well as Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at their son, Archie’s, christening on Saturday. While the new parents were surrounded by their loved ones, including Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, and Princess Diana’s sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were noticeably absent.
12 PHOTOSBaby Archie's christeningSee GalleryBaby Archie's christening
This official christening photograph released by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shows the Duke and Duchess with their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at Windsor Castle with the Rose Garden in the background. Photo by Chris Allerton. 
This official christening photograph released by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shows the Duke and Duchess with their son, Archie and (left to right) the Duchess of Cornwall, The Prince of Wales, Ms Doria Ragland, Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duchess of Cambridge in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. Photo by Chris Allerton. 
Visitors take pictures as the Changing of the Guard takes place outside Windsor Castle in Windsor ahead of the royal christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie, in the castle’s intimate private chapel. RESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 6, 2019. See PA story ROYAL Christening. Photo credit should read: Rick Findler/PA Wire
Visitors take pictures as the Changing of the Guard takes place outside Windsor Castle in Windsor ahead of the royal christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie, in the castle’s intimate private chapel. RESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 6, 2019. See PA story ROYAL Christening. Photo credit should read: Rick Findler/PA Wire
Camilla the dog outside Windsor Castle in Windsor ahead of the royal christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie, in the castle’s intimate private chapel. RESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 6, 2019. See PA story ROYAL Christening. Photo credit should read: Rick Findler/PA Wire
Royal superfan John Loughrey outside Windsor Castle in Windsor ahead of the royal christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie, in the castle’s intimate private chapel. RESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 6, 2019. See PA story ROYAL Christening. Photo credit should read: Rick Findler/PA Wire
A cake from a royal well-wisher outside Windsor Castle in celebration of the royal christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie, in the castle’s intimate private chapel. RESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 6, 2019. See PA story ROYAL Christening. Photo credit should read: Rick Findler/PA Wire
Visitors take pictures as the Changing of the Guard takes place outside Windsor Castle in Windsor ahead of the royal christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie, in the castle’s intimate private chapel. RESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 6, 2019. See PA story ROYAL Christening. Photo credit should read: Rick Findler/PA Wire
Royal fan John Loughrey, 64, camped out in Windsor ahead of the royal christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie, at Windsor Castle tomorrow.
Camera crews set up in Windsor ahead of the royal christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie, at Windsor Castle tomorrow.
Royal superfan John Loughrey holds a sign in celebration of the royal christening of Archie, the son of Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, outside Windsor Castle in England, Saturday, July 6, 2019. The 2-month-old son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be baptized Saturday in a private chapel at the castle by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England. (Rick Findler/PA via AP)
Royal superfan John Loughrey, with company from Camilla the dog, prepares flags and posters in celebration of the royal christening of Archie, the son of Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, outside Windsor Castle in England, Saturday, July 6, 2019. The 2-month-old son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be baptized Saturday in a private chapel at the castle by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England. (Rick Findler/PA via AP)Up Next
See Gallery
The head of the British monarchy was not in attendance due to prior royal engagements. Royal expert Katie Nicholl told ET on Tuesday that “we don’t believe that the queen is going to be there because of a clash of prior engagements. And we don’t expect the Duke of Edinburgh to be there either.”
Baby Archie’s christening took place in a small, private ceremony by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. Official photos of the little one’s special day taken by photographer Chris Allerton and were released after the ceremony. Archie’s godparents were not revealed.
The queen was also absent for Prince Louis’ christening in July of 2018. She bowed out of the event due to royal affairs as well. She did, however, attend Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s christenings.
15 PHOTOSPrince Louis' christeningSee GalleryPrince Louis' christening
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 09: Princess Charlotte and Prince George hold the hands of their father, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, as they arrive at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London for the christening of their brother, Prince Louis, who is being carried by their mother, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on July 09, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis after Prince Louis’s christening at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis after Prince Louis’s christening at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London.
The Duke of Cambridge with Prince George and Princess Charlotte after Prince Louis’s christening at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London.
Britain’s Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, carries Prince Louis as they arrive for his christening service at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London, Britain, July 9, 2018. Dominic Lipinski/Pool via REUTERS
Britain’s Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, carries Prince Louis as they arrive for his christening service at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London, Britain, July 9, 2018. Dominic Lipinski/Pool via REUTERS
Britain’s Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, carries Prince Louis as they arrive for his christening service at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London, Britain, July 9, 2018. Dominic Lipinski/Pool via REUTERS
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 09: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge carries Prince Louis as they arrive for his christening service at St James’s Palace on July 09, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart after attending the christening of Prince Louis at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis after Prince Louis’s christening at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London.
Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews arriving for the christening of Prince Louis, the youngest son of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arriving for the christening of Prince Louis, the youngest son of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London.
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, leave the chapel after the christening of Prince Louis at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London, Britain, July 9, 2018. Dominic Lipinski/Pool via REUTERS
James Matthews arrives for the christening of Prince Louis, the youngest son of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London, Britain, July 9, 2018. Dominic Lipinski/Pool via REUTERS
Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews, arrive for the christening of Prince Louis, the youngest son of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London, Britain, July 9, 2018. Dominic Lipinski/Pool via REUTERSUp Next
See Gallery
Meanwhile, ET learned earlier this week that Harry and Meghan are eager for Archie to have “as normal a life as possible.”
“I think the couple is determined for Archie to have as normal a life as possible,” Nicholl told ET. “Prince Harry grew up very much in the spotlight, never far away from the gaze of the cameras, and at points in his life, that’s been something he has resented. My understanding is that at Frogmore, they have essentially built a fortress. One of their closest friends told me it was their oasis — their sanctuary where they’re going to raise their child away from the spotlight.”
Hear more in the video below.
27 PHOTOSMeghan Markle at WimbledonSee GalleryMeghan Markle at Wimbledon
Britain’s Meghan (C), Duchess of Sussex watches US player Serena Williams playing against Slovakia’s Kaja Juvan during their women’s singles second round match on the fourth day of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 4, 2019. (Photo by GLYN KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex looks on as Serena Williams (USA) plays Kaja Juvan (SLO) in their Ladies’ Singles 2nd Round match on Day 4 of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 4, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (C) attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
The Duchess of Sussex in the stands of court one to watch the match between Serena Williams and Kaja Juvan on day four of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (C) attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
Duchess of Sussex watching Serena Williams on court one on day four of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Duchess of Sussex watching Serena Williams on court one on day four of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
Britain’s Meghan (C), Duchess of Sussex applauds after US player Serena Williams beat Slovakia’s Kaja Juvan during their women’s singles second round match on the fourth day of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 4, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE(Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Britain’s Meghan (C), Duchess of Sussex applauds after US player Serena Williams beat Slovakia’s Kaja Juvan during their women’s singles second round match on the fourth day of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 4, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE(Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04:Meghan, Duchess of Sussex shakes hands with a young wellwisher as she attends day 4 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04:Meghan, Duchess of Sussex smiles as she attends day 4 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
Duchess of Sussex after watching Serena Williams on court one on day four of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 04:Meghan, Duchess of Sussex smiles as she attends day 4 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
Duchess of Sussex after watching Serena Williams on court one on day four of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)Up Next
See Gallery
RELATED CONTENT:
Baby Archie’s Christening: Everything We Know
Source: Read Full Article
