Archie christening photos LIVE: First pictures of royal baby being baptised released from private celebration

Christening takes place at Windsor Castle

Who might Meghan and Harry have chosen as godparents for Archie?

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was christened in a private ceremony on Saturday 6 July.

The event took place at the Private Chapel in Windsor Castle, the same castle where Prince Harry and Meghan wed on 19 May 2018. According to Buckingham Palace, the royal's christening was a small affair, attended by fewer than 25 people, and the names of his godparents will remain private as per the royal couple’s wishes.

On Saturday afternoon, the palace released two photographs taken by Chris Allerton from the occasion. One image showed just the royal couple and their son while the other was a group shot featuring several members of the royal family. The former was taken in the Rose Garden at Windsor Castle while the latter was taken in the Green Drawing Room.

See how the day unfolded below...

Key Points

• Buckingham Palace releases two photographs from christening
• Why Serena Williams didn't attend the ceremony
• Duke and Duchess of Sussex 'overjoyed to share the happiness of this day'

[6 July 2019 12:18 · olivia.petter]

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Windsor Castle for christening

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived at Windsor Castle for Archie' christening, PA reports.

The couple were spotted driving themselves to the ceremony without their three children.

[6 July 2019 12:30 · olivia.petter]

Royal historian says 'no baby is like this baby'

Professor Chris Imafidon, who is a member of the Royal Historical Society, has described Archie's christening as a "fascinating" and "great" thing, telling Press Association he understands why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might've wanted to keep the ceremony private.

"A christening is a public event, but every mother wants to protect their baby especially because of the shadow looming over them," he said, speaking from outside Windsor Castle.

Imafidon added: "What's fascinating is that this is the first baby that can be a king, potentially an American president, an African president. No baby is like this baby. He embodies all different countries."

[6 July 2019 13:03 · olivia.petter]

Meghan Markle spotted at Wimbledon days before christening

Meghan smiled as she watched close friend Serena Williams play against Slovakia's Kaja Juvan 

The Duchess of Sussex was spotted at Wimbledon on Thursday, two days ahead of Archie's christening.

Meghan appeared to pay tribute to her newborn son by wearing a special necklace with a small "A" charm hanging at the centre, in an apparent nod to her two-month-old son.

Meghan donned a casual look for the fourth day of the tennis tournament, wearing a white striped L'Agence blazer, a black Lavender Hill top, a pair of Finlay and Co sunglasses and a pair of jeans.

[6 July 2019 14:03 · olivia.petter]

Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle breaking rules by keeping Archie's godparents private?

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to keep the identities of their son’s godparents private may be in breach of a legal requirement, according to Church of England law.

On Wednesday, a statement released by Buckingham Palace regarding the christening of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, confirmed that his godparents, "in keeping with their wishes, will remain private."

A spokesperson for the Church of England clarified to The Independent: “Under the Parochial Registers and Records Measure 1978 all baptisms must be registered and the record made is normally publicly available for searches and for the making of certified copies of entries."

Read more below about whether or not the couple's decision actually goes against the law or not.

[6 July 2019 14:35 · olivia.petter]

First photographs of Archie at christening expected soon

While Prince Harry and Meghan have decided to keep the details surrounding the christening private, it's thought that the couple will release photographs taken by Chis Allerton at the ceremony this afternoon.

Allerton was the photographer responsible for the candid black and white photograph of the royal couple standing arm in arm on their wedding night. The image was used on their Christmas card.

[6 July 2019 15:03 · olivia.petter]

Everything Meghan Markle has ever said about motherhood: 'It's magic'

The Duchess of Sussex gave birth to her first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in May and has been enjoying the first few months of motherhood ever since.

While Meghan has kept a low profile since giving birth, despite a recent appearance the the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, she has spoken openly about her desire to become a mother on several occasions in the past.

On the day of Archie's christening, here is one of our favourite soundbites so far:

"It's magic, it's pretty amazing," the new mum said while caressing her son's head as he lay in Prince Harry's arms in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle during Archie's first photo call.

"I have the two best guys in the world so I'm really happy," she added.

[6 July 2019 15:15 · olivia.petter]

Royal fan describes couple's decision to keep christening private as 'a bit sad' 

Megan Waters, 46, spent Saturday morning waiting outside Windsor Castle to catch a glimpse of Archie at his christening, but the Australia-born royalist has expressed disappointment at the couple's decision to keep the christening private.

"It's a bit sad that they've broken the tradition of it being public," she told PA.

"They've got a right to privacy I suppose but it's a shame that it's broken the tradition. No-one has seen a photo of the baby yet."

[6 July 2019 16:00 · olivia.petter]

Social media users praise couple's decision to keep christening private

As Harry and Meghan have decided to keep the christening of their son, Archie, a private affair, a few social media users have complained that the couple owe it to the British public to share the special day with them.

However, many praised the duo for doing things differently by keeping Archie out of the public eye.

"I’m so happy for them," wrote one person, pointing to how Meghan has been criticised in the press before. "I don’t blame them one bit that they’ve asked for their privacy to be respected," they said of the couple's choice.

Another person said they didn't blame the godparents for choosing to remain anonymous either, writing: "the press would make their lives miserable".

[6 July 2019 16:11 · olivia.petter]

Buckingham Palace reveals further details about christening

"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.

"They feel so fortunate to have enjoyed this special moment with family and Archie’s godparents.”

[6 July 2019 16:15 · olivia.petter]

Crowds line the street for Archie's big day

The streets of Windsor were packed with royal fans on the day of Archie's christening.

Despite the ceremony being a private affair, that didn't stop people from taking part in the celebrations by popping champagne and parading with balloons.