The youngest member of the royal family of Great Britain, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was baptized Saturday in a private family ceremony at Windsor Castle.
The 2-month-old son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, was baptized in a private chapel in the castle by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England.
He wore a dress in lace and satin baptism – a replica of one for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter – which was also used for his cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The family posted a series of photos by photographer Chris Allerton on their official social media account.
“This morning, the duke and duchess of the son of Sussex, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was baptized in the private chapel at Windsor Castle during an intimate service led 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 helpful since the birth of their son. They thank you for your kindness in welcoming their first born and celebrating of this special moment Their Royal Heights are fortunate to have enjoyed this day with the family and the godparents of Archie. ‘
“Their son, Archie, was baptized with the handmade replica of the royal christening dress worn by royal children for the last 11 years. The original Royal Baptismal mantle, made from fine Honiton lace with white satin, was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1841 and first worn by her eldest daughter, and was then worn for generations of royal baptism, including the queen, her children, and her grandchildren until 2004, when the queen ordered this handmade replica to preserve the fragile historical outfit, and to continue the tradition, “it concluded.
Archie’s uncle and aunt, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, were in the photo.
Also pictured were Markle’s mother Doria Ragland, Harry’s father Prince Charles, his wife Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall, and the late Princesses Diana’s Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodal.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were not present.
Prince Harry and Meghan have been criticized for refusing to reveal the names of Archie’s godparents and not giving the public a glimpse of the event – although the good-natured people who came to Windsor with Union Jack flags, banners and even a cake did not stop to mark the occasion.
The decision of the royal couple led to controversy, partly due to the recent revelation that their Windsor house was being renovated with 2.4 million pounds ($ 3.06 million) in tax money.
Archie was born on May 6 and is the seventh in line at the British throne.
