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As it happenedended

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

Christening takes place at Windsor Castle

Olivia Petter
Saturday 06 July 2019 19:00 BST
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Who might Meghan and Harry have chosen as godparents for Archie?

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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...

Buckingham Palace has released two photographs from Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor's christening, which took place at the Private Chapel in Windsor Castle.

The celebration was an entirely private affair and is thought to have been attended by fewer than 25 people.

The images, which were taken by Chris Allerton, show the happy couple holding their two-month-old son, who is wearing the Honiton christening gown, a garment that has been passed down the royal family for years.

olivia.petter6 July 2019 16:20

Photographer Chris Allerton said: "I am honoured to take the official photographs at the christening of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, and to once again, be part of such a special and joyous occasion for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex."

olivia.petter6 July 2019 16:26

Here's the official royal tweet:

Peter Stubley6 July 2019 16:31

Peter Stubley6 July 2019 16:32

The official Instagram account of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex has also shared photos from their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor's christening, along with details about Archie's christening gown.

"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 sussexroyal account posted.

"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."

Peter Stubley6 July 2019 16:35

The Instagram post also says that Archie was baptised wearing the handmade replica of the royal christening gown which was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1841.

Peter Stubley6 July 2019 16:37

The sisters of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, are also in the family christening photo. Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes are stood between Doria Ragland and the Duke of Cambridge.

The Queen was not able to attend the ceremony because of a prior engagement.

Tiggy Legge-Bourke, Harry and William's nanny, was reportedly seen leaving in a car at around 1pm.

Peter Stubley6 July 2019 16:44

Some royal fans have expressed their disappointment at not being able to see the christening.

Anne Daley, 63, travelled from Wales with her dog Camilla, who was dressed in a christening outfit (see below).

She said: "We love everything about the royals. We've seen hands and feet, little fingers. But we're very hurt. I pay a lot of tax for their civil duties.

"One minute they want to be royals, the next they don't. That baby is Princess Diana's grandson. We should be able to see the christening.

"They want to have their cake and eat it. A lot of people don't like to see them hang around the fake celebrities. Forget Hollywood. They are royal.

"Harry wants it both ways. They've been ill-advised. The general public can't work this out."

Royal fans, John Loughrey and Ann Daley, celebrate the christening by a opening a champagne bottle (Getty Images) 

Peter Stubley6 July 2019 16:46

Archie was baptised using water from the River Jordan out of the silver Lily Font in accordance with royal tradition, a spokeswoman said.

Peter Stubley6 July 2019 16:49

Kingdom Choir writes special lullaby dedicated to Archie on the day of his christening

The Kingdom Choir has released a special lullaby dedicate to Archie on the day of his christening.

The group's sonorous lullaby comes with an accompanying message: 

"We’d like to send our heartfelt congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the christening of their sweet baby boy. God bless you.”

olivia.petter6 July 2019 17:00

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