When royal fans got their first full glimpse of baby Archie (Sussex) Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor–well, let’s just say there were more than a few squeals of delight heard round the local pub. The newest member to the royal crew elicited his fair share of fanfare and excitement; one look into his cherubic face was all anyone needed to dispel months of anticipation and heated debate (Will he look more like Meghan or Harry? Will he have Doria’s eyes or Charles’ forehead? Will he look like his cousins?).
The answers were given over the weekend when Master Archie’s face was seen in official photographs. With his full lips, soulful eyes, round cheeks and calm composure, everyone had a little case of royal baby fever after viewing Harry and Meghan’s regal bundle of joy. But how does this new little whippersnapper compare to his cousins and what about their christenings?
Harry and Meghan’s son was baptized in Windsor two months after he was born on May 6th. The photos were taken by Chris Allerton in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor where Meghan and Harry took some of their wedding pictures. The Queen did not attend nor did Prince Philip while Princess Diana’s sisters were featured in the immediate family photos.
In October 2013, little Prince George was christened at the Chapel Royal in St. James’s Palace in London. Immediately following the ceremony, private photos were taken in the Morning Room at Clarence House. Kate and William released four images to the public and they were the pinnacle of family cuteness. Much like the Sussexes, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge showed off their son with an affectionate family snap.
Everyone in the family appeared delighted with little George’s arrival. Warm expressions were seen on the Middleton family’s faces along with the Queen. The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry looked especially giddy on the special day and new dad William was almost bursting with pride.
A few years later, Princess Charlotte was christened on a summer day in July 2015. For the special event, little Prince George tagged along and was photographed with mom, dad and his baby sister in many of the official portraits taken by Mario Testino in outdoor shots. Little Charlotte was baptized at St. Magdalene’s Church in Sandringham and the Cambridge family walked down to the church from Sandringham House. Kate steered a vintage Millson pram, used by The Queen for her two youngest sons, Princes Andrew and Edward.
At the service, the Lily Font – part of the Crown Jewels kept at The Tower of London – and water from the River Jordon were used to welcome Charlotte into the Church of England. It is believed this is the first time a part of the Crown Jewels has left London.In addition, the family had a special cake commissioned–the cake featured nine tiers in Ivory icing, with floral decorations to represent the UK: roses, daffodils, shamrocks and thistles. This reflected Kate’s wedding dress, also bearing the same emblems in the lace. (Source Crown Chronicles).
The official family photograph of the day once again featured the Queen and Prince Philip as well as the Middleton family and Prince Charles and Camilla. William and Philip looked especially gleeful and little George looked a tad overwhelmed.
Another beautiful summer day was the perfect occasion for Prince Louis’ christening which took place on July 9th 2018 at the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace in London. Charlotte infamously told royal photographers they were not invited to Prince Louis’ christening party. Kate and Meghan both opted for ivory dresses for their children’s big days and rumor has it Kate started the trend in an effort not to clash with the christening robe.
For the family photos, Harry was once again featured in the lineup but this time the Queen and Philip were not in attendance. Also, Princess Charlotte was part of her little brother’s baptism plus James Matthews (Pippa’s husband) joined the celebration.
