Queen Elizabeth to Reportedly Skip Little Archie's Christening Later This Summer

Master Archie Harrison, the newborn son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is to be christened in July. However, his great grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, will be absent from the ceremony due to some of her other engagements.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are expected to christen their first child and son, Archie Harrison, next month. The event is sure to draw a long list of senior royal invitees.

However, the most royal of them all, the Queen herself, would be missing on the day of the christening due to her already having prescheduled duties.

THE QUEEN’S ABSENCE EXPLAINED

The Palace has explained that the Queen would be unavoidably absent on the day of the ceremony due to her having prior commitments.

It is not the first time the Queen would be missing the christening of one of her great-grandchildren, as she was also absent at Prince Louis’ christening last year.

MEGHAN’S MOM COULD MAKE UP FOR THE QUEEN’S ABSENCE

Though the Queen will not be attending, Meghan Markle’s mom Doria Ragland will be in attendance. Doria and her daughter share a special bond and she has been living with her and Harry in the aftermath of Archie’s birth, to help out.

She only recently moved back to the US but would have to fly back to the UK for the ceremony. Her presence is sure to reduce the effect the Queen’s absence would have.

MORE ON THE CHRISTENING CEREMONY

St. George’s Chapel, venue of many royal weddings, will also host Archie’s christening ceremony. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Dean of Windsor, David Conner will take charge of the ceremony’s religious rites and rituals.

Archie will be expected to wear the christening gown worn by his royal cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The gown, though modern, has a historical background, dating back to the middle of the nineteenth century.

The new gown replicates the dress commissioned by Queen Victoria for her firstborn child, Victoria Adelaide Mary Louisa. Special Guests expected to grace the occasion include Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Prince William and his wife, Kate, who would likely come with their three children.

All roads would lead to St. George’s Chapel next month. The Christening is sure to be a wonderful celebration. Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Baby Archie on their soon to be special day.