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CHRIS ALLERTON
Baby Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor's christening was a true family affair.
Not only were Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Doria Ragland, Prince Charles and Camilla Bowles all present at the event, but Princess Diana's sisters, William and Harry's aunts Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, also played an important role in the ceremony.
The pair were among the 25 guests who were included in the intimate ceremony as a way to include the princes' late mother in the day. The event took place at a Private Chapel at Windsor Castle, and was officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. The family chose to keep the christening private, which was notably different than the more public ceremonies William and Kate hosted for their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. According to the royal Instagram account, Archie wore a "handmade replica of the royal christening gown which has been worn by royal infants for the last 11 years," which was modeled after the The original Royal Christening Robe that was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1841 to be worn by her eldest daughter.
In the wake of Princess Diana's 1997 passing, Meghan and Harry have been outspoken about their decision to include her in all of their monumental occasions. At the royal wedding, Meghan Markle wore a blue diamond that once belonged to Diana as her "something blue," and her engagement ring also includes two diamonds of her late Mother-in-law's. She also carried forget-me-nots in her bridal bouquet, which were known to be Diana's favorite flowers.
And on Meghan Markle's first Mother's Day, the Sussex's joint Instagram account shared a sweet photo of she and baby Archie with a backdrop of forget-me-nots, writing, "Paying tribute to all mothers today - past, present, mothers-to-be, and those lost but forever remembered. We honor and celebrate each and every one of you." And clearly, they continue to honor Princess Diana every step of the way.