Home / Royal Mail / Meghan and Harry reveal baby Archie’s christening photographs after top secret ceremony

Meghan and Harry reveal baby Archie’s christening photographs after top secret ceremony

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have said they ‘feel fortunate’ to have enjoyed their son’s christening with his godparents and have shared two pictures from the big day – but still haven’t revealed who the chosen family and friends are.

Proud parents Harry and Meghan finally gave a glimpse into two-month-old Archie’s big day today, releasing pictures on social media hours after the top secret ceremony took place in Windsor as they wanted to ‘share the joy’ of the special occasion.

The royal couple shared two snaps from the event with their near 9 million followers, posting that they felt ‘so happy to share the joy of this day with members of the public’ and thanking supporters for their kindness.

It comes after a backlash over their insistence that the ceremony would remain private and the identities of Archie’s godparents would not be revealed.

A few hours after the ceremony in Windsor, Meghan, 37, and Prince Harry, 34, released an official image in which they posed alongside the Duchess of Cornwall, The Prince of Wales, Doria Ragland, Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duchess of Cambridge in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.

In a touching tribute to Harry’s mother, Princess Diana’s sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale were prominent in the official picture.

In the second image, which was black and white, Meghan was seen gazing into Harry’s eyes as the proud father looked down at Archie, while placing a hand on his wife’s arm.

This official christening photograph released by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shows the Duke and Duchess with their son, Archie and (left to right) the Duchess of Cornwall, The Prince of Wales, Ms Doria Ragland, Princess Diana’s sisters Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duchess of Cambridge in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle 

Just 25 guests were present at the baptism today, which saw Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor christened in a private chapel at Windsor Castle, but the couple only released photographs celebrating with their immediate family. Archie is seventh in line to the throne and not an HRH. 

As well as including Diana’s sisters in the snap, the proud parents also paid tribute to Archie’s grandmother by sitting on the same green chair with gold detailing that Diana and the Queen sat on for Harry’s official christening photographs.  

The royal couple have faced growing backlash surrounding the event, as they insisted it be kept private, despite recently billing the public £2.4million to renovate Frogmore cottage. 

Sharing the snaps with their near 9 million followers on the Sussex Royal Instagram, the happy couple wrote that they’d loved celebrating the day with the godparents of Archie – despite refusing to name them. 

Alongside the two pictures from the event, which only featured close family members, they wrote: ‘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 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.

‘Their Royal Highnesses feel fortunate to have enjoyed this day with family and the godparents of Archie. 

Finally baby Archie's face is revealed! The stunning snap shows off the adorable royal, with the little boy being held by mother Meghan Markle. It is just the third photograph of Archie Harrison and reveals a hint of ginger in the two-month-old's hair

Finally baby Archie’s face is revealed! The stunning snap shows off the adorable royal, with the little boy being held by mother Meghan Markle. It is just the third photograph of Archie Harrison and reveals a hint of ginger in the two-month-old’s hair

The post shared on the Sussexroyal account went on: ‘Their son, Archie, was baptised wearing the handmade replica of the royal christening gown which has been worn by royal infants for the last 11 years. 

‘The original Royal Christening Robe, made of fine Honiton lace lined with white satin, was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1841 and first worn by her eldest daughter.

‘It was subsequently worn for generations of Royal christenings, including The Queen, her children and her grandchildren until 2004, when The Queen commissioned this handmade replica, in order for the fragile historic outfit to be preserved, and for the tradition to continue.’ 

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson also said: ‘The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to share the happiness of this day, and would like to thank everyone around the world for their ongoing support. They feel so fortunate to have enjoyed this special moment with family and Archie’s godparents.’  

Godparents of royal babies are traditionally announced beforehand – often on the morning of the christening – and conventionally elderly or foreign relatives were selected.

A second shot in black-and-white shows Meghan dressed in white gazing into Harry's eyes as she cradles baby Archie and her proud husband looks at their baby son. Windsor castle's Rose Garden can be seen in the background

A second shot in black-and-white shows Meghan dressed in white gazing into Harry’s eyes as she cradles baby Archie and her proud husband looks at their baby son. Windsor castle’s Rose Garden can be seen in the background 

The appearance of Lady Fellowes and Lady McCorquodale in the family photo may fuel speculation Harry chose someone from his late mother’s family for the spiritual role.

But Harry and Meghan appear likely have followed in the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s footsteps and opt for mostly friends over family. 

Princess Diana’s sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale stood proudly alongside Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland and Prince Charles. 

Senior royals including Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton were also among the 25 guests at the intimate ceremony today.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge later shared the official picture from the christening on their kensingtonroyal Instagram account.

In the caption to the picture, which has since received 758,000 likes, it was explained that the snap was taken in the Green Drawing Room by Chris Allerton after Archie’s christening today.

The Duchess of Sussex wore a stunning white Dior gown, while The Duchess of Cambridge opted for a pink Stella McCartney dress and matching hairband for the christening. 

In another touching nod to Princess Diana, Kate was also thought to be wearing the same Collingwood Pearl Earrings, that her mother-in-law wore to Prince Harry’s Christening in 1984.

In one picture shared on social media today, Meghan and Harry can be seen cuddling baby Archie in the grounds of Windsor Castle, with the rose garden in the background. 

A small group of royal fans gathered outside Windsor Castle in a desperate attempt to catch a glimpse of baby Archie this morning, including royal superfan John Loughrey

A small group of royal fans gathered outside Windsor Castle in a desperate attempt to catch a glimpse of baby Archie this morning, including royal superfan John Loughrey

Crowds gathered in Windsor appeared overjoyed to watch the Changing of the Guard ahead of the royal christening today

Crowds gathered in Windsor appeared overjoyed to watch the Changing of the Guard ahead of the royal christening today

Excited fans gathered outside the castle and cheered as they watched the Changing of the Guard taking place in Windsor this morning before Archie's private christening

Excited fans gathered outside the castle and cheered as they watched the Changing of the Guard taking place in Windsor this morning before Archie’s private christening 

In the highly stylized black and white picture, the Duchess can be seen gazing at her husband while he looks down at their son.  

The couple have been criticised for posting such images, with some suggesting fans could be left ‘jaded’ if they continue to release such pictures. 

Fashion photographer Chris Allerton, who shot the wedding photographs of Harry and Meghan, said he was ‘honoured to take the official photographs at the christening’ and to ‘once again, be part of such a special and joyous occasion’. 

Harry’s former nanny Tiggy Legge Bourke was among the guests at the private event today, and was seen driving away from Windsor Castle. 

The service took place in a tiny chapel inside Windsor Castle, with many of the guests arriving discreetly by a back entrance to the grounds. 

The royal couple have refused to reveal who their son’s godparents are despite billing the public £2.4million for renovations to Frogmore cottage. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared the pictures on their official Instagram page, saying they felt 'so fortunate' to have enjoyed this day with their family

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared the pictures on their official Instagram page, saying they felt ‘so fortunate’ to have enjoyed this day with their family 

Is that a hint of ginger hair? Royal fans are divided over whether Archie looks like his dad or takes after mum Meghan 

Royal fans have reacted with joy after seeing the official photographs from Archie’s christening, but are divided over whether he looks more like his mother or his father.

Many believe they can detect a hint of ginger hair on Archie’s head, but others are convinced the two-month-old looks more like Meghan.  

One member of the public said it ‘looks like Archie is a ginger’ reacting to the snap while another said he looks just like Prince Harry.

More fans commented on his hair, with one saying he is ‘little ginger Archie’, while another said on Instagram ‘he has red hair, I can see it!’

Many Royal fans said that it 'looks like Archie is a ginger' after his proud parents released photos of his christening today

Many Royal fans said that it ‘looks like Archie is a ginger’ after his proud parents released photos of his christening today

Royal fans online have been debating whether baby Archie looks like father Prince Harry

Some are convinced he looks more like Meghan Markle in the picture

Royal fans online have been debating whether baby Archie looks more like father Prince Harry (left) or mother Meghan Markle (right) 

A third said he looked ‘mischievous’ and ‘just like his daddy’ in the family photo. Others, however, were quick to point out the resemblance to his mother.

‘He looks just like his momma’ said one while another tuned in saying the young prince looked like a ‘handsome’ boy.

Another fan said on Instagram: ‘He’s such a cutie!!! Looks a lot like Meghan too!!’ 

Taking to Instagram, fans cooed over the two-month-old saying he looked ‘very beautiful’ and ‘too cute’.

The photos mark the first time the public has got a clear view of Archie’s face.

Prince Harry and Meghan paid tribute to Archie's grandmother Diana today by sitting on the same green and gold seat that was used for Harry's christening pictures. Pictured is Princess Diana with baby Harry on a single seat from the same set

Prince Harry and Meghan paid tribute to Archie’s grandmother Diana today by sitting on the same green and gold seat that was used for Harry’s christening pictures. Pictured is Princess Diana with baby Harry on a single seat from the same set

A handful of royals fans gathered in Windsor for the event and, though excited, some suggested they have been left ‘disappointed’ that the public will not get to see any of the private ceremony or find out who has been chosen as godparents. 

Anne Daley, 63, a keen supporter of the royals for most of her life, travelled from Wales and arrived outside Windsor with her dog Camilla – who she had dressed in christening attire – at 5am on Saturday.

Baby Archie wore a gown based on an 1841 version for Queen Victoria’s first child 

At his christening today baby Archie wore a Honiton lace and white satin gown modelled on the version first used for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter.

Made in 1841, the gown was worn by the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry before it was taken out of use after Lady Louise Windsor’s baptism in 2004.

Prince George pictured wearing the same gown in October 2013

Prince George pictured wearing the same gown in October 2013 

A replica was then made by the Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly, that Prince Archie will use today.

It has previously been worn by his cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. 

And it was first used in 2008 for the christening of James, Viscount of Severn. 

Ms Daley, who also had a cake with her she had baked to mark the occasion, told PA: ‘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.’

Jon Loughrey, 64, who said he became a royal fan following the death of Diana in 1997, also expressed his disappointment.

He said: ‘I accept that it’s a private ceremony in a private chapel, but the late Princess Diana would have wanted Prince Harry to be more with the people.

‘We think highly of them and don’t want them to be isolated.

‘They’re all loved and have a lovely family. We’re very proud. But we miss Harry the golden boy. I pray for them every day.’ 

Mystery surrounded the private event, with the royal couple refusing to allow media into the event, and using a royal loophole to avoid telling public who had been chosen as godparents.  

Several experts suggested it was a disappointing move, and would upset those who loved the couple the most.  

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, suggested Prince Harry, 34, and Meghan Markle, 37, had ‘really upset the people who loved them the most’ with the move, telling the Daily Express they had ‘misinterpreted the whole situation’. 

Seward went on to reveal: ‘The secrecy and evasiveness of the whole situation has been so mismanaged. It’s a real shame.’ 

Archie, who was born in May, wore the handmade replica of the royal christening robe, made by the Queen’s dressmaker Angela Kelly, during the ceremony.

Prince Harry's former nanny Tiggy Legge Bourke was among the 25 guests at the private event in Windsor today, sparking speculation she could be one of Archie's godparents

Prince Harry’s former nanny Tiggy Legge Bourke was among the 25 guests at the private event in Windsor today, sparking speculation she could be one of Archie’s godparents

‘What’s wrong with William’s face?’ Royal fans celebrating Archie’s christening today claim the Duke of Cambridge looked ‘sour’ and ‘not amused’ in the official photographs 

Royal fans were treated to two adorable snaps of Archie Mountbatten-Windsor at his christening today – but some were left questioning his uncle’s facial expressions.

After admiring the two-month-old in his mother arms at the centre of the official photograph today, dozens couldn’t help but notice Prince William’s ‘sour’ face.

Several people took to Twitter to claim that the Duke of Cambridge, 37, did ‘not look amused’ and was ‘trying not to smirk’ in the official photograph taken in Windsor.

While others said Kate, 37, who was sat on the far right of the picture with her husband, appeared to be ‘pained’ and the pair ‘didn’t look thrilled to be there.’ 

Several people said the Duke of Cambridge, pictured behind his wife, not look amused' and was 'trying not to smirk' in the official photograph

Several people said the Duke of Cambridge, pictured behind his wife, not look amused’ and was ‘trying not to smirk’ in the official photograph

Body language expert Judi James told MailOnline William looked like he was going into ‘nightclub bouncer mode’ and Kate’s posture made her appear ‘ready to flee’. 

Baby Archie was christened in a private ceremony in Windsor today and two pictures of the day were shared with his parent’s near 9 million followers on Instagram.   

One person said ‘Prince William’s face though’ while another also called attention to the Duke’s expression by saying ‘Oh man, the look on Prince William’s face.’

Someone else said: ‘I find it funny that Prince William is trying so hard not to smirk’ and another royal fan commented: ‘Why does William have a face like a slapped a**e wouldn’t Hurt him to smile.’

Someone else mentioned the Duchess of Cambridge’s expression as well, saying she had a ‘forced smile’ in the photograph. They said: ‘William doesn’t look happy at all!! And Kate has a forced smile on her face.’

Another person added: ‘Kate doesn’t have a real smile on her face. She looks pained. William looks like he smelled something terrible. They don’t look thrilled to be there.’

Royal fans said William did not look 'happy' to be at the christening in Windsor earlier today

Royal fans said William did not look ‘happy’ to be at the christening in Windsor earlier today

While another person said: ‘Did you see how the body language was in the pic? Huge pace in between the two couples and William looks so sour in the face!’ 

Body language expert Judi James told MailOnline the Cambridges’ poses were in stark difference to Archie’s grandparents at the other end of the picture. 

She said Kate’s ‘ready to flee’ pose could show awkwardness, or a desire to ‘lower her status to not upstage’ Harry and Meghan.

While Ms James compared Prince William’s pose to a ‘nightclub bouncer’ due to his ‘fig-leaf hand gesture, head tilt and rather evaluating facial expression.’

Ms James said: ‘With a very relaxed and jolly-looking Camilla down one end of this pose, Kate sits at the other looking oddly self-diminished and prim, with her arms pulled into her torso and a part-smile on her face. 

‘Given all the rift rumours the rather “ready to flee” tension in her pose could be seen as awkwardness but it could also show a desire to lower her own status signals and not upstage the happy couple.

‘William’s pose behind her looks harder to fathom out as it seems to show the prince in nightclub bouncer mode. 

‘The fig-leaf hand gesture, head tilt and rather evaluating facial expression and knowing smile all bear the hallmarks of a man who won’t let you into the venue until you produce some ID. 

‘Harry’s chosen shot of his brother at his wedding did seem to make William look oddly furtive behind him so perhaps there’s a theme emerging here. 

‘The contrast with the proudly-beaming Charles and Doria is acute but again, it could reflect a moment of quiet, contemplative sibling pleasure for William, although it might be interesting to see if he was grinning happily in any of the shots Harry rejected.’

The Lily Font, commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert for the baptism of their first child Victoria, Princess Royal, in 1841, was used, as was water from the River Jordan.

The couple once again turned to fashion photographer Chris Allerton, who took their wedding photographs, to capture the moment.

Mr Allerton was set to take the official christening photos in Windsor Castle’s green drawing room and the pictures will be released later, Buckingham Palace said.

The date for Archie’s christening had to be pushed back by two days, after his parents discovered that both the Queen and Prince Charles had prior engagements on the first date.

While the Queen has bowed out graciously in order to spend a long planned weekend with Prince Philip in Sandringham, after a family conference it was decided that the date should be moved to accommodate Prince Charles.

He was away in Wales on the previously planned date to celebrate 50 years of him being Prince of the country. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton were seen discreetly arriving at the rear entrance of Windsor Castle ahead of the occasion

Prince William and Kate Middleton were seen discreetly arriving at the rear entrance of Windsor Castle ahead of the occasion 

Although her majesty has not been able to attend all of her great-grandchildren’s christenings, having missed Prince Louis’s baptism last year, it is understood that she would have like to be present for Prince Harry’s big celebration with his first child.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly shunned celebrities as godparents, instead turning to a close group of friends who played a key role at their wedding. 

It has emerged in recent days that the couple are using a royal loophole to ensure baby Archie’s godparents remain a secret. 

Under Church of England rules, the details of all baptisms, including the baby’s godparents, are a matter of public record and can be obtained easily for a small fee.

Royal sources have said that Meghan and Harry picked ‘close and old friends’ for the roles amid a backlash over the royal couple’s refusal to identify them because they are ‘private citizens’. 

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a red headband by London milliner Juliette Botterill and pink Stella McCartney dress to her nephew's christenig today

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a red headband by London milliner Juliette Botterill and pink Stella McCartney dress to her nephew’s christenig today

The Duchess of Cambridge stuns in pink Stella McCartney dress and red headband as her nephew Archie is FINALLY revealed 

The Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning in pink as she posed alongside other royals after baby Archie’s christening today. 

Kate, 37, wore a gorgeous pink Stella McCartney dress for the private event, which took place in a tiny chapel at Windsor Castle today. 

The royal beamed for the camera as she elegantly posed on a chair in front of her husband Prince William. 

Senior royals including Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton were among the 25 guests at the intimate ceremony today. 

Kate will no doubt be feeling emotional today as she remembers the christenings of her own children, Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 4, and Prince Louis, 1. 

The mother-of-three looked elegant in her pink knee-length dress today, which she is thought to have had since 2009 and last worn to the Queen’s Christmas lunch in 2018.

Kate’s outfit for the event was also reminiscent of the powder blue ensemble by Elie Saab she wore to Ascot last month, which also had a bow on the front.

The Duchess of Cambridge also wore a pussy bow blouse during an engagement in south London in March. This time the garment was purple and from Gucci.

To complete her look for Archie’s christening today Kate added a red headband by London milliner Juliette Botterill.

She tied the entire look together by also wearing red shoes and a pair of pearl drop earrings which stood out against her stunning brunette hair.

The christening comes as Meghan and Harry face continued and growing backlash surrounding the event, as they insisted it be kept private. 

The service took place in a tiny chapel inside Windsor Castle, with many of the guests arriving discreetly by a back entrance to the grounds. 

Harry’s touching tribute to his mother as Princess Diana’s sisters stand alongside royal family in Archie’s christening photos 

Meghan and Harry have made a touching tribute to Princess Diana by including her sisters in the official royal christening photographs.

Prince Harry’s aunts Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale stand proudly at forefront of picture, alongside Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland and Prince Charles.  

Princess Diana’s older sister Lady Jane Fellowes was one of the first to meet baby Archie, ahead of Prince Charles and Prince William, giving yet another indication of Harry’s dedication to his mother’s side of the family.

The royal couple have finally released photographs after the top secret christening today, although have still not revealed who the godparents of baby Archie are. 

Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale were at forefront of picture in a touching tribute to Princess Harry's late mother

 Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale were at forefront of picture in a touching tribute to Princess Harry’s late mother 

Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale can be seen beaming as they stand directly behind Harry and Meghan in the family photograph. 

According to The Telegraph, Lady Jane, 62, was one of the first to drop in to meet Baby Sussex, ahead of senior royals including Prince Charles, Camilla and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. 

Prince Harry has made clear that Diana has been on his mind since the birth of his son, and poignantly included her family in Archie’s official birth announcement.

Prince Harry has remained particularly close to Princess Diana’s family since her death, and invited Lady Jane to give a reading at the royal wedding last May.

Princess Diana's sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodal were among the first to meet baby Archie

Princess Diana’s sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodal were among the first to meet baby Archie 

And he made sure that Diana’s sisters had met Meghan ahead of their engagement, with the Duchess of Sussex confirming how special they are to Harry in their engagement interview in November 2017.

At the time, she mentioned how important she found meeting Harry’s aunt, as well as Princess Diana’s close friend Julia Fellowes.

Meghan said: ‘I think in being able to meet his aunts, I’m able to, in some way, know a part of her through them and of course through him. And it’s – it’s incredibly special.’

And Prince Harry and Meghan have kept Princess Diana’s family closely involved with the birth of their child.

The royal photographer who captured Archie’s christening 

Photographer and former soldier Chris Allerton will capture shots of Archie’s christening today, having previous taken private photographs for Meghan and Harry.

Allerton is said to have formed a close bond with the couple, having taken private pictures during Archie’s photocall as well as the royal wedding.  

He is said to have developed his first roll of film at just eight years old and according to his website ‘has been hooked on photography since’.

Allerton left the British Army in 2001 and went on to Lichfield Studios in Notting Hill. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their new baby at Windsor Castle

Harry and Meghan opted for this snap of them standing with their backs to the camera as their first Christmas card

One of the shots taken at Archie’s photocall (left) looked extremely similar to the one the couple used on their official Christmas card (right)

It was here that he learnt the skills needed to master professional photography.  He now travels all over the world and has clients such as Harpers Bazaar, Tatler and broadsheet newspapers. 

After taking photos at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in May last year, Allerton posted his thanks to the couple.

He said: ‘It was a great honour to be asked to photograph The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding day in May. I am delighted that Their Highnesses chose this photograph for their Christmas card.’  

The couple used their SussexRoyal account to post the photographs taken by Chris Allerton

The couple used their SussexRoyal account to post the photographs taken by Chris Allerton

Allerton had previous studies at the University of Reading, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Prior to that he attended the prestigious Stowe School in Buckinghamshire.

In 1992 he started his Army career and served there until 2001. During his time in the Army he worked for the Household Cavalry.

He was commissioned into The Life Guards, Household Cavalry, before serving in Bosnia in 1994 and Singapore and Argentina in 1995.

In the second snap the couple look adoringly at their new arrival, named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

In the second snap the couple look adoringly at their new arrival, named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

His last posting was in 1998 at the Adjutant New College at The Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst. He resigned commission in 2000.  

In 2001 he started work as a photographic director for Photographic Records. He worked there for over two years.

He then decided to start his own company Allerton Photography, which has offices in both London and Wiltshire.  

Duke and Duchess of Sussex risk leaving fans ‘jaded’ over artfully posed pictures, claims expert 

A royal expert has warned the Duke and Duchess of Sussex they risk leaving fans ‘jaded’ if they only release artfully posed shots.

Meghan, 37, and Harry, 34, have plumped for black and white pictures on a number of important occasions, including Archie’s christening photographs, official engagement shoot and their first Christmas card.  

Today the new parents chose a black and white family photo to celebrate Archie’s christening, sharing a photograph posing alongside baby Archie in Windsor Castle gardens. 

However, Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said she felt that people were becoming a ‘bit jaded’ by ‘stylised’ pictures of the newest royal. 

‘I think what people want and what people are used to seeing are lovely family images of the baby in the royal Honiton lace christening gown.

‘They won’t want an arty Instagram shot of Archie’s foot three days later if it’s left up to the couple themselves to take pictures and release them,’ she said, referring to a Mother’s Day shot issued by the couple of their son on social media.

The Duchess of Sussex is putting her own stamp on royal photos by releasing them in black and white, an expert explained. Harry and Meghan released this beautiful black and white family photo to celebrate their son's christening

The Duchess of Sussex is putting her own stamp on royal photos by releasing them in black and white, an expert explained. Harry and Meghan released this beautiful black and white family photo to celebrate their son’s christening

Speaking to Femail, photographer Glenn Gratton said Meghan is ‘image conscious’ and would have carefully thought through which photos to release of her son to make the best impression. 

He added black and white is ‘in vogue’ and is a way for the royal mother to distance her photos from the high contrast, filtered photos that flood social media feeds. 

He said: ‘Meghan’s very image conscious, she wants to make an impression. She would have put a lot of thought into the photos yesterday. 

‘It’s the first the picture of the baby and that’s going to be Googled for years and she wants to make sure it’s right. She would have thought it all through, long and hard.’

The Duchess of Sussex is putting her own stamp on royal photos by releasing them in black and white, an expert explained. Harry and Meghan released this beautiful black and white family photo to announce their son's name on Instagram

The Duchess of Sussex is putting her own stamp on royal photos by releasing them in black and white, an expert explained. Harry and Meghan released this beautiful black and white family photo to announce their son’s name on Instagram 

Mr Gratton suggested the Duchess of Sussex is perhaps more image conscious than other royals because she draws more attention than other members of the family. 

‘She’s very cautious about what she puts out there,’ he added. ‘And she has done well.’ 

Mr Gratton, who shoots black and white photos on a Leica Monochrom camera, explained that while black and white photos are far from new, they are ‘very much in vogue’ and are becoming increasingly popular. 

The Duchess of Sussex showed she is personally a fan of black and white snaps when she shared a monochrome photo of husband Prince Harry rehearsing for an Invictus Games speech during the royal tour last autumn, pictured. It was later shared on Instagram

The Duchess of Sussex showed she is personally a fan of black and white snaps when she shared a monochrome photo of husband Prince Harry rehearsing for an Invictus Games speech during the royal tour last autumn, pictured. It was later shared on Instagram 

He continued: ‘It is very complimentary on skin tones – take someone who is red-headed, or pale skinned – it is flattering for them. It just looks beautiful. It’s very forgiving.’ 

The photographer added Meghan could also be wishing to distance herself from the ‘high contrast, Instagram filtered images’ that dominate social media.   

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a statement when they released two of the three official engagement photos in black and white. 

The snaps, taken by Alexi Lubomirski, captured the couple looking loved-up in the grounds near their now-home Frogmore Cottage, in Windsor. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a statement when they released two of the three official engagement photos in black and white, including the one above

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a statement when they released two of the three official engagement photos in black and white, including the one above

Harry and Meghan also opted to have some black and white photos on their wedding day, later choosing one of them standing with their backs to the camera as their first Christmas card. 

Social media has proved an excellent platform for the couple to showcase their personal take on photography. 

The first post on their Sussex Royal account was a gallery culminating in a previously unseen black and white snap on their royal tour of Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji. 

They have since shared monochrome snaps to highlight their work and charitable causes.

The Duchess of Sussex showed she is personally a fan of black and white snaps when she shared a monochrome photo of husband Prince Harry rehearsing for an Invictus Games speech during the royal tour last autumn. 


Source link

About admin

Check Also

FIVE at FIVE: JD Sports warning; FTSE 100 rises; Royal Mail price hikes; Nvidia slips; Lloyds, Close Bros motor finance reprieve

About Proactive Proactive leads the world in up-to-the-minute, multi-media news provision, events organisation, investor relations management …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *