
This is it—you never have to feel bad for missing family gatherings ever again, because even Queen Elizabeth II says it’s okay to bow out sometimes. According to reports, the Queen will not be attending the christening of her youngest great-grandson Archie (opens in new tab) this coming Saturday, due to a prior engagement that’s been in the diary for a while.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will baptize their son Archie Harrison on Saturday July 6 at Windsor Castle. But, while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex secured the plans with Archie’s mystery godparents (opens in new tab) and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, they reportedly discovered later that the Queen sadly couldn’t make it.
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
In fact, according to reports by MailOnline (opens in new tab), Archie’s christening was originally scheduled for Friday July 7, but has already been pushed back a day in order to make sure that Prince Charles could make the celebrations. Then, as suspected previously (opens in new tab), the Queen arranged long ago to spend a peaceful and private weekend with husband Prince Philip at Sandringham. Awhhh, cute.
Before you go reading between the lines, it’s not the huge deal that headlines might have you believe. In fact, the Queen hasn’t been able to attend all of her great-grandchildren’s christenings (opens in new tab) previously, either. While she did make the big day for Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the Queen also missed Prince Louis’ baptism last year (opens in new tab). It's no real biggie but, according to sources, the Queen “would have liked to be present for the first big celebration for Harry’s first child.”
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
Royal reporter Rebecca English said that "sources close to Harry and Meghan insist the Queen is ‘happy’ with the decision and was understanding of their keenness to see their son christened sooner rather than later… While this was the best weekend for friends and family coming over from the US, they did just really want to hold the christening as soon as possible, before everyone disappears for the summer.”
Meghan’s guests for her son’s christening will likely include Lindsay Roth and Genevieve Hillis, two of the Duchess’s oldest BFFs from her time at Northwestern University. The two friends accompanied Meghan to Wimbledon on Thursday (opens in new tab).
Yikes, sorry mom, I can't make dinner next week. I have to go to Sandringham...
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORY
Lucy Wood spends most of her time writing about celebrity news, reading books, and waiting for the glorious day that she have enough millions for a pet sloth. She also has a YouTube channel on the go where she pretends to know things about fashion and life advice.
-
We Can’t Stop Laughing at Prince George Cringing Over Little Brother Prince Louis’ Antics at the Platinum Jubilee
Will we see more Louis hijinks at the Coronation?
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Despite Their Requests, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Have “No Chance” of Appearing on the Buckingham Palace Balcony After King Charles’ Coronation, Royal Expert Says
The saga continues.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
If Prince Harry Does Attend the Coronation, He Will Avoid Bowing to Queen Consort Camilla
Plans are being drawn up to avoid the potentially awkward moment.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince George and Prince Louis Are "Protective" of Mom Kate in Mother's Day Photos, Body Language Expert Says
They have such a sweet relationship.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Attend the Coronation? What We Know at This Stage
Talk about a cliffhanger.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Once Joked He Might Have Worn "A Comedy Beard and a Hat" to Attend a Concert Incognito
OMG, imagine.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royal Photographer Says Prince George Is "Like William," Prince Louis Is "Like Harry"
Tell me you don't see it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie Is Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Example With Her Official Announcements, Historian Says
They're in a similar-ish position.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Status of Prince Harry and Meghan's Coronation Invitation Is a Real "Mess," Royal Commentator Says
Yep, none of this is easy.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle Made $80K Per Year With The Tig, But Could Make Much More With a Relaunch: Branding Expert
It could be a smart business move for the duchess.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate "Asserted Her Authority" Over Prince William During St. Patrick's Day Appearance, Body Language Expert Says
He laid low to let her shine.
By Iris Goldsztajn