Meghan and Harry attacked for 'having it both ways' with private christening

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's decision to keep Archie’s christening behind closed doors has been branded a 'mistake'.

The Duke, 34, and Duchess of Sussex, 37, are said to be planning a private baptism for their baby son next week at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

But eyebrows have been raised over their choice to keep it from royal fans as it comes days after it was revealed the public footed the couple's £2.4million bill for renovating their home, Frogmore Cottage .

Penny Junor, who has penned a biography on Prince Harry , branded making the private christening a "mistake" and said the Duke and Duchess "can't have it both ways".

She told the Sunday Times : "Either they are totally private, pay for their own house and disappear out of view or play the game the way it is played.

"Seeing Archie and his godparents arriving at the christening is what people are interested in; it isn't baring your baby's soul, just giving the public who love and support them a crumb to enjoy. "

She added: "Many people don't understand why they are paying nearly £3million for Harry and Meghan's house, so in terms of public relations it would be a good quid pro quo for the pair to briefly show Archie off."

It is a huge blow for fans of the couple who rejoice at every update and picture the couple share of their son.

Action group Republic, which calls for the monarchy to be abolished, posted on Twitter after the news broke: "They want to raise Archie as a private citizen? Good, that should also mean no taxpayer subsidies."

Archie was pictured in a photocall two days after his birth, but has since only been seen in a sepia-tinged picture posted on Instagram on Father's Day.

A source told the Sunday Times that privacy is "more precious" to Harry than most other royals, and added: "As Archie is not an HRH he feels he has every right to strictly police his son's privacy."

In contrast cameras and select members of the public were invited to the christenings of Prince William and Kate Middleton's children, George, Charlotte and Louis.

Archie will be christened next Saturday at St George's Chapel in Windsor - where his parents married last year.

Meghan's mum Doria Ragland will fly over from the US, while William and Kate will be in attendance, as will Charles and Camilla.

The Queen is said to not be attending as she has prior commitments.

She also missed great-grandson Prince Louis' christening last year for a similar reason.

Yesterday, Harry and Meghan met members of the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees baseball teams in Stratford, east London, where teams presented them with presents for their son.

Tennis star Serena Williams is tipped to be godmother alongside Meghan's pal Jessica Mulroney, Hello reports .

Source: Mirror

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