Why Did Only Some Members of the Royal Family Attend Archie's Christening? A Closer Look at the Decision

Archie Mountbatten-Windsor's christening on August 11, 2018, was a topic of much discussion within the British royal family and among the public. The choice of what seemed to be a private and intimate setting, on a Saturday, and without certain key family members was a point of scrutiny and speculation. Was it a deliberate decision, or did the royal family simply mishandle the logistics?

Understanding the Decision

To start, the decision to have a private baptism was a royal tradition. The choice of the Queen's private chapel in Windsor Castle, a small and intimate space, set the tone for a personal ceremony rather than a public event. However, the deviation from more conventional venues like the Chapel Royal at St. James's Palace or St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle added to the intrigue.

The decision to have the ceremony on a Saturday was a strategic choice. It avoided clashing with William and Kate's presence at their home in Norfolk. Furthermore, the family did not check the diaries of various members, including Harry's relatives and the Queen herself, leading to some scheduling conflicts. This oversight added to the sense that the decision was not thoroughly planned.

Panic and Last-Minute Alterations

The most significant issue was the last-minute scheduling. The Queen and Prince Philip, who were still in good health, were listed to have other engagements that day. Additionally, The Princess Royal and her daughter Zara also had scheduled activities. Had these engagements been checked, the date would likely have been changed to avoid conflicts.

Moreover, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was due to be in York for the General Synod, had to adjust his plans due to the royal family's last-minute decision. This change caused disruption and raised questions about the thoroughness of their planning.

Speculations and Controversies

The decision-making process behind the christening has led to various speculations and controversies. Some rumors suggest that the royal family was trying to avoid certain family members due to personal or political reasons. For instance, Prince Andrew, Harry's uncle, would have attended, but there were concerns about his behavior and the impact of his actions on the family.

Others speculated about the possibility of surrogacy, especially considering Meghan Markle's health history. Public statements suggesting she had a hysterectomy at the age of 26, combined with the appearance of a "moveable baby bump" during a baby shower, fueled these speculations. However, the truth remains cloudy, and this has been a controversial topic among the public.

Conclusion

While the decision to have a private and intimate christening was a royal tradition, the lack of thorough planning and the exclusion of certain family members raise questions about the intentions behind the decision. The scheduling issues and the need for last-minute adjustments suggest that the planning process was less meticulous than it should have been. This incident has added to the public debate and scrutiny of the royal family's practices and decisions.

Ultimately, the christening of Archie Mountbatten-Windsor was a mix of royal traditions and personal choices that sparked both admiration and criticism. The story continues to be a subject of public interest and discussion.