ROYAL baby Archie will be christened in Windsor Castle today — with dad Harry the driving force in keeping the godparents’ names hush-hush. The Church of England confirmed yesterday that taxpayer-funded Harry and Meghan will file the birth in a secret royal register. The lavish service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Bookies […]
ROYAL baby Archie will be christened in Windsor Castle today — with dad Harry the driving force in keeping the godparents’ names hush-hush.
The Church of England confirmed yesterday that taxpayer-funded Harry and Meghan will file the birth in a secret royal register.
The lavish service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Bookies have slashed the odds on Guy Pelly and Jessica Mulroney becoming baby Archie’s godparents at his lavish christening today.
Two university pals of Meghan — Lindsay Roth and Genevieve Hillis — with her at Wimbledon this week, are also in the frame.
But despite footing the £2.4million bill for Harry and Meghan’s Frogmore Cottage renovation, taxpayers may never learn who the godparents are.
Their names normally are publicly registered. But The Sun understands Harry wants all details kept private.
And yesterday the Church of England confirmed the Sussexes will file eight-week-old Archie’s birth in a register kept privately by the Royal Family.
A source close to the couple said: “People might think Meghan responsible for this whole privacy thing but it is Harry leading the charge. He wants Archie to be a private citizen in every way possible.”
Just 25 guests will see the Archbishop of Canterbury christen Archie at Windsor Castle. The Queen and Prince Philip will be absent at Sandringham.
Graham Smith, of anti-monarchy group Republic, said the secrecy move was an example of Harry and Meghan “bending the law to their wishes rather than having it applied equally”.
He added: “If they keep spending our millions and don’t play the game they are going to find themselves less popular than they have ever been.”
PR expert Mark Borkowski added: “This is what you’d expect a Hollywood A-lister to do — be antagonist to the traditional system and not engaging with media in any way.
“It is certainly a declaration that they’ll go to any lengths to protect their privacy.”
JESSICA Mulroney, Canadian fashion stylist.
Lindsay Roth, author and TV producer, Meghan was her maid of honour.
Genevieve Hillis, helped organise Meghan’s New York baby shower.
Misha Nonoo, US fashion designer and close friend.
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan’s sister-in-law.
Serena Williams, American tennis star.
Tiggy Pettifer, Harry’s former nanny.
Amal Clooney, wife of George.
Benita Litt, pal of Meghan’s whose daughters were bridesmaids last year.
Violet von Westenholz, Linked up the Sussexes for a blind date in 2016.
The Palace said yesterday: “Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor will be christened in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle. The godparents, in keeping with their wishes, will remain private.”
The Church of England said: “Under the Parochial Registers and Records Measure 1978 all baptisms must be registered and the record made is normally publicly available.
“However the register to be used in this case is held privately by the royal household . . . and we understand that it has never complied with the usual requirement.”
GUY Pelly, Harry’s best friend who ran a string of saucy nightclubs.
Charlie Van Straubenzee, below, old pal of Harry and William.
Mark Dyer, known fondly as Harry’s second father.
George Clooney, Hollywood star.
Nicholas Van Cutsem, godfather to Prince Louis.
Tom Inskip, once dubbed Harry’s party wingman.
Jake Warren, a godson of Princess Diana.
Mike Tindall, below, former England rugby player married to Harry’s cousin Zara
