Meghan and Harry may HAVE to reveal Archie’s godparents due to Church of England rule
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry announced earlier this week that they would be keeping the names of baby Archie’s godparents secret.
However, a Church of England rule may mean the individuals will be revealed after all, following the two-month-old’s christening on Saturday.
Yesterday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stated that they would be keeping the baptism of their firstborn at Windsor Castle a private affair, with no media allowed to take official photos and the identities of 25 guests kept under wraps.
But the names of the godparents – who are rumoured to include Jessica Mulroney and Mark Dyer – may be unveiled in due course in keeping with the law.
This is because of a Church of England rule stating that the details of all christenings, including the names of godparents, are a matter of public record and have to be published.
In England, the details of anyone’s baptism can be viewed for a £30 fee – and Archie’s should be no different.
The Parochial Registers and Records Measure 1978 will also see other information released, including the occupations of parents and the officiating minister.
When Archie was born, Harry and Meghan chose to keep details of his birth private.
But his birth certificate eventually became a public document in line with the law, and showed that he was born at Portland Hospital in London.
However, Archie’s great grandmother, the Queen – who is Head of the Church of England – may force an exception for his christening.
The monarch could make the private chapel a Royal Peculiar, meaning it would be exempt from the jurisdiction of the diocese and therefore allow the details to be kept private.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace announced: “Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor will be christened in a small private ceremony by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday 6th July.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex look forward to sharing some images taken on the day by photographer Chris Allerton.
“The godparents, in keeping with their wishes, will remain private.”
On Saturday, the christening will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, Kate Middleton and Doria Ragland will be among those in attendance.
Earlier today, we revealed that Meghan and Harry “have fewer staff and less money” than Kate and William.
And Meghan was “always meant for big things” and it’s “amazing she’s found the platform to do it”, says Priyanka Chopra.