Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘need to be more visible’ like the Queen, royal commentator claims
A ROYAL author has slammed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to keep Archie’s christening private.
Royal expert Robert Hardman said the couple would “do well” to take a leaf out of the Queen’s book in being “seen to be believed”.
He cited the 1969 behind-the-scenes documentary Royal Family, and said the programme gave the public a “delightful, unscripted snapshot" of royal life.
Robert wrote on the : “Fast forward 50 years to another royal gathering and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have drawn up plans for this weekend’s rigorously ‘private’ christening of their son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle.
“They would do well to dust off a copy of this remarkable programme from the Royal Film Archive to remind themselves how the Royal Family has previously juggled the public/private work/life balance — while still keeping everyone happy.”
The royal expert argued that the “small, private, human touches” of the documentary resonated with the public due to its “charm” and “honesty” of the famous family.
They [Prince Harry and Meghan Markle] should also be mindful of one of her [the Queen's] great maxims: ‘I have to be seen to be believed'
Royal expert Robert Hardman
He argued that the decision to keep the christening “off-limits” suggests that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are doing the opposite of the documentary.
This includes withholding back the names of the godparents.
Robert praised the royal family for their decision over the years to do “walkabouts”, and said they have cultivated a relationship that has “never strayed into over-familiarity” but has “always felt genuine on both sides.”
He added of the christening: “The Sussexes would do well to take note.
“In embracing modern media, of course, Harry and Meghan are following the Queen’s example 50 years ago. But they should also be mindful of one of her great maxims: ‘I have to be seen to be believed.’”
ARCHIE'S PRIVATE CHRISTENING PLANS
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released details about the christening, revealing the highly anticipated ceremony will take place on Saturday.
The new parents also announced they will release official photos from the day some time in the future.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will christen the royal baby at the Private Chapel in Windsor Castle, and the couple have asked photographer Chris Allerton to take pictures.
A statement, released by Buckingham Palace, reads: "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 6 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."
The couple are determined to keep their son a “private citizen”, with sources confirming they plan a media-free baptism.
The service will only be witnessed by around 25 guests, reported.
MORE ON THE ROYAL FAMILY
We shared how Meghan Markle won’t parade Archie on Africa tour to avoid the burden Prince Harry had, royal author claims.
We also revealed how the Queen is astonished and very impressed by "Hurricane" Meghan’s work ethic, a royal author claims.
In more Royal Family news, Meghan Markle's secret "dearest UK friend" has been revealed as a very private publicist who works for David Beckham.
The Sun Says
HARRY and Meghan surfed a wave of adulation when the world watched them wed. In 14 months they have, regrettably, blown it.
Their privacy fixation makes us doubt they grasp the contract between the Royals and the rest of us who fund them.
Baby Archie will be christened tomorrow in private. His parents will deign to release a photo at some point. Can we at least know his godparents? No.
Harry and Meghan may want to raise Archie away from the spotlight. But he’s still seventh in line to the throne. This is secrecy for secrecy’s sake. They are making a point. So let’s make ours.
If the couple still want taxpayers to fund their fabulous lifestyle — and spend £2.4million doing up their house — they must play the game. Is there no sensible adviser they listen to?
Because they need to fundamentally rethink their approach and see the damage they are doing to the Royals’ image.