Prince Harry’s ‘wingman’ Charlie van Straubenzee is revealed as Archie’s godparent – but royals still refuse to reveal others
PRINCE Harry's wingman Charlie van Straubenzee has been revealed as one of baby Archie's godparents.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex yesterday gushed how "fortunate" they felt to have shared their eight-week-old son's christening with his godparents - but refused to release their names.
But The Sunday Times has since claimed Harry's close friend Charlie van Straubenzee has been named as godfather.
The pair had first met at Ludgrove Prep School in Berkshire, becoming close and they attended the Rugby World Cup together in 2015.
Charlie, an investment executive, was among the 600 guests invited to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding at Windsor last year - giving a cheeky toast poking fun at the duke's ginger hair.
Meghan, 37, and Harry, 34, attended Charlie's wedding to Daisy Jenks in Frensham in May last year.
Another close pal thought to be given the role of godparent is Harry's beloved childhood nanny Tiggy Legge Bourke, who was also among the intimate gathering of 25 to mark Archie's christening at Windsor yesterday.
Tiggy became close with Harry as he grew up, having been employed by his dad after the future king and Princess Diana split.
And the former nursery school teacher - who once called Harry and William "my babies" - could now be closer with the royals than ever with the possible appointment.
Harry had also made sure to introduce Meghan to Tiggy after he started to date the former US actress, with a source saying the pair "got on famously".
Princess Diana's sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale are also included in the Royal Family photo released by the palace - perhaps hinting they could have been given godparent roles.
Other potential top candidates for the roles include former publicist Izzy May and SoHo House director Markus Anderson, who attended the couple's wedding.
Canadian-born Anderson, 41, became close with Meghan while they lived in Toronto - even heading to the Invictus Games closing ceremony in 2017.
Meanwhile Ms May, 41, is said to have become close to Meghan through SoHo House.
In an Instagram post marking little Archie's christening, the caption read: "Their Royal Highnesses feel fortunate to have enjoyed this day with family and the godparents of Archie."
Potential godmothers
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.
Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Princess Diana's sisters
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.
Izzy May, private publicist
But despite footing the £2.4million bill for Harry and Meghan’s Frogmore Cottage renovation, taxpayers may never officially learn who the godparents are.
Usually, the identity of godparents are a matter of public record under Church of England rules, and can be obtained easily for a small fee.
But Archie’s will remain secret after his mum and dad took advantage of a loophole for royals.
Bookies have slashed the odds on Guy Pelly and Jessica Mulroney becoming baby Archie’s godparents.
The Sun understands Harry wants all details kept private.
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.”
Possible godfathers
GUY Pelly, Harry’s best friend who ran a string of saucy nightclubs.
Charlie Van Straubenzee, left, old pal of Harry and William.
Mark Dyer, known fondly as Harry’s second father.
George Clooney, right, 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, centre, former England rugby player married to Harry’s cousin Zara.
Markus Anderson, SoHo House director
HOW THE DAY UNFOLDED
Eight-week-old Archie was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Windsor Castle yesterday, in front of a close group of just 25 friends and family.
One black and white photograph shows the little boy cradled in the arms of mum Meghan, 37, as doting dad Harry, 34, puts his arm around the pair.
He is wrapped in the handmade replica of the 1841 Royal Christening Robe.
Royal commentators couldn’t help but notice how similar the baby is to his father Harry — thanks partly to an emerging mop of red hair.
Sharing the two adorable snaps, the palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to share the happiness of this day, and would like to thank everyone around the world for their ongoing support.
"They feel so fortunate to have enjoyed this special moment with family and Archie’s godparents."
The photographs were taken by Chris Allerton in the Green Drawing Room - where Meghan and Harry posed for their official royal wedding snaps - and the Rose Garden at Windsor Castle.
Mr Allerton said: "I am honoured to take the official photographs at the christening of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, and to once again, be part of such a special and joyous occasion for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex."
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attracted attention for the wrong reason, with a body language expert revealing the pair appeared uncomfortable in the family snap.
Members of the St George’s Chapel Choir performed at the ceremony as the seventh-in-line to the throne was baptised in a spectacular £11,000 Lily Font with water from the River Jordan and christened in the same royal gown Kate Middleton's children wore.
The Queen and Prince Philip were absent from the ceremony, having already made plans to spend the week together at Sandringham after Her Majesty's annual Holyrood Week in Scotland.
Tweeters face up to tot's traits
FANS on social media debated whether Archie looks more like his mum or dad — or both.
Royal fans were delighted when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released two new images of baby Archie, to celebrate the two-month-old's christening.
And the snaps seem to have caused a divide, with fans unable to decide whether Archie looks more like his mum or dad.
Hundreds are convinced Archie is "the spitting image" of his dad, while some are adamant he has a likeness to Meghan.
Others were sure he's a "perfect mixture" of both, with one tweeting: "He might have Meghan's lips but definitely not her nose.
"Archie is the perfect mixture of both his parents."
Another said the royal has Meghan's "eyes and lips" with Harry's "nose and hair".
(Left image: Baby Harry; Right image: Baby Meghan)
MOST READ IN NEWS
The couple have given the public just a few glimpses of little Archie since he was born in May.
Meghan and Harry gushed over their "amazing" son as they presented him to the world just days after his birth.
And they released a sweet photograph of the little boy on Father's Day, as well as a stylised pic of Meghan holding his foot to mark Mother's Day.
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