On July 6, 2019, Master Archie Harrison Mountbatton-Windsor, son to the Duke & Duchess of Sussex was christened in the Queen’s private chapel at Windsor Castle. Although his Great Grandmother, the Monarch was not in attendance, multiple other members of his family circle were present. Included in the mix was his grandmother’s sisters. A lovely & perhaps unexpected for many sight indeed.
The public got a glimpse of family in attendance via the official photograph released on the Their Royal Highnesses’ @SussexRoyal Instagram page. Of course the True King of Frogmore Cottage (Sorry Harry) sat on his throne for the next few years-Meghan’s lap. His Father, Prince Harry set beside his wife & child on the very royal couch his mother set with him after his christening. Also present, The Actual Next Monarch & his wife Prince Charles & Duchess Camilla held their rightful places in the picture. The Future King & Queen Consort, the Cambridges were there too. These four represented Master Archie’s rightful heritage as a member of the Windsor British Royal Family.
The ladies bookmarked by the future Kings of England, however, were of the most significance in my opinion. Meghan’s mother & Prince Harry’s aunts on his grandmother’s side rounded out the picture. Of course, Her Nubian Flyness, Ms. Doria Ragland, Queen of California came back to England unnoticed by UK press. She stood regally beside the Prince of Wales & behind the son she never before had. Quite significantly present in the official photo were Princess Diana’s sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes. These ‘non royal’ women hold a very important place in Master Archie’s pedigree as well.
Minimalist Royal Watchers such as myself would forget that Princes William & Harry have ‘an other side’ because of the laser focus of the Windsors. Even though the BRF is often presented as a one sided entity, the decedents have family extended from both the Royal side and their other parent. One can suppose that the most famous ‘other parent’ in Windsor history was Princess Diana. ‘Lady Di’ is a member of the Spencer household.
For historians, that family has a long aristocratic history that Archie will indeed learn about throughout his years. In the case of his christening & indeed his parents’ wedding in 2018, Prince Harry is showing his son & the broader world that his mother’s memory will always be honored in significant points in his life. Although the Spencer sisters had their ups & downs, Harry has made strides to have a relationships with his aunts. With their presence in his wedding, the birth announcement, & now the Christening photo, he is also assuring Archie that you son may have a last name combining your Royal Great Grandparents’ adopted last names but Spencer runs in your blood. You will know this family (Harry has several royal cousins including one gorgeous dark haired-well never mind) & you will conduct your life in honor of both your Grandparents’ legacies. In a world where one side of your family is revered all over the world & the connection to the other has passed away, it is refreshing to see Prince Harry ensure he doesn’t ignore the connection to the Spencers.
