Why Wasn’t Queen Elizabeth II at Baby Archie’s Christening?


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s newborn Archie Mountbatten-Windsor was christened in a private ceremony at Windsor Castle’s Private Chapel on July 6. The royal tot was baptized in front of close friends and family members, including Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Princess Diana’s sisters — Sarah McCorquodale and Jane Fellowes — and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. However, two important royals were noticeably missing from the scene: Queen Elizabeth II, 93, and husband Prince Philip, 98.

Similar to Prince Louis’s christening last year, Queen Elizabeth had to skip Archie’s big day. Her absence is reportedly due to a previously scheduled trip to Sandringham. Days prior to the baby’s christening, the queen had a handful of commitments, such as hosting a garden party in Scotland and meeting with the country’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. Soon, she’ll also appear at the opening of Royal Papworth Hospital’s new location, as well as visit the National Institute of Agricultural Botany and attend a lunch at Queen’s College. Evidently, she has quite the busy schedule. Meanwhile, Prince Philip — who retired from public duty in 2017 — doesn’t take part in as many royal events.

Image Source: Getty / Chris Jackson / Chris Allerton

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