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Adorable Archie stars in two gorgeous royal christening photos

Prince Harry and Meghan shared two glimpses of their special day—a formal photo posing with close family members and a more candid shot with their royal cutie.

Adorable Archie stars in two gorgeous royal christening photos

Photo: Chris Allerton © Sussex Royal

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have kept their firstborn Archie Harrison's royal christening  on July 6 private, but that doesn't mean fans didn't get a glimpse of the adorable two-month-old! The new parents shared two photos from the little royal's big day on their Instagram, @SussexRoyal, showing their little bundle dressed in the family's traditional christening gown while posing with his parents and close family members. And all we can say is: those cheeks!

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are so happy to share the joy of this day with members of the public who have been incredibly supportive since the birth of their son," the couple said in their  caption. "They thank you for your kindness in welcoming their first born and celebrating this special moment."

The Honiton christening gown that Archie and his Cambridge cousins donned at their baptisms is a replica of the heirloom 1841 version worn by 62 past royal babies—including proud papa Prince Harry, who looked sharp in a light grey suit. On the heels of her day out at Wimbledon, Meghan was beaming in her white Christian Dior midi dress and matching hat.

The stunning photos were taken by fashion and portrait photographer Chris Allerton. One shows the family posing formally in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, with sweet Archie gazing at the camera on his mom's lap, surrounded by grandpa Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Prince William and Kate, Meghan's mom Doria Ragland and Princess Diana's sisters—Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale. A second, more candid shot shows Meghan snuggling baby Archie in her arms and looking at her husband while Harry stares lovingly at his son.

The royal cutie, who was born on May 6, was officially welcomed into the Church of England in an intimate ceremony at the Queen's private chapel in Windsor Castle—though the monarch wasn't able to make her eighth great-grandchild's christening due to a prior commitment. Just like his cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, Archie was baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury (who also christened him mama Meghan last year ahead of her royal wedding!).  Keeping with family tradition, water from the River Jordan was used to christen the royal family's newest member.

After the service, the group of less than 25 close friends and family—including the godparents, whose names are being kept private—probably followed another royal tradition: eating the top tier of the parents' lemon elderflower wedding cake. Prince William and Kate served up carefully preserved slices from their 2011 wedding at all three of their children's christenings. (Super sweet or a tad gross? We're not sure.)

While we don't know exactly which friends were on hand to toast little Archie, we have some good guesses! When Meghan popped by Wimbledon to watch her bestie Serena Williams play in the famed tennis tournament, she was flanked by two of her close college pals: Lindsay Roth and Genevieve Hillis, who co-hosted the duchess's New York baby shower earlier this year. Jessica Mulroney, whose kids were part of Meghan's bridal party, also dropped a major hint that she's headed across the pond, taking to Instagram to lament being away from her littles for a while.

And one person we know was only there in spirit is Serena, who said in a press conference after her second-round match that she'll be working and Meghan understands these kinds of commitments. But she did promise little Archie a "big sister" in her one-year-old daughter, Olympia. And what about a tennis coach? "I don’t know, I’m actually working on Olympia’s game so maybe she can give tips to him."

Since we didn't get to see the family arriving for Archie's royal christening, check out the highlights from Prince Louis' baptism last summer:

Prince Louis’s sweetest moments from his christening

Laughing Louis

Surprise! On July 16, just hours after releasing the four official christening photos, William and Kate released one more picture—a sweet one of Louis laughing in his mom’s arms. “The Duke and Duchess hope that everyone enjoys this lovely photograph of Prince Louis as much as they do,” the couple said.” We sure do!

Prince Louis laughing while being held by Kate MiddletonPhoto: Matt Porteous

The whole family

On July 15, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released four official christening photos including this sweet one of the whole extended family. Look at George’s sweet grin!

The extended family smiling in an official photo for Prince Louis's christeningPhoto: Matt Holyoak

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The royal siblings

This lovely photo is of just the royals and it’s quite clear Charlotte is besotted with her baby brother, as she gazes at him and holds his hand. And George is once again stealing the show with his cheeky smile!

The royal family in an official photo for Prince Louis's christeningPhoto: Matt Holyoak

Look who’s awake

Little Louis slept through his whole christening but he clearly woke up during the tea at Clarence House. This photo of mother and son was taken in the gardens.

Kate Middleton smiling down at Prince Louis in the gardens of Clarence HousePhoto: Matt Holyoak

Family portrait

The final photo is a lovely one of the new family of five. Clearly Kate is in love with her new baby. And look at Charlotte’s sweet pose. 

The Cambridge family at Prince Louis's christeningPhoto: Matt Holyoak

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Hi, Louis

Prince Louis was sound asleep in his mom’s arms when he arrived to his christening at The Chapel Royal, St. James’s Palace on July 9. This is the first time we’ve seen the 11-week-old prince since William and Kate released a sweet photo of him getting a kiss from his big sister Charlotte. He’s gotten so big and he looks so much like his mum.

Prince Louis sleeping at his christeningPhoto: Dominic Lipinski/Pool Photo via AP

Proud mum

The Duchess of Cambridge was beaming as she carried her son into the chapel. She was wearing a white Alexander McQueen dress with a Jane Taylor headpiece. She has chosen white or cream McQueen outfits for all of her children’s christenings which is such a lovely tradition. 

Kate Middleton smiling while holding a sleeping Prince LouisPhoto: Dominic Lipinski/Pool Photo via AP

Family of five

This is the very first photo we have of the Cambridges as a family of five—and it’s hilarious. Charlotte clearly means business, George may be plotting something (or he just ate a sour candy) and Kate is just hoping to make it through the next 40 minutes without incident. Oh, and Louis is sleeping through it all. Hey, Uncle Harry! 

The Cambridge family walking into Prince Louis's christeningPhoto: Dominic Lipinski/Pool Photo via AP

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Mother and son

And Kate is still smiling. She clearly can’t contain her happiness. The Duchess described her son as “very relaxed and peaceful” and remarked “I hope he stays like this.” Can we also please admire her amazing headpiece? 

Kate Middleton smiling and looking down at a sleeping Prince LouisDominic Lipinski/Pool Photo via AP

The royal robe

Before entering the chapel, Catherine spoke to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby who would be performing her son’s christening. You’ll notice Louis is in a gorgeous christening gown designed by Angela Kelly—the Queen’s dresser. The gown is a replica of the royal christening robe that was made in 1841 for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria. That gown was retired in 2008 in order to preserve it and all royal children since (including George and Charlotte) have worn this one.

Kate Middleton holding Prince Louis and talking to the Archbishop of CanterburyPhoto: Dominic Lipinski/Pool Photo via AP

A souvenir for Charlotte

Kate is stilll beaming at her little prince, but we can’t help but notice that Charlotte took a little something from her brother’s christening—the program! What a cutie. And George has his tongue out—he does make the funniest facial expressions. The family is headed back to Clarence House for a spot of tea and cake—seven-year-old cake, in fact. The Duke and Duchess are serving one of the tiers from their wedding cake to guests. Their wedding cake was a fruit cake which only gets better with age. I wonder how many more tiers William and Kate have stocked away for christenings—maybe one more for a fourth royal baby?

The Cambridge family leaving Prince Louis's christeningPhoto: Dominic Lipinski/Pool Photo via AP

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Matching in blue

Prince George and Princess Charlotte were matching in blue—and they also matched their dad’s blue suit and tie. But it seemed like the 40-minute ceremony was a tad bit long for them as they came out looking a little bored. Hopefully the fruit cake can lift their spirits!

Prince George and Princess Charlotte leaving Prince Louis's ChristeningPhoto: Dominic Lipinski/Pool Photo via AP

Is it time for a nap yet?

It looks like Charlotte might need a nap—but she will never let go of her beloved program!

Princess Charlotte holding a program after Prince Louis's christeningPhoto: Dominic Lipinski/Pool Photo via AP

Read more:
Meghan Markle's home birth reportedly didn't go according to plan
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  announce their royal baby's name

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