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Public divided over Harry and Meghan's decision to 'keep Archie's christening private'

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29:  Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex look on during the pre-game ceremonies before the MLB London Series game between Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees at London Stadium on June 29, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene - Pool/Getty Images)
Meghan joined Harry at the Yankees and Red Sox baseball game in London. [Photo: Getty]

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son Archie will be christened in a private ceremony at Windsor Castle on Saturday 6 July, according to reports.

It’s understood that only around 25 guests will be present at the service, Mail Online reports. The Queen is not set to be among them as she has prior commitments.

Meghan and Harry also want to keep the baptism ‘completely private,’ with photos to be released afterwards.

While royal christenings have always remained private, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have allowed the media to capture their arrival with all three of their children.

According to The Sunday Times, Archie’s parents are determined to raise him as a “private citizen” and images will not be released instantly.

It comes days after it was revealed that renovations for the Meghan and Harry’s new home Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, cost taxpayers £2.4m.

The Sussexes’ decision appears to have divided social media users.

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One user said: “As parents I think the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a right to christen Archie in private, but as Royal's the public deserve the right to see Archie's christening - especially when £2.4 million of taxpayers’ money being used to fund their life [sic].”

Another said: “I’m a huge royalist but having Archie’s christening done privately is a massive mistake. I’m all for raising their son out of the media spotlight but when the public have been charged £2.4 million to renovate their home to be ready for his arrival I can see why people are annoyed.”

READ MORE: Meghan Markle breaks maternity leave for Red Sox versus Yankees baseball game with Prince Harry

Others pointed out that Meghan and Harry are right to stick to their decision to keep their son out of the public eye, especially as he is only seventh in line to the throne.

One Twitter user said: “We don’t need arrival pics. What for? The christening is about Baby Archie, not the people who attend. After the christening, pictures will be released. That’s more than enough.”

Meghan and Harry gave the world its first glimpse of their newborn son, two days after his birth, during a brief photocall at Windsor Castle.

To celebrate US Mother’s Day, the Sussexes released a photo of new mum Meghan holding Archie, with just his toes visible in the Instagram post.

The public got another glimpse of the royal tot on Father’s Day, when the couple released a sepia-toned snap of Harry holding Archie in his arms.

Meghan made a surprise appearance on Saturday night as she joined Harry at the New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox baseball game at the London Stadium.