Prince Harry's Son Archie to be baptized with water from the Jordan River
The christening will be held in the Queen's private chapel in Windsor Castle.
By HANNAH BROWNBritain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex hold their baby son, who was born on Monday morning, during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, Britain May 8, 2019(photo credit: DOMINIC EBENBICHLER/REUTERS)
Nothing is too good for Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor – the newest member of the British royal family – so at his christening on July 6, holy water from the Jordan River will likely be used.Being baptized with water from this river is a royal family tradition. Archie is the son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Born on May 6 and the first royal baby to be part African-American, he is expected to be baptized using water from the same source that was part of the ceremonies for his cousins: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, the children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton.Some Christians believe that this is where Jesus was baptized by Saint John. Millions of pilgrims immerse themselves in the river each year, both on the Israeli and Jordanian sides, to demonstrate repentance for their sins.The christening will be a private event, held in the Queen’s private chapel in Windsor Castle, with only 25 guests in attendance. Photos will be released to the press following the event. Reportedly, this break from tradition has caused a flap at Buckingham Palace.In another unusual development for Archie, it was announced that he will be the youngest royal to represent Britain abroad, when he accompanies his parents on a trip to South Africa in the fall.Archie is the son of Meghan Markle, a divorced American actress best known for starring in the series Suits, whose own mother is of African-American descent. He is seventh in line to the throne.Contrary to popular belief, Archie is not actually the first mixed-race royal, since the daughter of one of the Queen’s cousins married a man who was of New Zealand Maori descent.
