Royal baby: How christening of Meghan and Harry’s son could break with tradition

Harry and Meghan’s baby son is expected to wear the christening gown that has been worn by royal babies for generations. But the child’s baptism could have a few surprises.

Of all the royal traditions Harry and wife Meghan broke with the birth of their first child, there’s one they will follow to the letter ... the christening gown.

Baby Sussex is expected at his christening to wear the Honiton gown, the original of which was worn by 62 royal babies over 163 years before it was decommissioned.

In 2004, the Queen ordered the creation of an exact replica, which was first worn by the son of Prince Edward and wife Sophie, baby James, Viscount Severn, during his baptism in 2008.

Prince William and Catherine’s children Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 4, and Prince Louis, 1, have all worn it since.

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Prince George wore the Honiton gown at his christening in 2013. Picture: Getty

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said there was no doubt Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex would be sticking with the baptismal traditions, even if they break with tradition in other areas.

“The christening will be with the Archbishop of Canterbury, with water from the River Jordan and the Lily Font,” he said.

“Emphatically, those traditions will remain the same.”

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Meghan and Harry may break with tradition when it comes to the location of their child’s christening. Picture: AP

Majesty Magazine’s Joe Little agreed it was likely baby Sussex would wear the gown during its christening, but said the location may be a surprise.

Prince Harry and Prince William were christened at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, Prince George and Prince Louis in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace and Princess Charlotte at St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham.

Princess Charlotte also wore the gown as did her younger brother Prince Louis. Picture: AFP

“They’re not rebelling in any way; they’re just doing things their own way,” Mr Little said.

“Harry will never dissociate himself from his royal background. Family traditions will continue you can be pretty sure of that.

“As to where the baby is christened, that may be less traditional.”

The christening could be a prime opportunity for the public to get a glimpse of the infant with both Mr Little and Mr Fitzwilliams predicting baby Sussex would largely be kept out of the limelight.

“It may be a while before we see the baby,” Mr Little said.

“We don’t see a huge amount of George, Charlotte and Louis, rather what William and Kate want to show us.

“We got photos when they were christened and we occasionally get official photos.

“Most of the time they’re left in peace.”