Christening of Harry and Meghan’s son Archie caused chaos for Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

Christening of Harry and Meghan’s son Archie caused chaos for Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby as they chose to baptise him during General Synod

  • Justin Welby pulled out of the Saturday session of the meeting in York in 2019
  • Bishops only learnt why he was absent after Palace officials released pictures
  • They initially chose July 5 but Queen and Charles busy so moved it to next day

The Archbishop of Canterbury was forced to leave the most important meeting in the Church of England calendar because the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose to baptise their son during the General Synod.

Senior clerics were mystified when, without explanation, Justin Welby pulled out of the Saturday session of the four-day meeting in York in July 2019.

Such was the secrecy surrounding the christening of Harry and Meghan’s son Archie that senior bishops only learnt why the Archbishop was absent after Palace officials released two photographs after the service.

The Archbishop of Canterbury was forced to leave the most important meeting in the Church of England calendar because the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose to baptise their son during the General Synod

Such was the secrecy surrounding the christening of Harry and Meghan¿s son Archie (pictured) that senior bishops only learnt why the Archbishop was absent after Palace officials released two photographs after the service

Such was the secrecy surrounding the christening of Harry and Meghan’s son Archie (pictured) that senior bishops only learnt why the Archbishop was absent after Palace officials released two photographs after the service

The couple initially chose Friday July 5, 2019, but the Queen and Prince Charles were unavailable so it was moved to the next day. The Queen was still unable to attend.

A well-placed source said the sudden change in the Archbishop’s diary raised eyebrows: ‘The Sussexes certainly didn’t consult others as to what date might suit best… that just wasn’t a consideration.’

The revelation comes amid speculation the couple want their second child Lilibet christened in Britain. 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk