The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will keep the names of baby Archie’s godparents private, it has been revealed. 

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor will be christened in a small private ceremony by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday 6th July.

“The godparents, in keeping with their wishes, will remain private.”

They are thought to be private individuals and not public figures.

[Read More: Here’s everything we know so far about royal baby Archie’s christening]

Among those rumoured to be chosen are Meghan’s best friend, Canadian stylist Jessica Mulroney, and close pal Benita Litt. Harry’s old schoolmates, brothers Thomas and Charlie van Straubenzee, could be picked along with Jake Warren, son of the Queen’s thoroughbred bloodstock adviser John Warren.

Some of the duchess’ famous friends may also be given the honour, with odds circulating for tennis star Serena Williams, lawyer Amal Clooney, wife of Hollywood star George, and even Oprah Winfrey, sources have said. 

Royal biographer Penny Junor has labelled the couple’s decision to exclude the press and public “a mistake” – saying well-wishers would want to share their big day. “We’re not asking for Archie to become public property but to be able to share in the pleasure of his christening, I think it is only fair to give the public that pleasure,” Junor told PA. 

It is understood the Queen will not be attending the christening, as she has prior engagement, but the other expected guests include the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland.

The couple are using photographer Chris Allerton to capture the celebration on Saturday – and some of the images will be released following the ceremony. Allerton took their wedding photographs and other images of the couple with their baby.