Royal lookback: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor's christening

Royal fans were thrilled when it was announced Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the first son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, would be christened in July 2019.

His parents had skipped the traditional photo with their new child on the stairs of the hospital where he was born, and only a few photos of the little boy had been released after a photo call.

Naturally, royal fans were eager to see more of the latest addition to the royal family and were excited to see snaps from what was bound to be a gorgeous ceremony.

But there was drama in the leadup to Archie's christening, with fans left frustrated when Buckingham Palace announced it would be a private affair.

In late June 2019, the palace confirmed Archie would be christened on July 6 in the private chapel of Windsor Castle.

It was also revealed that, though press wouldn't be allowed in, Harry and Meghan would be releasing photos from the ceremony taken by photographer Chris Allerton.

While royal christenings aren't open to the public, the royal family usually shares many details from the event, including who the child's godparents are, and allow some press to photograph from outside.

However, Harry and Meghan, who have always valued their privacy, decided to opt for a more intimate affair and keep their picks for godparents private.

Royal fans weren't happy with the plans, one of the biggest critics being presenter Piers Morgan, who had voiced his disdain for Harry and Meghan before.

"Harry & Meghan need to stop playing these dumb cake-and-eat-it games with the media/public," he tweeted angrily at the time.

However, fans were thrilled with the photos that were later released from Archie's christening, which went ahead without a hitch on 6 July.

In one photo, the two-month-old was seen cradled by his mum and dad, wearing a replica of the Honiton lace christening gown originally created for Princess Victoria in 1841.

The original gown was worn by 62 royal babies, including Princes Charles, William and Harry, before being retired in 2004. A replica was created by the Queen's dressmaker Angela Kelly and was first worn by Prince Edward's son James, Viscount Severn in 2008.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, performed the christening ceremony and had previously christened all three of the Cambridge children and even baptised Meghan before her wedding.

The christening was attended by approximately 25 guests, with the Queen notably absent due to a prior commitment.

However, Prince Charles, Camilla, Doria Ragland, Prince William and Kate Middleton were all there for Archie's big day, and appeared in a stunning family photo the Sussexes later shared on Instagram.

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are so happy to share the joy of this day with members of the public who have been incredibly supportive since the birth of their son," the caption read.

"They thank you for your kindness in welcoming their first born and celebrating this special moment."

In the year since Archie's christening, a handful of other photos from the special day have also been released, giving royal fans an extra peek into the sweet occasion.

Now the young royal is one year old, having celebrated his first birthday in May this year, and is looking forward to many more milestones like his christening last year.