It’s a precious moment so many families before them have lived out – the sheer joy of introducing a new family member to a long-standing one – and in this case it’s a great-grandmother meeting her eighth great-grandchild.
But it’s no ordinary family sharing this extraordinary moment.
The smiling faces in the now iconic image are some of the most recognisable in the world and the baby in question is breaking history left, right and centre as the first biracial British-American royal, who is now seventh in line to the throne.
On Wednesday, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor not only made his dazzling debut to the world but met with his great-grandparents The Queen and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle.
Also in attendance was proud new grandmother, Doria Ragland, who has fast become Duchess Meghan’s ultimate pillar of support throughout her whirlwind transition from actress to Duchess.
“The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh were today introduced to the newborn son of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Windsor Castle. The Duchess’ mother, Ms Doria Ragland was also present,” the royal family said alongside the photo.
In the historical photograph taken by Chris Allerton, The Queen, The Duke and Doria are simply beaming at little Archie as glowing parents Meghan and Harry delight in the moment.
Prince Philip and The Queen meet their eighth great-grandchild, Archie, with grandmother Doria Ragland also in attendance. (Image: Chris Allerton/AP/SussexRoyal)
Indeed, there is so much hidden meaning behind this powerful photo.
Clearly keen to send out a firm message by making sure Meghan’s mother Doria is in the family portrait, the underlying take-away is that of inclusivity, diversity, equality and modernity.
Baby Archie doesn’t have a pompous title. He won’t be a Prince or a Duke, simply a Master and his royal ties will be just as important as his maternal links to grandmother Doria.
Archie’s un-royal, left-of-centre name and the fact his maternal grandmother is right by his side reflects Meghan and Harry’s refreshing approach to parenting.
This little boy might have blue blood running through his veins, but you can bet his parents will be giving him the most normal of upbringings as possible.
It’s not the first time the royals have stood proudly alongside Meghan and her mother.
Just last year in the aftermath of the heartbreaking scandal with her father Thomas Markle, who pulled out from walking his daughter down the aisle after it was revealed he had been working with the paparazzi, Doria was the only member from Meghan’s side to attend her wedding to Prince Harry.
In the official wedding portraits, Doria stood serenely next to Meghan as they were joined by senior royal family members, including The Queen and Prince Charles.
With just one blood relative by her side, we were reminded that despite her fairytale romance with Harry, Meghan’s family situation is anything but.
And on what was probably the most intense day of her life as she witnessed her daughter marry into one of the oldest institutions, the British royal family, Doria remained cool and composed, standing strong as the sole family member from the bride’s side and quietly weeping tears of joy.
She was quickly hailed as the stand-out star of the day.
Speaking about her mum, Meghan has said Doria is a “free-spirited” role model.
“For me to watch this level of life-long sensitivity to nurturing and caregiving, but at the same time my mum has always been a free spirit,” Meghan has previously said.
“She’s got dread locks and a nose ring. She just ran the LA Marathon. We can just have so much fun together, and yet, I’ll still find so much solace in her support.”
Prince Harry is also a huge fan of his mother-in-law, who is currently staying with the Sussexes and helping with the baby at Frogmore Cottage.
“Her mum’s amazing,” Harry has previously said.
And it looks like The Queen thinks so, too.
Doria will be an integral part of Archie’s life. (Image: Alexi Lubomirski)
