It is thought that Meghan Markle was baptised and confirmed into the Church of England last night, ahead of marrying Prince Harry in May.
Meghan markle has been received into the church of england. Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images
While the Sunday Times reported that the private occasion would take place at Kensington Palace in the presence of Meghan’s parents, the Daily Mail claims that just a handful of people were present during the ceremony at the Chapel Royal of St James’s Palace, down the road from Buckingham Palace, and next door to Clarence House.
This is also the location in which Prince George was christened in 2013, and where Diana, Princess of Wales’ body lay before her funeral in 1997.
The report states that Ms Markle was joined by her fiance, Prince Harry, plus Prince Charles and Camilla and two supporters, as is tradition. Neither The Queen – who is Head of the Church of England – or The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were present.
the chapel royal at st james’s palace, to the right of the central tower, with the yellow-stone window (matt brown)
Embed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty Images
The Archbishop of Canterbury presided over the ceremony; Justin Welby was responsible for pouring water from the traditional River Jordan onto Meghan’s head, to officially welcome her into the church.
He will also preside over the couple’s vows on 19th May, but the service will be conducted by the Dean of Windsor.
The paper states that Meghan has formed a close working relationship with the Archibishop, having learnt from him about the Anglican faith, and of course, through her wedding plans.
It is not necessary, however, to convert to Anglicanism when one marries into the Royal Family now, since rules were updated in 2012, but as a future Queen, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was confirmed shortly before her wedding to Prince William in 2011. Peter Phillips’ wife, Autumn, converted from Catholicism in order to marry Princess Anne’s son prior to the change of law.
Her future in-laws also hosted a dinner to celebrate the occasion on Tuesday evening.
