The News
Royal Titles and Private Ceremonies: Lilibet Diana’s Christening Sparks Interest
In a heartwarming turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially announced the christening of their daughter, Lilibet Diana.
The ceremony took place in the couple's Montecito, California home on March 3rd.
This private event was officiated by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Reverend John Taylor, and attended by close family and friends.
Lilibet, born on June 4, 2021, has now been bestowed the title of Princess, marking a significant shift from her parents' earlier stance on royal titles.
Initially, Harry and Meghan had expressed their desire to raise their children without royal titles.
However, following the recent ascension of King Charles III, they opted to grant both Lilibet and her brother Archie the titles of Prince and Princess.
Interestingly, while the children hold these new titles, they will not be given the HRH designation.
This is due to Harry and Meghan stepping back from their senior royal roles, which resulted in the loss of those privileges.
Nevertheless, Buckingham Palace has acknowledged the couple's decision regarding their children's titles, indicating a level of respect for their wishes.
The intimate christening ceremony welcomed around 20-30 guests, including Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, and family friend Tyler Perry.
Perry, who had previously expressed his eagerness to take on the role of godfather, even flew in from Atlanta with a 10-person gospel choir to perform uplifting songs like “Oh Happy Day” and “This Little Light of Mine.”
Notably absent from the ceremony were several key members of the royal family.
Invitations were extended to the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, but none attended.
Despite this, Harry has consistently voiced his hope for his children to maintain a close relationship with their royal relatives, a sentiment he shared in his memoir, “Spare.”
This christening marks a pivotal moment not only for the Sussex family but also for the royal family as a whole.
It is the first time that Queen Elizabeth II's great-granddaughter has been christened outside the United Kingdom.
The couple had previously visited the UK during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, allowing the Queen to meet Lilibet for the first and only time.
Fans of the royal family are buzzing with excitement over Lilibet's christening, eager to witness how this young princess will grow and evolve.
As Harry and Meghan navigate their lives away from royal duties, this event serves as a poignant reminder of their connection to royal traditions and heritage.
While the couple has maintained a relatively low profile since Lilibet's birth, this announcement breaks the silence and signifies a new chapter for the family.
With Meghan focusing on both family life and charitable endeavors, the christening reflects their commitment to balancing their past with their present.
As discussions swirl around the implications of Lilibet's title on her future, many are left wondering how these decisions will resonate within the royal family.
The impact of such titles can be profound, shaping not only identity but also the children's roles in the wider royal narrative.
What do you think about this latest development in the Sussex family's story?
The christening of Lilibet Diana certainly opens up intriguing questions about tradition, family ties, and the evolving nature of royalty in modern times.