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Lilibet’s Christening: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Hold Secret Ceremony in the U.S.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly gearing up for a secret christening for their daughter, Lilibet, in the United States.
The royal couple, who have been residing in their lavish $14 million Santa Barbara mansion since stepping back from royal duties last year, are currently on parental leave following the arrival of their baby girl in June.
While initial speculations suggested a christening at Windsor in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliam hinted otherwise.
Fitzwilliam indicated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are likely to opt for a more private ceremony in Meghan's home state, steering clear of the controversies that surrounded Archie's christening.
Maintaining a high level of privacy, Harry and Meghan have refrained from sharing any images of their daughter with the public.
This decision, as noted by royal commentator Richard, underscores the couple's commitment to asserting their independence and making decisions on their own terms.
Contrary to earlier reports hinting at a christening at Windsor, it appears that the couple is content with waiting for the right moment to baptize Lilibet.
However, royal biographer Angela Levin raised concerns about Prince Harry's expectation for the Queen to attend the ceremony, deeming it unreasonable given her past absence from similar events.
Meghan's own journey into the Church of England was marked by a private baptism and confirmation ceremony conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at the Chapel Royal in 2018.
Drawing parallels to the Duchess of Cambridge's religious path, Meghan's transition into the church was a closely guarded affair, mirroring the intimate nature of Archie's christening in 2019.
Traditionally, the godparents of royal babies are publicly announced on the day of the christening, a practice that Harry and Meghan chose to deviate from.
The couple faced criticism for maintaining the privacy of the ceremony and withholding the identities of Archie's godparents, a departure from royal conventions observed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The choice of names for baby Lilibet, paying homage to Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, stirred discussions about the absence of Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, from the namesake.
Despite reports suggesting a tribute to Doria through Lily's name, royal expert Russell Myers expressed surprise at the omission of Doria's name, highlighting her significant role in Meghan's life.
Doria, known for her strong bond with Meghan, was notably present during key moments in Meghan's life, including her wedding day and Archie's christening.
Meghan's admiration for her mother's resilience and support has been evident, with Meghan describing Doria as her best friend and a source of solace amidst life's challenges.
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle navigate their post-royal life in the U.S., their decision to prioritize family time with their children while pursuing new ventures in the entertainment industry reflects their evolving roles and aspirations beyond the confines of traditional royal duties.