Palace Issues Warning to Sussexes Ahead of Lilibet’s Christening

The palace has taken a firm stance against Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, signaling that they will no longer tolerate what they perceive as false or misleading statements made by the couple or their associates.

The recent tension stems from the naming of Harry and Meghan's daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, and the alleged lack of prior notification to Queen Elizabeth II.

Reports emerged that the Queen was not informed beforehand about the decision to name the baby Lilibet, prompting Harry to threaten legal action against the BBC for their coverage of the matter.

Palace aides did not refute the claims when questioned by ITV, indicating a shift towards a more confrontational approach in addressing disputes with the Sussexes.

The escalating conflict between the royal family and Harry and Meghan has prompted the palace to issue a warning, signaling a departure from their previous stance of remaining passive in the face of public controversies involving the couple.

Speculation had been rife that Harry and Meghan intended to christen Lilibet at Windsor, mirroring the ceremony held for their son Archie.

However, recent reports suggest that the Sussexes may opt for a private christening in California, dispelling earlier notions of a return to the UK for the event.

Royal commentators have noted that tensions remain high between the Sussexes and the royal family, underscoring the significance of a UK-based christening for perception management purposes.

Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator, emphasized the potential impact of the christening location on public perception, stating that holding the ceremony in Meghan's home state would avoid the controversy that surrounded Archie's christening.

Despite the historical significance of the UK as the traditional setting for royal christenings, doubts persist regarding Lilibet's christening taking place in Britain.

Speculations abound about the reasons behind Harry and Meghan's apparent reluctance to have the ceremony in the UK, with suggestions that unresolved family discussions and differing views on the matter may be contributing factors.

Criticism of Harry and Meghan's handling of previous royal events, such as Archie's birth and christening, has further strained their relationship with the British media.

Their decision to maintain secrecy around key aspects of these events, including withholding details about godparents and limiting public access, has fueled negative perceptions in the press.

Comparisons have been drawn to the more transparent approach adopted by Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, during their children's christenings, highlighting the divergent strategies employed by the royal couples in managing media relations.

The fallout from past controversies, including the Oprah interview and subsequent public statements, continues to cast a shadow over Harry and Meghan's interactions with the royal family and the media.

The decision on Lilibet's christening location is viewed as a pivotal moment that could either ease or exacerbate existing tensions.

While the prospect of a UK ceremony remains uncertain, the implications of choosing a US setting for the christening extend beyond logistical considerations, touching on deeper rifts within the royal household.

As discussions unfold behind closed doors, the choice of christening venue for Lilibet may serve as a symbolic gesture with far-reaching consequences for the Sussexes' relationship with the royal establishment.