LONDON – Meghan Markel, American actress and humanitarian, was baptized and confirmed in the Anglican Church of England just two days ago, Tuesday, March 6 2018. It had been rumored earlier this week that she was to be baptized later this month in a private ceremony. Before even that news has had time to fade, we can now officially celebrate her baptism.
While all guests are not confirmed, nor has a public statement been made by the royal family, we do know that the Bishop of Canterbury presided over the 45 minute private ceremony that took place in St James’ Palace. Prince Harry was at her side while his father, Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as two sponsors were present. The Queen, Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, were not in attendance.
Some speculated early at the news of Markle’s baptism circulated that it was required for a church wedding as there has been much drama over the past century of the royal family marrying outside of the Church or marrying those with divorce in their own pasts. However due to the ruling of the Queen, as long as the bishop has looked at the circumstances involved in the divorce and agrees to marry the couple, she will bless it and will allow a ceremony within the Church.
Raised in LA, Markle did attend a Catholic Private School growing up, however was raised as a protestant. Most baptisms within the Anglican Church occur as infants, so to see a woman of 36 be baptized and confirmed into the Church, and now able to receive communion with her soon to be husband and his family is heartwarming.
While some may continue to speculate on her motives it seems that Markle wished to honor the Queen’s position as the head of the Church. It is no longer a requirement that those marrying into the royal family convert to the Anglican Church, yet both she and her sister-in-law to be both have done so out of respect for the Queen of their own accord.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are to be married at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19th, 2018 at 2pm.
