With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding just months away, their wedding officiant has revealed how he’s preparing for the bigger than big day. He’s also shared details from inside the royal-bride-to-be’s baptism.
“It was very special. It was beautiful and sincere and very moving,” the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, told ITV News on Friday about Meghan’s baptism on March 6. “It was a great privilege.”
The former actress was baptised into the Church of England last week at the Chapel Royal in London — a small place of worship at St James’ Palace which is regularly used by The Queen.
Meghan’s husband-to-be was by her side for the momentous occasion. Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla and one of Meghan’s friends were also present at the baptism, however the passionate humanitarian’s mother Doria Ragland and father Thomas Markle were not in attendance. Prince William and Duchess Kate were also not at the ceremony.
Her baptism was followed immediately by her confirmation, which means she will be able to join Harry at Holy Communion.
The event, which brings Meghan one step closer to joining the royal family, was then celebrated with “supper” at Clarence House.
Meghan was baptised into the Church of England last week. Her husband-to-be was, of course, by her side.
The duo will marry at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday, May 19.
The archbishop, who will officiate the wedding at St. George’s Chapel, went on to detail his (very understandable) pre-ceremony jitters.
“Unlike recent weddings, I must not drop the ring,” he joked, “and I must not forget to get the vows in the right order as I did at the rehearsal for one of my children’s weddings!”
While acknowledging the fact that people from all across the world would tune in to watch the ceremony (and any possible blunders), the archbishop appeared somewhat unfazed by the task.
“I know. I’m just really trying not to think about that too much,” he said. “At the heart of it is two people who have fallen in love with each other, who are committing their lives to each other with the most beautiful words and profound thoughts, who do it in the presence of God, through Jesus Christ.”
He added: “You pray for them to have the strength to fulfill their vows and you seek to do it in a way that respects their integrity and honors their commitment.”
Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, will marry at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday, May 19.
As Kensington Palace recently announced, following the ceremony, the newlyweds will undertake a tour of the town as their first trip as man and wife to greet well-wishers from all over the world who have come to see them.
It will no doubt remind fans of similar scenes that played out during Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s 2011 wedding.
WATCH: Relive the magic from Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s wedding day. Post continues…
There’s also speculation the 36-year-old might be walked down the aisle by none other than Prince William.
According to The Sun, Prince Harry’s big brother may step up for the important moment as Meghan’s two closest male relatives — her father and half-brother — may not be at the royal wedding.
Not long to go now!
