They might be only weeks away from becoming parents themselves, but it looks like Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry are getting in some practice now.
In a surprise move after Duchess Meghan started her maternity leave last week, the pair attended a small family christening for Zara and Mike Tindall’s new baby girl, Lena in Cherington, Gloucestershire on Sunday, March 17th.
And while the appearance at the christening was exciting enough for royal fans who caught a glimpse of the pair, it was Harry’s new role that really got our attention.
Prince Harry has been given a surprise new role none of us were expecting! (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry, who is known to be close with Zara and Mike, has reportedly been bestowed the honour of becoming Lena’s godfather.
In pictures published by Hello! Meghan and Harry are seen leaving the church alongside Queen Elizabeth herself, as well as Princess Anne.
Proving she’s the master of maternity fashion once again, Meghan wore a stunning burgundy vintage Dior Haute Couture coat from the 1960s – a flattering style to compliment her baby bump.
The silhouette was also strikingly similar to the Courreges coat she wore while in New York City for her baby shower.
READ MORE: Duchess Meghan Markle’s best maternity fashion moments
The stunning vintage Dior coat was the perfect style for heavily pregnant Meghan – and similar to her Courreges coat she was seen wearing in New York (pictured below). (Image: 1stDibs)
Maternity outfit win! (Image: Getty)
On the day of the Christening, eagle-eyed royal fans were quick to point out a few notable absentees, including Prince William and wife Duchess Catherine.
The Cambridges were seen attending St Patrick’s Day celebrations in London on the same day, an event attended by royals for many years.
And while Prince Harry’s godfather duties on the day took priority, his older brother’s absence from the christening might well be related to exactly that.
William is is fact godfather to Zara and Mike’s eldest daughter Mia, five – and he attended her christening back in 2014.
At this particular christening, Prince Harry was absent – so William’s absence at Lena’s christening as Prince Harry becomes godfather could have been a diplomatic move between the brothers.
Prince William and Kate attended St Patrick’s Day celebrations in London on the same day as the christening. (Image: Getty)
According to The Daily Mail, Sunday’s christening was a “low-key” event, despite the high-profile royals in attendance.
“There were between seven and ten police cars discreetly parked in a farmyard on the edge of the village, and we saw a few bobbies dotted around the village. But considering the number of royals in attendance, it was a surprisingly low-key event,” an onlooker told the publication.
Rev Dr Gerald South, who held the service described it as “lovely.”
Meghan and Harry are well and truly ready to become parents! (Image: Getty)
Harry’s brand-new role as godfather will no doubt help him to prepare for fatherhood, with Baby Sussex’s due date understood to be only weeks away.
It’s been clear from the very beginning how excited the red-headed Prince is to become a dad.
While visiting New Zealand on a royal tour Down Under shortly after their baby announcement, Prince Harry was heard telling a royal fan that he was “over the moon” about becoming a dad.
When a woman in the crowd said it’s a lot of hard work, he responded, “Oh, I know – I’m ready!”
WATCH: Prince Harry says he hopes his new baby will be a girl:
