Happy parents of a little Lilibet Diana since June 4, Meghan Markle and Harry are facing difficult choices for the baptism of their little girl. Place of the ceremony, godfather and godmother… These decisions could bring them closer or further away from the Crown.
This is one of the great mysteries surrounding Lilibet. While no photo of the baby has yet been published, more than a month after his birth in California, the question of the baptism also intrigues the English. Because the ceremony could change many things in the tense relations between the Sussex and the Crown. And perhaps seal a rapprochement? “If the Sussexes decide to have Lili christened in the UK – perhaps in September, when Prince Harry and Meghan are rumored to be able to return to London – it could be interpreted as a sign of peace after years of spats and family rancor,” believes royal expert Daniela Elser in the Daily Express. In the autumn, Prince Harry could indeed return to London for a new tribute to Diana. Meghan Markle, absent at the inauguration of the statue of Lady Di, should be present this time. A first since the explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.
But another hypothesis is still there for the Sussex, whose choice of the name Lilibet Diana had been seen as a sign of appeasement. That of a ceremony on the other side of the Atlantic, without Elizabeth II, which would degrade relations even more. “It would be perceived as nothing more than a rejection of the royal family,” adds Daniela Esler, who mentions in passing the option of not organizing a christening.
A very bad idea in the eyes of the Queen, head of the Church of England. Not to mention the other thorny choice for Lilibet Diana: the names of the godfather and godmother. Will Harry and Meghan, freed from their royal obligations, favor their friends from the Hollywood brass? “That would give the impression that in the UK, family and longtime friends are sacrificed,” adds the royal expert.
Prince Harry’s quick return
Nothing reassuring for those who hope for a reconciliation. Especially since Prince Harry, recently returned to London for the inauguration of the statue of Diana, alongside his brother Prince William, made only an express passage that could not really warm relations. “It’s a step forward, but it was neither the time nor the place,” said a source in The Sun. See you next September?
Why the baptism of Lilibet Diana is a problem?
While the little Lilibet Diana should soon be baptized, the choice of the place where the ceremony will take place is already starting to cause a stir. Depending on their final decision, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could, once again, alienate the English royal family.
It’s been just over a month since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their first baby girl, named Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, into their lives. Now all eyes are on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and this, especially since their interview with Oprah Winfrey, which has been a source of conflict within the British Royal family. Indeed, the question of the baptism of their little one is posed and it is already causing a lot of ink to flow.
As reported by our colleagues of L’Express, this Sunday, July 12, the couple is faced with a “difficult choice”, which may have an impact on their already complex relationship with the members of the English royalty. Indeed, if Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decide to baptize their second child in California, selecting Hollywood friends as godparents, this may cause some teeth to grind in the United Kingdom. As a reminder, Queen Elizabeth II, who no longer travels abroad, could not make the trip for the occasion. Moreover, this could be “perceived as nothing less than a clear rejection of the royal family”, estimated the royal expert Daniela Elser.
A profound lack of respect?
The young parents could, on the other hand, delight the British royal family, by naming their daughter in London. What to bury the hatchet and put an end to “years of intra-family quarrels and resentment.” According to the journalist, this decision could “improve or deteriorate further” the relations of the former American actress and William’s brother with the English royalty.
Finally, “there is also a third option: they decide not to have a christening at all. But again, this would be seen as a profound disrespect to Her Majesty.” In short, it is hard to satisfy everyone … It remains to be seen what decision Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will make and if they will thus manage to avoid offending their loved ones.
Photo credits: Agency / Bestimage
I am surprised the rf will lower themselves and give Archie the same education as Louie. Wait until it get closer to him going to school and they will find a reason to change their mind.
if Harry and Meghan wanted to be part of the Royal traditions ,why did they leave in the first place ? Was it not to get away and stay away ? Harry wants his children and wife and most of all himself away from the tabloid ,he sees it as a ( circus has come to town ) Roll up Roll up ,come and see ,he hates them and blame them for the death if his mother.,if it means breaking from tradition ,he will do it ,just to keep them away ,not to be seen a cage Animals to glare at and pick on .who . Can blame him for wanting to keep his private life just that.PRIVATE ,he is doing a good job he will not spoil it for ANYTHING ,The Royals Travels a lot ,nothing stopping any of them visiting him for a change ,is that not what family does ? Why should he be the one to drag his young family miles across the ocean ,to get a cold reception ,as it’s been proven on two of his solo visits
Good point They CAN and should not put all this blame on Harry and Meghan. They can visit him
well being in the US won’t stop the any form of the press