Meghan Markle Baptised in Secret Ceremony Ahead of Royal Wedding

The Daily Mail has reported that Meghan Markle, the fiancée of Prince Harry, has been baptised into the Church of England in a private ceremony.

The service took place at the Chapel Royal with Prince Harry by her side.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, performed the 45-minute ceremony on Tuesday evening.

The attendance of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall was confirmed, but the Queen and Prince William were not present.

Meghan's baptism is an important step in her journey from being a divorced American actress to a granddaughter-in-law to the Queen.

The ceremony was kept under wraps, with only a few royal aides involved.

Meghan had asked Archbishop Welby to lead the service after forming a close bond with him in recent weeks as he instructed her on the rites and sacraments of the church.

Her baptism was immediately followed by her confirmation, allowing her to join Harry at Holy Communion.

Although Meghan did not need to become an Anglican to marry Harry in church, she chose to be baptised and confirmed out of respect for the Queen's role as head of the Church of England.

Insiders also suggested that it was appropriate for Prince Charles, who will be the next head of the church, to attend the service.

The couple will marry on May 19th at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

The Dean of Windsor, David Connor, will conduct the marriage service, with the archbishop presiding as the couple make their vows.

Tuesday's service observed the full ritual of the church, with holy water from the River Jordan poured on Meghan's head from the private Royal Family font.

The Crown Jeweler, Mark Appleby, provided the silverware used for Royal Family christenings, including a silver font, basin, and flask of holy oil.

In accordance with tradition, Meghan had two sponsors, the equivalent of godparents, to support her in the baptism.

One supporter was a close girlfriend.

The Chapel Royal Choir performed throughout the service, consisting of six gentlemen and ten children.

Meghan's baptism follows in the footsteps of the Duchess of Cambridge, who was baptised as an infant but had a private confirmation after her engagement to Prince William.

After the ceremony, the 18 guests walked to Clarence House, where Charles and Camilla hosted a dinner.

The baptism marks a significant moment in Meghan's journey to becoming a member of the royal family.

As she prepares for her wedding to Prince Harry, Meghan has taken steps to embrace her new role and respect the traditions of the church.