Reports have suggested that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will christen their daughter Lilibet in the US with only a small number of ‘celebrity friends’ and Meghan’s mum present. Kate Middleton has been left “devastated” by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s plans to hold a “super small” christening for daughter Lilibet without members of the royal family present, a source has claimed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly likely to only invite a small number of “celebrity friends”, as well as Meghan’s mum, to a christening service which will be held in the US where they now live.The move would no doubt cause friction among family members wanting to be there for the special occasion.
And one of those said to be most upset is Kate Middleton, who has reportedly been working hard behind the scenes to heal the reported “rift” between Prince William and Harry.Many have commented that Kate has taken on the role of peacemaker between the brothers – as seen when she walked alongside Harry and William following the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral service earlier this year.
The source said: “Kate’s been trying so hard to mend fences between William and Harry, if only for Archie, Lili and the Cambridge kids’ sakes.”Now she’s been blacklisted from one of the most formative family events in a child’s life.
“She’s devastated.”Kate is reported to have been exchanging messages with the Duchess of Sussex in an effort to build up the relationship between the sisters-in-law. An insider told US Weekly earlier this month: “Tensions have eased between Meghan and Kate.
“Kate even sent Meghan a gift for the baby. They’re in a better place and have exchanged texts since the birth of Lilibet.” A potential service across the pond would have to go ahead without the royal christening gown, after the Duke of Sussex was reportedly denied his request to the Queen to be allowed to return to the US with the family heirloom.A royal insider told the publication: “The Queen loans it to royal babies being christened in England.”There was no way she would let such a priceless item be whisked off to America with Harry – or post it there!”
Other reports have suggested the Sussexes could return to the UK in Autumn to christen their newborn daughter.Gertrude Daly, who runs the Gerts Royal Replies website, previously told the Daily Star: “I fully expect Lilibet will be christened in the UK at some point. One of the requirements of the line of succession is that you must be a Protestant. And to become Monarch you must be specifically ‘in communion with the Church of England’.
“The Succession rules don’t lay out exactly what that means. There is nothing saying you need to be baptized, or confirmed by a certain age. As long as you aren’t baptized or confirmed into another religion, you probably would be able to keep your place.
“But, given the Queen’s role as head of Church of England, I would expect the Sussexes to christen Lilibet in England. It could happen this autumn. Or they could put it off till another trip to the UK. There is no deadline. Princess Eugenie wasn’t christened until she was nine months old.”
