Meghan Markle is getting things in order to marry Prince Harry on May 19, 2018, at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. When the couple announced their engagement last November, a statement went out from Kensington Palace that Meghan would be baptized and confirmed into the Church Of England before her marriage to Prince Harry. People are wondering why the former actress had to be baptized and confirmed.

Baptized and confirmed

No one has to be baptized and confirmed before getting married in the United States. However, one must remember that royal rules are different from the rules of, by, and for, commoners.

Also, Meghan went to a Catholic school and grew up as a Protestant. It should be understood that Meghan could have married Prince Harry without being baptized and confirmed, but she chose to do so out of respect for Queen Elizabeth, who is the head of the Church of England.

In order to honor Prince Harry's grandmother and join the family, Meghan wanted to be like the rest of the royals. After all, she will be attending church with them on a regular basis. Being baptized and confirmed seems to have been such small things to get done in preparation for a lifetime with Prince Harry and his family.

The ceremony

The 45-minute service was conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual head of the Church of England.

The Daily Mail reported that Markle felt very comfortable and confident with the proceedings because she had established a relationship with Welby before the ceremony took place at St. James' Palace in London last Tuesday.

There was not much public news about the Baptism and confirmation. Kensington Palace had announced beforehand that these two acts would take place, but no statement went out from the palace after it happened.

That was probably because of the sacredness of the acts. For the last few weeks, Meghan had learned the rites and sacraments of the Church of England.

Meghan was not dipped in water for the baptism. Instead, holy water from the River Jordan from the private royal family font was poured on her head by Welby who will also preside over the wedding ceremony at Windsor Castle in May.

The service will be conducted by Bishop David Connor, the Dean of Windsor.

Prince Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, Carmilla Parker Bowles, were present to represent the crown. Queen Elizabeth and Prince William did not attend. Meghan's relatives from the United States did not attend the service. Perhaps it was because they will be there for the upcoming wedding and the related festivities.

Now that she has been baptized and officially confirmed, Meghan Markle is a fully-fledged member of the Church of England and will have all the rights and privileges that other members have. That includes being able to celebrate Holy Communion with her royal family.
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