In Light Of Lilibet's Upcoming Christening: A Look At The Royal Christening Tradition

Jul 19, 2021 by apost team

Meghan Markle gave birth to her second child, a girl, with Prince Harry on June 4, 2021 in California. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex first announced that they were expecting their second child on Valentine's Day in 2021, only to reveal the baby's sex during the March 7 interview special "Oprah with Meghan and Harry."

Now, nearly a month since Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor entered the world, plans are likely starting to form for her christening, which is a hallowed tradition among newborn royals in England. However, since January 2020, when Meghan and Harry announced that they would be stepping back from their roles as working royals, the atmosphere has been tense between the royal family in England and the Sussexes in California. Harry and Meghan's recent criticisms of the royal family have only seemed to widen this rift.

Given these internal dynamics, Harry and Meghan's home in the US and the coronavirus pandemic, Lilibet's coronation might not be as conventional and traditional as some in the royal family might have hoped. Although there has yet to be an official announcement, it seems unlikely that Harry and Meghan will travel to England for the christening, which is a severe break from tradition. Archie, for example, was baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Windsor Castle, wearing the same christening gown that Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George wore.

The tradition of christening royal children early goes back not only several decades but hundreds of years. It was first established during the reign of Queen Victoria, roughly 150 years ago. Read on to find out more about this royal tradition and why Harry and Meghan breaking it might be a big deal.

Ann Gripper and Russell Myers, co-hosts of the royals podcast Pod Save the Queen, argue that Lilibet might not make it to the UK until Christmas — or even Trooping the Colour in June 2022.

 "Who knows when they will all get to meet? Between family rows and a global pandemic, it doesn't make travel very easy," Gripper said.

Myers replied, "Probably next Trooping maybe. Christmas maybe? Maybe they could make it over for Christmas."

In an interview with Express, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliam said that it's unlikely they will follow typical royal christening protocol.

"They waited two days before revealing news of Lili's birth. Expect them to handle the christening in their own time and in their own way, almost certainly in California," he explained.

If the christening does indeed happen in the US, then it's unlikely that Lilibet will be able to wear the royal gown that has been passed down for generations. Queen Victoria made the first christening gown for her firstborn in 1841, according to Express. 62 royal babies have since worn the dress over the course of its 163 years of royal service. Five monarchs were baptized wearing the gown, from Victoria and Albert's first son, the future Edward VII. George V, Edward VIII, George VI up to Queen Elizabeth. All babies wore the white lace dress. These include Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William and Harry — before a replica was made due to the garments' fragility. Archie, now 2, wore the copy of the gown at his christening as did the Cambridge kids: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. 

apost.com

The gown was inspired by Queen Victoria's very own wedding dress, and was originally made from white silk, sporting a handmade lace overlay. Janet Sutherland, a miner's daughter from Falkirk, Scotland, reportedly made the lace adornments. Queen Victoria later wrote in her journal that "Albert & I agreed that all had gone off beautifully & in a very dignified manner."

Lilibet not following in this long line of royally christened babies is especially important if you keep the special relationship between the Church of England and the royal family in mind. As the reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth holds the title "Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England."

This is not an empty title either. Following King Henry VIII refusal to acknowledge the pope and his authority over the king's right to marriage, the Church of England officially split from Catholicism. All members of the royal family, even those who marry in, have to become part of the Church of England, and for a good reason: the reigning monarch is considered the titular head of faith, basically taking the pope's place. This is even written down in the Church's canon law, which states: "We acknowledge that the Queen's most excellent Majesty, acting according to the laws of the realm, is the highest power under God in this kingdom, and has supreme authority over all persons in all causes, as well ecclesiastical as civil."

A study from 2009 looking at the representations of religious faiths in the UK, ordered by the UK government, found that 47% of all Uk citizens were members of the Church of England.

Did you know the queen had such a special position in the Church of England? What do you think Harry and Meghan will do? Tell us your thoughts and pass this story along!