Meghan Markle Reportedly Got Baptized In A Secret Ceremony

Meghan Markle was reportedly baptized into the Church of England in a secret ceremony that took place on Tuesday, March 6, two months before the royal wedding.

Markle Baptized In Secret Ceremony

The soon-to-be royal had her future husband, Prince Harry, by her side as she was baptized in a 45-minute ceremony conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at the Chapel Royal on the Kensington Palace grounds on Tuesday.

The ceremony was attended by Prince Charles, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and a few close friends. However, Prince William and Queen Elizabeth II were nowhere to be seen. Markle's parents were also expected to attend the ceremony but were not able to.

In November, Kensington Palace announced that the former Suits actress will be baptized into the Church of England before her nuptials with Harry, which will be held at the St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19.

Earlier this month, The Sunday Times published a report saying that the baptism was expected to take place sometime in March and most likely this week. Following the ceremony, Markle's future in-laws Charles and Camilla hosted a dinner for about 18 guests at the Clarence House.

Markle's Confirmation

Markle was officially confirmed shortly after the baptism, making her eligible to join Harry, 33, at Holy Matrimony.

The actress is following the footsteps of her future sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. The Duchess of Cambridge, who had been baptized as an infant, was also confirmed into the Church of England in a private ceremony a few weeks before she got married to Prince William in April 2011.

Prince Harry was also baptized as an Anglican shortly after his birth.

Markle's Religious Background

The 36-year-old royal bride-to-be chose to be baptized as an Anglican. There was no need for Markle to become an Anglican in order to tie the knot with Harry in church, but she did it out of respect for the Queen, who is the head of the Church of England. 

Although Markle went to a Catholic high school in Los Angeles, she was not raised as a Catholic. Her father is an Episcopalian, which is essentially the American equivalent of the Church of England, and her mother, Doria Ragland is a Protestant.

The actress was previously married to a Jewish man, Trevor Engelson, for two years. However, she had not converted to his faith.