Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have made a deeply emotional decision regarding their daughter Lilibet, sparking a wave of sentiment among their fans. The couple, who has always valued their privacy, gave fans a rare and meaningful glimpse into their lives by revealing details about Lilibet’s christening.
A Private Ceremony for Lilibet
Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana, born on June 4, 2021, was christened in a private ceremony at her parents’ Montecito home in March 2023. Although it wasn’t a grand public event, the timing and announcement of this occasion have left many royal watchers feeling emotional. The couple made the christening public on March 8, 2023, a date that holds significant meaning for the family.
Information about Lilibet’s christening has emerged, and it’s left fans of the royals emotional. Credit: Netflix
A Deeply Meaningful Date
The date of Lilibet’s christening holds layers of significance. It coincided with International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements globally. But, what stands out even more is the poignant connection to the royal family’s past. March 8th, 2023, marked exactly six months after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who shared the name “Lilibet.”
This decision was seen as a heartfelt tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, a woman whose legacy continues to impact the royal family and the world. The passing of the Queen on September 8, 2022, left the royal family in mourning, and the choice of this particular day to announce the christening was regarded as a touching acknowledgment of her memory.
This isn’t the first time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have chosen a significant date for a major life update. Credit: Alamy
Parallels with Princess Diana
Meghan and Harry have long been known to find deep connections between their lives and the legacy of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana. Their decision to announce Lilibet’s christening on such a significant date mirrors their earlier choice of Valentine’s Day in 2021 to announce Meghan’s pregnancy with Lilibet. This, too, was a date of personal significance to Harry, as Princess Diana had shared the news of her pregnancy with Harry on the same day in 1984.
In his Netflix documentary, Harry spoke about the coincidence of the dates, admitting that he was taken aback by it. The Duke said, “I was shocked. We had no idea. It was just a coincidence, or maybe not a coincidence.” These moments seem to deepen Harry and Meghan’s bond as they continue to embrace their own journey while honoring Diana’s enduring legacy.
Tensions with the Royal Family
While Harry has often drawn parallels between Meghan and his mother, not everyone in the royal family shares this sentiment. In his memoir Spare, Harry recalled the disappointment he felt when his family did not see the resemblance between his late mother and Meghan, especially after Harry had introduced Meghan to Diana’s sisters and close friends.
Prince Harry has found parallels between Princess Diana and Meghan Markle’s lives. Credit: Alamy
In Tom Bower’s book Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors, it is suggested that members of the royal family, including Prince William and Kate, were skeptical about Meghan’s place within the family. Additionally, Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, reportedly advised Harry to slow down before marrying Meghan, a sentiment that caused tension within the family.
Despite the challenges Harry and Meghan have faced in their relationship with the royal family, their decision to honor Diana and the Queen through Lilibet’s christening reflects their desire to keep their family’s legacy alive.
A Touching Tribute to Lilibet’s Namesake
Lilibet’s christening, announced on such a poignant date, serves as a moving tribute to her late namesake, Queen Elizabeth II. For Meghan and Harry, this gesture signifies not only their respect for the Queen’s memory but also their intention to keep her influence alive within their family.
The christening ceremony, held in the comfort of their Montecito home, allowed the couple to keep the occasion intimate while also acknowledging the powerful connections to their royal heritage. Lilibet, who shares her name with the Queen, will grow up knowing the profound significance of the legacy she carries.
Conclusion: A Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
Meghan and Harry’s decision to announce Lilibet’s christening on March 8, 2023, was a touching tribute to both the Queen and Princess Diana. Their personal connections to these royal figures are deeply woven into their journey as a couple and parents. By choosing such a meaningful date, they have honored their family’s past while also creating new memories with their children. As Lilibet grows, her name and the story behind her christening will undoubtedly remain a significant part of her family’s history.
