Prince Harry + Duchess Meghan
The day Lilibet’s baptism was announced had a touching background
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On March 8, 2023, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan confirmed that their daughter Lilibet Diana had been christened. The day of the announcement does not seem to have been chosen by chance, as there is a touching story behind the date.
There has been speculation for months as to whether little Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, 2, has now been baptized or not. On March 8, 2023, Prince Harry, 39, and Duchess Meghan, 42, finally provided clarity. “I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was baptized on Friday, March 3, by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev. John Taylor,” a spokesperson for the Sussexes told People. The date of the announcement has two important meanings.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan probably didn’t choose the date by chance
March 8, 2023 was International Women’s Day. A day that should not be unimportant for Meghan, as she has been committed to women’s rights for years. But the far more touching meaning behind this date is that it is exactly six months after the death of Queen Elizabeth, †96. The monarch closed her eyes forever at Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022. The fact that Harry and Meghan are sharing details of the baptism of their daughter – Elizabeth’s namesake – with the world six months after her death can be seen as a homage to the former queen.
It’s also not the first time the Sussexes have honored an ancestor with an announcement regarding Lilibet. The couple announced on February 14, 2021 that they were expecting their second child. Princess Diana, †36, also chose Valentine’s Day (1984) to tell the world about her second pregnancy. However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose this day by chance, as they revealed in their Netflix documentary. “I was shocked. We had no idea. It was just a coincidence,” said the 39-year-old, adding that it felt fateful.
Special appearance by Duchess Meghan on International Women’s Day
While the public enjoyed details of Lilibet’s baptism, which was in stark contrast to royal ceremonies, Duchess Meghan made a memorable appearance. Together with employees from her Archewell foundation, she visited Harvest Home in Los Angeles, a charity that helps pregnant victims of domestic violence. The 42-year-old donated a lot of clothes for babies and spent the day sorting and folding them in a good mood. The items of clothing should say “Hello!” also been a romper from Lilibet.
On its official Instagram account, the organization uploaded a photo of Meghan and thanked her for her generous donation and long-lasting support. Afterwards, the Royal is said to have invited her employees to lunch.
Sources used: people.com, “Harry & Meghan”, accessed from netflix.com, hellomagazine.com, instagram.com