Meghan and Harry christen daughter ‘Princess Lilibet Diana’ at LA ceremony – and royals WERE invited… but didn’t go
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter Lilibet was christened at an intimate ceremony in California last week.
Around 25 guests gathered to celebrate the occasion on March 3 - and members of the Royal Family were invited but chose not to go, reports.
The Sussexes allegedly asked King Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Kate to be there but they declined the offer, according to a source.
Instead, the duke and duchess were joined by three-year-old son Archie, Meghan's mum Doria Ragland, Lili's godfather Tyler Perry and between 20 and 30 close friends.
They are said to have enjoyed an afternoon of food and dancing following the ceremony at their home.
A spokesperson for the couple told PEOPLE: "I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3 by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor."
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It is the first time Lili has been publicly referred to as a princess.
The 21-month-old will use the title in formal settings but not in everyday conversation, it is understood.
Harry and Meg are thought to be keen not to deny their children their birth-right, but allow them the chance to decide for themselves whether to drop or keep using their titles when they get older.
As the children of a sovereign's son, Archie and Lili are automatically a prince and princess and now have an HRH style if they choose.
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When Archie was born in May 2019, he was seventh in line to the throne so was too far down the line of succession.
Although he was a great-grandchild of the monarch, he was not a first-born son of a future king, so was not automatically a prince.
The King was notified of Harry and Meghan's intention to use the titles in formal settings from March 2023, a royal insider told .
Buckingham Palace said the royal website, which currently lists the children as Master Archie and Miss Lilibet, will be updated to reflect the change.
Lilibet's godfather, American actor Perry, allegedly flew to Montecito, Los Angeles, from Atlanta for the christening with a 10-person gospel choir.
The group performed Oh Happy Day and This Little Light of Mine, which was also played at Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018.
Traditionally, a royal christening is a small, family affair held in the historic chapels of Buckingham Palace or Windsor.
Archie was christened at eight weeks old in a quiet, private ceremony in front of about 25 guests at Windsor Castle on July 6, 2019.
Like many young royals before him, including his cousins George, Charlotte, and Louis, he wore a special royal gown.
Unless flown over specially, Lilibet is unlikely to have worn the same outfit.
Doria, Charles, Camilla, William and Kate were all in attendance at Archie's special day, but the Queen and Prince Philip were absent, having already made plans to spend the week together at Sandringham.
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Princess Diana's sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale were also in the official christening photo.
Harry’s own christening was held at St George’s Chapel - where he married Meghan - on December 21, 1984.
