The cleric spoke of his own jitters for the couple's wedding day - and described Meghan Markle's 'very moving' baptism
THE Archbishop of Canterbury has admitted one thought dominates his preparations for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding this year: "I must not drop the ring".
The Most Rev Justin Welby also described carrying out Meghan's "beautiful and sincere" baptism for the first time.
He will officiate the highly anticipated wedding ceremony in May, but, even as the most senior cleric in the Church of England, he still experiences concerns.
The Archbishop of Canterbury told ITV News that forgetting the order of the wedding vows or misplacing the ring - both mishaps he has suffered before - are possibilities which he will strive to avoid.
And, from a career perspective, the stakes could hardly be higher - the grandmother of the groom is the only person senior to him in the church.
The Queen is the supreme governor of the Church of England and this week gave her formal consent to the marriage of Harry and American actress Meghan.
Asked about his preparations for the approaching nuptials, Mr Welby said: "Unlike recent weddings, I must not drop the ring.
"And I must not forget to get the vows in the right order, as I did at the rehearsal for one of my children's weddings.
"At the heart of it is two people who have fallen in love with each other, who have committed their lives to each other with the most beautiful words and profound thoughts, who do it in the presence of God, through Jesus Christ, you pray for them to have the strength to fulfil their vows.
"And you seek to do it in a way that respects their integrity and honours their commitment."
The Archbishop of Canterbury has also described conducting Meghan Markle's "beautiful and sincere" baptism for the first time.
She was baptised and confirmed into the church during a night time ceremony led by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Chapel Royal, in St James' Palace, as a 16-strong choir sang throughout.
"It was very special, it was beautiful and sincere," Mr Welby told the broadcaster.
"And very moving. It was a great privilege."
She was confirmed into the Chruch of England at the same time in front of husband-to-be Prince Harry and his parents Prince Charles and Camilla.
Prince William and Kate Middleton were not there to see Harry's love join the Queen's church and Meghan's parents also missed it.
The Dean of Windsor, David Conner, will conduct the wedding ceremony at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle but the Archbishop will preside over it.
Harry and Ms Markle will tie the knot at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19.
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