Princess Lilibet's christening 'disjointed' as 'internal war games' continue

09 March 2023 , 08:16

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Lilibet's photograph was captured by a close friend of Princess Beatrice (Image: Misan Harriman/Duke and Duchess of Sussex HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Princess Lilibet's christening should have been "celebrated by all family members", but was instead snubbed because of "internal war games" according to Lady Victoria Hervey.

King Charles and Prince William reportedly declined an invitation to attend the California christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's daughter.

Insiders have claimed Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton were also invited to the service but did not attend.

Lady Victoria, 46, told The Mirror: "It's a shame an event which should be celebrated by all family members is so disjointed and happening on the other side of the world.

"Call me traditional but I think a British Princess should really have been christened in England."

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However, the model said it was "obvious" the christening would never have taken place in England.

Lilibet was christened at the Sussexes' home in California (Misan Harriman/Duke and Duchess of Sussex HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

King Charles and Prince William declined an invitation (Getty Images)

"Obviously that didn’t happen because of the internal war games going on," she said.

Lady Victoria warned the Royal children will become aware of the family's fractured relationship as they grow up, adding: "It's the children that will feel it later".

Last week, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had Lilibet christened at their Montecito home, using the occasion to officially start calling the one-year-old 'Princess'.

The couple has also now begun calling their son Archie 'Prince'.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex christened their daughter last week (alexilubomirski/Instagram)

The couple christened their daughter last week (Getty Images)

It's the first time either of the children have been referred to as 'Prince' or 'Princess' in an official capacity, with the King reportedly having been informed of Harry and Meghan's intentions to use the titles before the announcement.

The title of prince or princess passes down automatically to male-line grandchildren of the sovereign, meaning Archie and Lilibet inherited the titles following the late Queen's death in September.

They will not, however, use their 'Royal Highness' titles, which Harry and Meghan relinquished after announcing they were stepping back as senior members of the Royal Family.

It's understood Harry and Meghan will allow Archie and Lilibet to decide for themselves on whether they want to keep their titles when they grow up.

Scarlett O'Toole