Archbishop of Canterbury opens up about Meghan Markle's baptism

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who performed Meghan Markle's baptism and confirmation into the Church of England has spoken about the secret affair for the first time.

During a wide-reaching interview with covering everything from Russia to the Royal Wedding, Welby described the service as "sincere and very moving".

When asked what information he could divulge about it he replied with a laugh: "Almost nothing at all!"

"Except it was very special," he continued. "It was beautiful, sincere and very moving. It was a great privilege."

Also joking about his preparation to officiate the ceremony, which will be conducted by The Rt Revd David Conner, Welby said he had to make sure not to mix up the vows as he'd done previously.

"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!"

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And as for the pressure of the big day, with the eyes of the world on him, the Archbishop of Canterbury is taking it in his stride, instead focusing on the couple.

"It's their day. At the heart of it are two people who have fallen in love with each other who are committing their lives to each other with the most beautiful words and profound thoughts in the presence of God," he said.

Following the secret service last Tuesday, the American actress was spotted with her fiance Prince Harry in Birmingham for an official visit.

It appears the bride-to-be has marked her baptism with a new piece of jewellery, after being spotted wearing a diamond cross bracelet she hasn't worn for previous royal outings.

According to People, the accessory, which she wore alongside another diamond band, is likely a nod to the bride-to-be's recent confirmation.

Markle, who was raised a Protestant, is not required to be Anglican in order to marry Prince Harry, 33. 

However, it’s believed she chose to embrace the faith in respect of Queen Elizabeth’s role as head of the Church of England.

The Daily Mail reports the 45-minute ceremony - held at the Chapel Royal in St James' Palace - was attended by 18 guests, including Markle's fiance Prince Harry and future parents-in-law Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

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While it was initially reported the 36-year-old's parents Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland would travel from Mexico and California to attend, they were reportedly absent.

Markle is said to have formed a "close bond" with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has been teaching her about the Church's rites and sacraments in recent weeks.

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Markle's intention to be baptised as part of her wedding preparations was revealed by the Kensington Palace in November, when her engagement to Prince Harry was officially announced.
 
The Suits star isn’t the first royal bride-to-be to do so, either.

Kate Middleton was also confirmed in the Church of England before marrying Prince William in 2011, though she had already been baptised as a child.

Embracing a new faith isn't the only major change in store for Markle, who relocated to London from her base in Toronto ahead of her engagement.

She will also apply to become a UK citizen following her wedding.