Meghan Markle has been baptised into the Church of England in a secret ceremony ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry in May. Only the most senior royals were told about the baptism, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, on Tuesday evening.

Axar.az reports citing metro.co.uk.

Meghan went to Catholic School in America but is thought to have decided to be baptised out of respect for the Queen – who is the head of the Church of England. It happened in the Chapel Royal, said to be an intimate place of worship in St James’ Palace that is often used by the Queen. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were also reportedly at the ceremony.

Charles will be the next Head of the Church of England when he ascends the throne. Since leaving her acting job in Toronto and settling in the UK, Meghan has developed a close relationship with Justin Welby and has met him a number of times.

Harry and Meghan are busy preparing for their upcoming wedding at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19. Kensington Palace has previously confirmed that the bride-to-be is protestant – as are her parents Thomas Markle and Doria Radlan. It is understood there were 18 guests at the ceremony who were later invited to Clarence House, where Charles and Camilla hosted a dinner.