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Princess Anne’s Absence at Prince Harry’s Christening Sparks Family Tensions
In a surprising turn of events, Princess Anne chose to skip a significant occasion in the life of her nephew, Prince Harry, amidst a brewing family dispute.
The christening of Prince Harry back in 1984, typically a time of joy and celebration for the royal family, became a focal point of tension that led to Anne's notable absence.
Traditionally, royal christenings are festive gatherings where family members come together to welcome a new addition to the clan.
However, this particular event turned into a flashpoint for disagreements within the family.
According to royal analysts, the discord surrounding Harry's christening was so intense that Princess Anne ultimately decided not to attend.
At just three months old, Harry was baptized at Windsor Castle in December 1984 by his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent family members, including Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, the Queen, Prince Philip, and the Queen Mother.
Yet, instead of joining the festivities, Anne opted for a day of shooting with her then-husband, Mark Phillips.
A statement from Buckingham Palace confirmed their absence, indicating they would arrive in Windsor later that day.
This decision, however, was reportedly influenced by Anne's frustration over being overlooked for the role of godmother—not once, but twice.
Royal commentator Ashley Walton noted that this slight contributed to the escalating family feud.
The royal family had expected Anne and Mark to arrive in time for the ceremony, which began at 11 a.m.
Meanwhile, the cannons at Gatcombe Park were fired in celebration, 100 miles away, marking the occasion as Harry was baptized.
Sources suggest that Prince Philip was also displeased with the situation, leading to tensions with his son, Charles.
In place of Princess Anne, Charles and Diana selected several other individuals to serve as godparents for Harry.
These included Prince Andrew, Lady Sarah Chateau, Carolyn Bartholomew—who was a close friend of Diana—and Gerald Ward and Celia, Lady Vestey, both of whom had strong ties to the Prince of Wales.
Fast forward to the present, and Harry himself has taken on the role of godfather multiple times, including to Lena Tyndall, Princess Anne's granddaughter.
He was seen at her christening at St. Nicholas Church in Charington, Gloucestershire, where he appeared genuinely engaged in his godfather duties.
In April 2017, Harry reflected on his experiences as a godfather, sharing insights into how he prepared for fatherhood.
He mentioned having been a godfather to five or six children, emphasizing the importance of maintaining connections to one's childhood while embracing adult responsibilities.
