Meghan Markle has reportedly been baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury using holy water from the River Jordan ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry.

The couple were joined at what was described as an “intimate service” by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, in a move that formally introduces the divorced American actress to the Anglican church.

Prince Harry and Ms Markle, 36, will wed on May 19 this year at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. However the baptism, which is understood to have taken place on Tuesday at the Chapel Royal, was said to be a much more private affair, according to the Daily Mail, with only royal aides in attendance too.

Kensington Palace declined to comment but reports earlier this week suggested Ms Markle’s baptism was due to take place this month. She attended a Catholic school in Los Angeles but is Protestant.

It was claimed that Ms Markle requested Justin Welby, 62, to lead the service having formed close ties with him during her time in the UK.