Family Tensions Flare as Princess Anne Skips Prince Harry's 1984 Christening
Prince Harry's christening in 1984, typically a joyful family occasion, became a source of significant tension within the royal family, leading to a notable absence. According to reports, Princess Anne chose not to attend the ceremony at Windsor Castle, opting instead to go shooting with her then-husband, Mark Phillips, due to a major family dispute.
Hosted by Princess Diana and Prince Charles in December 1984, the christening was attended by senior royals including the Queen, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. However, Princess Anne's absence was conspicuous and, according to royal correspondent Ashley Walton, stemmed from her displeasure at being overlooked as a godmother for the second time.
The Mirror reported that Anne’s frustration turned into a full-scale family row when she learned that her younger brother, Prince Andrew, had been chosen as a godfather to Prince Harry, while she was once again omitted. Despite an official statement from Buckingham Palace claiming that Anne and Mark Phillips were unable to attend and would arrive later in the day, it is believed that Anne’s decision was a deliberate snub.
During the christening, while the family gathered at Windsor Castle, Princess Anne was reportedly 100 miles away at Gatcombe Park, participating in a shooting event. This incident also reportedly irritated Prince Philip, who was already not on speaking terms with Prince Charles at the time.
Instead of Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Princess Diana selected Prince Andrew, Lady Sarah Chatto, Carolyn Bartholomew, Bryan Organ, Gerald Ward, and Celia, Lady Vestey as godparents for their second son.
Interestingly, years later, Prince Harry himself became a godfather, including to Princess Anne’s granddaughter, Lena Tindall, marking a curious twist in the family dynamics. Reflecting on his role as a godfather in 2017, Harry shared that he had been practicing for fatherhood by staying connected with his godchildren, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of playfulness and connection with childhood.
