Meghan Markle’s christening: so far so good

SIR – Undoubtedly, some, as Scripture says “have the gift of prophecy”, and more often than not you are right in your Leading Articles, but I have a concern about the third leader on May 10. You say that Meghan Markle was “successfully christened” by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The service order offers these words to the candidate for Baptism: “Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil, and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.” Surely, we will not know whether the Baptism was successful until Meghan’s earthly life is done.

This said, I am confident in the Archbishop’s preparation of Ms Markle, which, with the baptismal ceremony and the forthcoming marriage, will enable this delightful couple to bring joy and hope to ours and coming generations. Canon Alan Hughes

Berwick-upon-tweed, Northumberland

sir – The behaviour of some professed Christians makes it appear probable some christenings are unsuccessful. Douglas M H Crook

Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire

SIR – Among unsuccessful christenings was surely that of the Byzantine emperor Constantine V (718-75). Legend says that at the critical moment of the ceremony the child fouled the font, earning himself the soubriquet by which history has known him: Constantine Copronymus. Jeremy Thomas

Birmingham