10 Surprising Facts About Harry and Meghan's Royal Wedding

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Christmas Day 2017. Photo courtesy of Mark Jones under CC BY 2.0.

The marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was not just any wedding; it was a global event that captivated millions around the world. Their union on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle was a blend of royal tradition and modern influences, reflecting the unique personalities of the couple. Here are 10 fascinating facts about this historic day that made it stand out.

1. A Modern Royal Wedding With a Historic Venue

St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle has been the site of numerous royal weddings, but Harry and Meghan’s ceremony was particularly special. The couple’s choice to wed at this 14th-century chapel added a sense of historic gravitas to their modern love story.

2. Meghan Walked Herself Down the Aisle

In a break from tradition, Meghan Markle started her walk down the aisle on her own. This was a symbolic move, showcasing her independence and strength. Halfway down, she was joined by Prince Charles, who walked her to the altar in place of her father, Thomas Markle, who was unable to attend due to health reasons.

3. A Veil Embroidered With Commonwealth Flowers

Meghan’s wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, was the epitome of understated elegance. The 16-foot-long veil was especially meaningful, as it was embroidered with the flowers of all 53 Commonwealth countries, symbolizing unity and inclusion - values that are close to the couple’s hearts.

4. A Thoughtful Bridal Bouquet

The bridal bouquet carried by Meghan was as symbolic as her veil. It included forget-me-nots, Princess Diana’s favorite flower, which Harry picked from their private garden. This sweet gesture was a touching tribute to his late mother, ensuring her presence was felt on the day.

5. Royal Titles Bestowed

As with all royal weddings, the couple received new titles from the Queen. Upon their marriage, Harry and Meghan became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, marking the first time these titles had been used since the 19th century. These titles reflect their standing within the royal family and their role in continuing its legacy. Since then, Harry and Meghan have given up the title of His/Her Royal Highness after stepping away from being working members of the Royal Family.

6. A Gospel Choir Stole the Show

In a royal first, the wedding featured a performance by a gospel choir, The Kingdom Choir sang a soulful rendition of “Stand By Me,” offering a powerful performance that symbolized the blending of Meghan’s American heritage with the traditional British setting.

7. The Wedding Cake: A Citrus Delight

Breaking away from the traditional fruitcake, Harry and Meghan opted for a lemon elderflower cake covered with buttercream and adorned with fresh flowers. The cake, created by Claire Ptak of Violet Bakery, was praised for its fresh and vibrant flavors, reflecting the couple’s desire to bring a contemporary twist to royal traditions.

8. A First Dance to Whitney Houston

Harry and Meghan’s first dance as a married couple was to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).” This fun and energetic choice reflected the couple’s joyful and down-to-earth personalities, and it set the tone for the evening’s celebrations.

9. An Environmentally Conscious Celebration

The wedding wasn’t just about celebrating love; it also reflected Harry and Meghan’s commitment to the environment. They made several eco-friendly choices, including limiting the guest list to reduce the event’s carbon footprint and using seasonal, locally sourced flowers for the décor.

10. Meghan’s Speech: A Break From Tradition

Traditionally, it’s the groom or the father of the bride who gives a speech at the wedding reception. However, Meghan made headlines when she chose to give a speech herself at the evening reception hosted by Prince Charles at Frogmore House. In her speech, Meghan expressed her gratitude and love for her new family and spoke about the importance of empowering women, once again highlighting her modern, independent spirit.

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was more than just a royal event; it was a celebration of love that broke with tradition and reflected the couple’s values and personalities.

References: 18 Tiny Details You Might Have Missed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding | Everything you need to know about the Royal Wedding 2018
| Forget-me-not: Harry and Meghan’s poignant tribute to Diana as Prince hand picks flowers from Kensington Palace for the bridal bouquet | Prince Harry responds to why he and Meghan haven’t renounced their royal titles | The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first dance song is a Whitney Houston classic | How sustainable was Harry and Meghan's wedding? | Mindful Royal Wedding