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The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, was a grand affair that captivated millions around the globe. However, what was meant to be a symbol of unity and celebration also stirred controversy due to Meghan’s decisions, which challenged some of the British Royal Family’s longstanding traditions. Among the most debated choices were her white wedding gown, her long veil, and other personal touches made by the couple that reportedly did not sit well with Queen Elizabeth II and other royal members.
Criticism, as recounted by royal experts, reflected the conservative mindset of senior royals. Queen Elizabeth was reportedly uncomfortable with Meghan’s choice to wear a veil, a symbol traditionally associated with virginity and reserved for first marriages. Given that Meghan had previously been married to film producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013, this decision sparked internal debates. Despite the reservations within the royal household, the couple maintained their preferences, marking a symbolic break from the monarchy’s rigid traditions.
The couple’s choices went beyond aesthetics, symbolizing their desire to modernize one of the world’s oldest institutions. Through these decisions, Harry and Meghan signaled a clear intent to craft their own narrative within the royal family, even if it meant challenging centuries-old norms.
The symbolic impact of the wedding dress
Meghan Markle wore a minimalist white wedding gown designed by Clare Waight Keller, artistic director of Givenchy. The dress, valued at approximately £120,000, exuded elegance and modernity but became a focal point of criticism. Queen Elizabeth was said to have considered the gown “too white” for someone who had been married before, highlighting a generational perspective on the color’s symbolism of purity and virtue.
The five-meter-long veil Meghan wore also became a topic of debate. Embroidered with the flowers of the 53 Commonwealth nations, it represented unity and diversity, yet some conservative royal members deemed it inappropriate for a second marriage. Comparatively, Queen Camilla, in her 2005 wedding to King Charles III, chose not to wear a veil, adhering to traditional expectations.
Prince Harry’s departure from tradition
Prince Harry also broke with royal traditions on his wedding day. Notably, he chose to keep his beard while wearing military attire, despite British Army regulations prohibiting facial hair when in uniform. Harry sought special permission from Queen Elizabeth, who granted the exception as a gesture of affection. While the Queen’s approval demonstrated her personal support for her grandson, it reportedly caused discomfort among more traditional members of the royal household and military circles.
This instance epitomized Harry’s approach to balancing respect for royal customs with his desire for individuality. By allowing Harry to maintain his beard, the Queen showed flexibility, yet the decision further underscored the couple’s deviation from royal norms.
Historical roots of royal protocols
Royal marriage protocols are deeply rooted in British history. Since the reign of Henry VIII, royal weddings have been designed to showcase the monarchy’s power and uphold dynastic continuity. These ceremonies are not merely personal milestones but political and cultural events that reinforce the monarchy’s authority.
The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses in royal ceremonies traces back to Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840. Before her, brides commonly wore dresses in various colors. Victoria’s choice of white, symbolizing simplicity and purity, established a precedent that has endured through generations.
Over the centuries, royal traditions have gradually adapted to accommodate personal circumstances. Weddings like that of Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII in 1937, or Camilla and Charles in 2005, demonstrate the monarchy’s ability to evolve, albeit not without controversy.
Internal and external repercussions
Meghan and Harry’s choices at their wedding reflected their intent to carve out a distinct identity within the royal family, but these decisions also created internal tensions. Comparisons were drawn between Meghan and Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée whose relationship with Edward VIII led to his abdication in 1936. While the circumstances differed, both figures challenged traditional expectations of British royalty, resulting in significant disruptions.
Externally, the wedding was widely celebrated as a milestone of inclusivity and modernity. Meghan, as an American woman of biracial heritage and a divorcée, brought diversity to an institution often criticized for its lack of representation. The ceremony itself included unique elements such as a gospel choir and a sermon by an American bishop, highlighting multicultural influences.
Key facts about Harry and Meghan’s royal weddingDate and venue: The wedding took place on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, a historic site for the royal family.Guest list: Approximately 600 guests attended the ceremony, including public figures like Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and George Clooney.Floral decorations: The chapel was adorned with white blooms, including roses and peonies, Meghan’s favorite flowers.Reception: Following the ceremony, a luncheon hosted by Queen Elizabeth was held at St. George’s Hall, followed by an evening reception for close friends and family.Meghan and Harry’s departure from royal duties
In the years following their wedding, tensions between the couple and the royal family escalated, culminating in their decision to step down from royal duties in 2020, a move widely referred to as “Megxit.” This decision stemmed from a combination of factors, including intense media scrutiny, a lack of institutional support, and Meghan’s challenges in adapting to royal life.
The couple’s departure had significant ramifications for the monarchy. Stripped of their royal titles and public funding, Harry and Meghan relocated to the United States, where they sought to build an independent life. Their exit fueled debates about the future of the monarchy and the necessity of modernization to stay relevant in a changing world.
Economic and social impacts of the wedding
Harry and Meghan’s wedding had a considerable economic impact, generating an estimated £1 billion in revenue for the UK through tourism, merchandise, and media rights. The event’s global broadcast projected a modern image of the British monarchy, attracting millions of viewers worldwide.
Socially, the wedding highlighted themes of inclusion and representation, introducing a progressive narrative to royal traditions. However, subsequent controversies raised questions about the treatment Meghan received from the British media and the cultural implications of her entry into the royal family.
