Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in a royal wedding at St. George’s Chapel on May 19, 2018—eight years ago.
Never afraid to go her own way, the Duchess of Sussex broke protocol by delivering a speech at her wedding reception, a move that was uncommon for royal brides.
She later shared the contents of her remarks in the couple’s 2022 Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan.
Meghan Markle has never been afraid to do it her own way, and that includes at her May 19, 2018 royal wedding to Prince Harry.
Even ahead of the event itself, reports emerged that Meghan was expected to break protocol and give a speech at her reception. The Sunday Times reported that the bride wanted to give “affectionate” remarks in an unprecedented move for royal brides. “Harry thinks it’s a great idea,” the source said at the time.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the altar on their wedding day.
Credit: Getty
Later, in the couple’s 2022 Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, Meghan revealed what she said in her speech, saying that she wanted to tell “a story about the man that I love and the way that we met.”
“Let’s call this a modern fairytale,” she said. “Once upon a time, there was a girl from L.A. Some people called her an actress. And there was a guy from London. Some people called him a prince. All of those people didn’t fully get it. Because this is the love story of a boy and a girl who were meant to be together.”
Meghan talked about their first face-to-face meeting in London in 2016 and how they went on to “giggle endlessly.” She recalled how on their second date the next night—July 4—Harry brought her cupcakes. “‘A bittersweet celebration,’ he says,” in Meghan’s words. “Ironic, really. Her country’s independence from his country. Yet, in this moment, they know they don’t want to be independent from each other.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle departing St. George’s Chapel.
Credit: Getty
She spoke about their third date to Botswana, “And when the tides were rough, they squeezed each other tighter. ‘Nothing can break us,’ they’d say. ‘For this love, she was a fighter.’” She continued, speaking to Harry, “I appreciate, respect, and honor you, my treasure, for the family we will create. And our love story that will last forever.”
“So I ask you to raise a glass to the astounding assurance that now life begins,” she concluded. “And the everlasting knowing that, above all, love wins.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their May 19, 2018 wedding day.
Credit: Getty
For Harry’s part, he went “off-the-cuff” while delivering a “lovely” speech at his reception, with a guest telling People, “He did all the ‘Thank you’s,’” adding that Harry got lots of cheers when he said “my wife and I.”
“He promised that all the Americans wouldn’t steal the swords and said, ‘Please, when you leave, be quiet as you don’t want to wake the neighbors,’ which was quite fun,” the source said.
The guest added that the reception “was more than you would ever imagine it to be. It did feel like we were really part of their very special occasion. It just felt about the two of them, which was great.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry leaving for their wedding reception at Frogmore House.
Credit: Getty
Harry and Meghan actually had two receptions. The first, a lunch reception, was hosted by Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Hall, where about 600 people attended. The evening reception—held later at Frogmore House—was for just 200 guests, a much more intimate crowd.
Meghan’s wedding dress designer Clare Waight Keller said that the bride “was just glowing after the ceremony. I think it was just such a special moment for the two of them. They are so in love.”
“I was just thrilled to be a part of it,” she added, per People.
Read the original article on InStyle