Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding was a global event filled with memorable moments, personal tributes, and modern touches that set it apart from royal weddings of the past. Here are all the memorable details that’ll refresh your memories from the day.
- Windsor Castle Was the Perfect Place to Say “I Do”
- The Empty Seat That Sparked Plenty of Speculation
- The Young Bridal Party Nearly Stole the Show
- Meghan’s Royal Wedding Dress Was Inspired by Timeless Elegance
- A Hidden Piece of Harry Was Sewn Into the Veil
- The Tiara Carried More Than a Century of History
- Diana’s Memory Was Woven Into Meghan’s Bouquet
- Their Wedding Rings Broke With Royal Tradition
- King Charles Stepped In for a Memorable Walk Down the Aisle
- Meghan Updated the Traditional Wedding Vows
Windsor Castle Was the Perfect Place to Say “I Do”
Unlike Prince William and Princess Kate, who married at Westminster Abbey, Harry and Meghan chose St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The location held special meaning for the couple, who had spent a great deal of time together there during their relationship.
The chapel itself is steeped in royal history, dating back more than 500 years. It has hosted numerous royal weddings and serves as the final resting place of several monarchs, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Henry VIII, and later Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II.
The Empty Seat That Sparked Plenty of Speculation
One image from the ceremony that caught viewers’ attention was the empty chair beside Prince William. Many believed it had been intentionally left vacant as a tribute to Princess Diana.
However, reports later revealed a much simpler explanation. The seat remained empty so Queen Elizabeth, who was seated behind it, could have an unobstructed view of the ceremony and the newlyweds exchanging their vows.
The Young Bridal Party Nearly Stole the Show
Prince George and Princess Charlotte attracted plenty of attention as page boy and bridesmaid, but they were joined by several other children close to the couple. Meghan’s godchildren and the children of close friends Jessica Mulroney and Benita Litt were also part of the wedding party.
The bridesmaids wore ivory Givenchy dresses with flower crowns matching Meghan’s bouquet, while the page boys wore miniature versions of the Blues and Royals uniform. Special embroidered initials on their shoulder straps added an extra personal touch.
Meghan’s Royal Wedding Dress Was Inspired by Timeless Elegance
Meghan worked closely with Givenchy artistic director Clare Waight Keller to create a gown that balanced simplicity and sophistication. Reports suggested she admired the understated elegance associated with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style, which influenced some of her bridal vision.
The final dress featured clean lines, three-quarter sleeves, an open bateau neckline, and a dramatic nine-foot train. Its minimalist design quickly became one of the most talked-about wedding dresses in royal history.
A Hidden Piece of Harry Was Sewn Into the Veil
Among the many sentimental details of Meghan’s bridal look was a secret piece of blue fabric stitched into her veil. The material came from a dress she wore during one of her earliest dates with Harry, making it her “something blue.”
Her veil also carried deeper symbolism. Embroidered flowers represented all 53 Commonwealth nations, while California poppies honored her home state and wintersweet flowers paid tribute to Kensington Palace.
The Tiara Carried More Than a Century of History
Meghan completed her bridal look with Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau tiara, borrowed from Queen Elizabeth’s collection. The sparkling headpiece served as both her “something old” and “something borrowed.”
The tiara dates to 1931, though its central brooch goes back even further, to 1893. Combined with her Cartier jewelry, it helped create one of the most memorable royal bridal looks in recent memory.
Diana’s Memory Was Woven Into Meghan’s Bouquet
Princess Diana’s presence was felt throughout the wedding, including in Meghan’s bouquet. Harry personally selected forget-me-nots, his mother’s favorite flowers, from the gardens at Kensington Palace.
The bouquet also included myrtle, sweet peas, lily of the valley, jasmine, and other blooms tied together with raw silk ribbon. Following royal tradition, Meghan later placed the bouquet at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
Their Wedding Rings Broke With Royal Tradition
Meghan’s wedding band followed royal custom and was crafted from Welsh gold gifted by Queen Elizabeth. The royal family has used Welsh gold wedding bands for generations.
Harry, however, chose a platinum band with a textured finish instead. His decision marked a departure from tradition and reflected the couple’s willingness to blend royal customs with personal preferences.
King Charles Stepped In for a Memorable Walk Down the Aisle
When Meghan’s father was unable to attend due to health issues, then-Prince Charles offered to escort her during part of the procession. Rather than walking her the entire way, he met her midway down the aisle.
The gesture became one of the ceremony’s most emotional moments. Meghan later shared that having her future father-in-law support her on such an important day meant a great deal to her.
Meghan Updated the Traditional Wedding Vows
While Harry and Meghan largely followed traditional church vows, Meghan omitted the word “obey” when making her promises. It was a choice previously made by both Princess Diana and Princess Kate.
The decision reflected a modern approach to marriage while still honoring the core elements of the ceremony. It became one of several subtle ways the couple personalised their wedding service. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Royal news and updates.