Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018 was a grand spectacle celebrated worldwide. But behind the scenes, the late Queen reportedly raised eyebrows at some of Meghan’s decisions, according to claims in royal author Tom Bower’s book Revenge.
One significant point of contention? Meghan’s choice to wear a veil on her big day. Since this was Meghan’s second marriage—she was previously married to Hollywood producer Trevor Engelson—the Queen apparently questioned the need for a bridal veil, a traditional accessory often tied to first marriages. Bower writes, “The Queen also questioned why Meghan needed a veil for the wedding, given it was to be her second marriage.”
Adding to the Queen’s concerns was Meghan’s bright white gown, designed by Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy. Traditionally, white symbolizes purity, particularly in a first marriage. Sources allege the Queen viewed the choice as “too white” for a divorcee, a sentiment shared by Lady Elizabeth Anson, the Queen’s confidante, and other royal biographers.
Despite the swirling opinions, Meghan’s vision for her wedding attire came to life with a 16-foot veil adorned with intricate floral designs representing every Commonwealth nation. Clare Waight Keller noted Meghan wanted a “timeless piece” that embraced “modernity,” and the veil embodied that concept beautifully. The gown and veil showcased extraordinary craftsmanship, taking 3,900 hours of work with meticulous attention to detail.
But Meghan wasn’t the first royal to step away from precedent. Queen Camilla, who remarried King Charles in 2005, opted for a simpler outfit free of a veil, adhering to traditional expectations.
A String of Unconventional Choices
Meghan’s decisions didn’t stop at her dress. Breaking another tradition, Prince Charles accompanied her down the aisle in place of her father, Thomas Markle. This last-minute change came after Thomas became embroiled in controversy over staged paparazzi photos. The Queen reportedly expressed regret that Meghan hadn’t resolved tensions with her father before the wedding.
Adding to the tension was a clash over Meghan’s access to the Queen’s tiara collection. Reports claim that Angela Kelly, the Queen’s trusted dresser responsible for overseeing royal jewelry, wasn’t pleased with Meghan and Harry’s approach. Harry’s alleged outburst—“What Meghan wants, Meghan gets”—fueled further drama, though he later denied saying it.
The Queen also reportedly granted one unusual request ahead of the ceremony—allowing Harry to keep his beard despite marrying in military uniform, which traditionally forbids facial hair. Meghan’s presence was not the only reason Harry desperately wanted to maintain the beard; he shared in his memoir Spare that it helped him manage his anxiety and played a role in his self-confidence.
A Shift in the Royal Dynamic
While the wedding was a momentous day, it marked the beginning of a growing rift between Harry, Meghan, and the wider Royal Family. Over time, complaints about strict royal protocols and mounting tensions led the Sussexes to step back from royal duties, moving to the United States in 2020. Their subsequent interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 only widened the divide.
The Queen, known for her unwavering commitment to the monarchy, reportedly found the situation exhausting. Biographer Ingrid Seward noted that Her Majesty eventually reached her breaking point, telling a confidante she no longer wanted to dwell on the circumstances.
Ultimately, despite the personal affection she had for Harry, the Queen prioritized the preservation of the monarchy, a legacy she cherished over her 70-year reign.
Meghan’s wedding attire, paired with her and Harry’s approach to carving their path, symbolized a desire to modernize and challenge royal traditions. Yet, it also highlighted the inevitable clash between those aspirations and the deeply rooted traditions of the monarchy. The Queen’s alleged disappointment and concerns serve as a reminder that even the most unconventional choices can have consequences within the royal family. However, with time, perhaps these differences will eventually be reconciled, and the monarchy will continue to evolve along with society’s changing values and attitudes. Therefore, it is essential to consider not only personal desires but also the impact of decisions on long-standing traditions when navigating life within the royal family.
References:
- “Meghan Markle’s Tiara Fiasco with the Queen Revealed in New Book,” Vanity Fair (accessed October 2021)
- “What Meghan Wants, Meghan Gets: The Lucrezia Borgia-esque Demands of Prince Harry’s Future wife,” Express Digest (accessed October 2021)
- Angela Kelly. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 30, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Kelly_(dressmaker)
- Barber, L. (2018). How to Dress a Queen: The Stunning Secrets of the Royal Wardrobe. London: Michael O’Mara Books Ltd.
- “Prince Harry reveals he still uses EMDR therapy to cope with Princess Diana’s death,” Today (accessed October 2021)
- Morgan, P., & Koenig, M. (2018). The Wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. New York: The Royal Watcher.
- Seward, I. (2020). Prince Philip Revealed: A Man of His Century. London: Simon & Schuster UK Ltd.