On their third anniversary, we’re going to decode all the secret symbols that were embedded in every aspect of their big day all the way back in 2018.
The Dress
Fevered speculation surrounded the identity of Meghan’s wedding dress designer. Virtually no one was expecting her to go with Givenchy, and the dress itself was much crisper and simpler than those of other royal wedding gowns in the past. It was a modern dress for a modern bride, and its bateau neckline, three-quarter length sleeves and timeless outline reflected Meghan’s own taste and sensibilities rather than that of the family she was marrying into (no lace on a royal bride’s wedding gown was also a tradition-breaker at the time.) As this was Meghan’s second marriage, it was assumed that she would wear an off-white color like ivory, but she went with a pure white gown in the end—perhaps reflecting her desire that this marriage mark a truly fresh start.
The Veil
The 16-foot wedding veil was also designed by Claire Waight Keller of Givenchy, and was so delicate that its seamstresses were required to wash their hands every 30 minutes during the hundreds of hours they spent working on it. Composed of silk tulle, the veil was rich with symbolism, from the 53 signature flowers to represent every country in the Commonwealth to the poppy that represented Meghan’s home state of California. It also was embroidered with Wintersweet, which grows in front of Nottingham Cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace, where Meghan moved in with Harry shortly before their wedding. In an homage to the spirit of Princess Diana, the front of the veil was embroidered with sheaves of wheat to symbolize love and charity.
The Tiara
The Art Deco diamond bandeau tiara that held Meghan’s veil in place is also known as the Filigree Tiara, and once belonged to Queen Mary. The centerpiece is encrusted with diamonds and opals and is detachable in case you feel like wearing a brooch instead. This was Meghan’s “something borrowed”, having been loaned to her by Queen Elizabeth II.
The Flowers
Meghan’s bouquet was a low-key clutch of flowers rife with meaning. They included one of Princess Diana’s favorite types of flower, the forget-me-not, which was chosen to honor Harry’s late mother. Among the sweet peas, lily of the valley and jasmine were sprigs of myrtle, a traditional element of royal brides’ bouquets. Perhaps most touchingly of all, Harry himself picked flowers to be added to the bouquet from the garden of the couple’s home, only hours before he became a husband.
Something New, Something Old, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
We’ve already mentioned the new (the dress) and the borrowed (the tiara). But did you know that Meghan’s “something old” was the sprigs of myrtle in her bouquet, having been grown from the myrtle that the queen carried in her own 1947 wedding bouquet? She also had a piece of fabric from Princess Diana’s wedding gown sewn into her own, as well as a piece of the blue dress she wore on her first date with Harry—her “something blue.”
The Groom’s Uniform
Prince Harry chose to wear the frock coat of the Blues and Royals, the regiment in which Harry served in combat in Afghanistan. Fun fact: he had to ask his grandmother’s permission to keep his beard, as the British Army tends to frown upon them.
The Hymns
One of the hymns, ‘Guide Me, O Great Redeemer’ was a favorite of Diana’s and was sung at her funeral in 1997. Harry could be seen to wipe away a tear as it rang through St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Tribute was also paid to Meghan’s African-American heritage, with Karen Gibson and the Kingdom Choir performing gospel renditions of ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘This Little Light of Mine.’
Meghan’s Second Wedding Outfit
Royal brides usually change into a second gown for the evening reception, and Meghan was no different, changing into a gorgeous flowing halter-neck gown by Stella McCartney before being driven by her new husband to their reception at Frogmore House. The stunning aquamarine cocktail ring on her hand once belonged to the Princess of Wales, and was a wedding gift from Harry. The soles of Meghan’s silk pumps were painted baby blue to match! Next up, the ‘seawater gem’: see the Countess of Wessex’s two favorite aquamarine tiaras.
