A lot has changed since May 19, 2018, when the world watched Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding.
The event, held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, was viewed by 11.5 million people worldwide. It was seen as a fairy tale come true.
Six years later, the details of what was seen, said, and learned have taken on new significance.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding
From the start, Meghan Markle made it clear she was ready to set her own rules and break with tradition.
She made history by walking partway down the aisle alone, the first royal bride to do so. Midway, she was joined by her father-in-law, then-heir to the throne, Charles.
This moment highlighted her independent spirit, especially given the public fallout with her own father, Thomas Markle, just days before the wedding.
Thomas Markle was involved in a scandal with staged paparazzi photos, leading to a permanent rift with Meghan.
Confirming her father’s absence, Charles offered to walk Meghan down the aisle, but she chose to do most of it alone, projecting an image of an empowered, independent woman.
There was much speculation about whether Harry would wear a morning suit or military uniform.
He appeared in the Blues & Royals uniform of the Royal Guard, a nod to his nearly ten years of service. His brother, Prince William, wore the same tailored uniform.
Harry’s beard, a personal trademark, was controversial as it was against royal military norms. Years later, Harry revealed in his memoirs that this had caused tension with William, who felt it broke tradition.
Harry recounted how he sought permission from Queen Elizabeth II to keep his beard, explaining that Meghan had never seen him without it.
Despite the Queen’s approval, William was unhappy and argued about it for a week.
Harry noted that William believed the Queen favored Harry, leading to resentment and an eventual order from William, as the heir, to shave.
Despite appearances, the brothers’ relationship was strained even before Meghan’s arrival, due to their different roles and privileges.
Harry learned of William’s engagement through the press and recalled a physical altercation with William over Meghan, whom William allegedly described as difficult and rude.
(Agency)
The Sussexes’ wedding was unique, blending British royalty with Hollywood glamour.
Meghan’s connections as an actress brought celebrities like the Beckhams, Serena Williams, the Clooneys, and Oprah Winfrey to St. George’s Chapel.
Over time, some friendships, such as with the Clooneys, grew stronger, while others, like Oprah, became crucial allies.
The choice of Meghan’s wedding tiara, a piece with diamonds and a detachable brooch, sparked controversy known as “tiaragate.”
Reports suggested Meghan wanted a different tiara, leading to a heated exchange with the Queen. However, Harry’s memoirs tell a different story, with Meghan trying on several tiaras and choosing one with the Queen’s approval. The issue arose when they later requested the tiara for practice and faced delays.
The Sussexes later revealed they had a private ceremony three days before the public wedding.
This claim, made during their interview with Oprah, was disputed by church officials, who confirmed that the legal wedding took place on May 19.
Kate Middleton’s choice of outfit at the wedding, a yellow coat she had worn before, did not cause as much of a stir as expected.
It was revealed later that her relationship with Meghan was already strained. Reports of a pre-wedding argument over bridesmaid dresses, involving Kate’s daughter Charlotte, added to the tension.
Meghan claimed Kate made her cry but later apologized, indicating their relationship was never close.
The wedding of Harry and Meghan was a dream event for the UK, but it also highlighted deeper issues within the royal family.
As time passed, it became clear that the fairy tale wedding masked significant personal and familial conflicts.