The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a highly anticipated event that captivated the world. Their romance was followed closely by the public, and when Harry proposed to Meghan, it seemed to mark the beginning of a real-life fairytale. In a quiet moment at home, as Meghan was cooking dinner, Harry popped the question. Meghan recalled, “It was just so sweet and natural and very romantic. He got on one knee. As a matter of fact, I could barely let him finish proposing. I was like, ‘Can I say yes now?’”
The wedding took place on May 19, 2018, in a ceremony that was both intimate and grand. The couple’s wedding was attended by celebrities such as George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and David and Victoria Beckham. Meghan wore a stunning Givenchy wedding dress designed by Clare Waight Keller, paired with the Queen Mary’s bandeau tiara, which belonged to Queen Elizabeth’s grandmother.
However, while the wedding was a beautiful occasion, it wasn’t without its share of drama, particularly regarding the venue. In his memoir Spare, Harry revealed that there were disagreements between him and his brother William about where the wedding should take place. Initially, Harry suggested Westminster Abbey, but William was not thrilled with this idea, as he and Kate had married there just seven years prior. Harry then proposed St. Paul’s Cathedral, but William rejected this as well, calling it “too grand,” and pointed out that their parents had also wed there.
Prince William’s suggestion was for Harry and Meghan to marry in Tetbury, a small chapel near Highgrove House, Gloucestershire, which is close to the royal residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla. Harry’s reaction was one of disbelief, and he was not shy about expressing his doubts. “Tetbury? The chapel near Highgrove? Seriously, Willy? How many does that place seat?” he recalled in Spare.
William’s response, according to Harry, was, “Isn’t that what you said you wanted – a small, quiet wedding?” This exchange revealed that there were differing views between the brothers on what the wedding should look like. Harry and Meghan had originally envisioned something more private and personal, even contemplating a barefoot ceremony in Botswana with a friend officiating. However, due to royal expectations, they were required to share this important moment with the public, which ultimately led them to settle on St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Despite the discussions and disagreements, the wedding was a spectacular event that became a milestone in royal history. Harry recalled the moment he stood at the altar waiting for Meghan, describing how he smoothed his uniform and watched Meghan glide down the aisle. He had chosen the music for her entrance with great care and felt that the piece, Handel’s Eternal Source of Light Divine, was the perfect choice. As Meghan walked toward him, Harry gave thanks for the choices he had made.
However, the wedding was not without its moments of tension. One of the more surprising aspects of the ceremony was that Harry chose his friend Charlie to be his best man, rather than his brother William. Many people expected William to take on this role, given that Harry had been William’s best man at his wedding to Kate Middleton. The decision to ask Charlie instead of William raised eyebrows and led to speculation about the state of Harry and William’s relationship at the time.
In his memoir, Harry expressed some of his confusion about the situation, wondering whether William’s disappointment over not being chosen as the best man contributed to the tension between them. “Was he annoyed because I had asked my old friend Charlie instead?” Harry asked, reflecting on the situation in Spare. Despite the awkwardness, the wedding itself went ahead as planned, and Harry and Meghan were married in a memorable ceremony.
The event, though marred by some family drama, was undoubtedly a stunning occasion, and it marked a new chapter in the couple’s life. Their marriage symbolized a mix of modernity and tradition, with Meghan’s American background and Harry’s royal heritage coming together in a unique blend. The royal family, including Prince William and Kate, attended the wedding, though there was a palpable tension between the brothers, which became apparent in the months and years following the ceremony.
Harry and Meghan’s wedding was a pivotal moment in the history of the British royal family, and it captured the hearts of people worldwide. Despite the controversies and behind-the-scenes tensions, the couple’s love story has continued to unfold in the public eye. Their wedding, held in one of the most iconic locations in the UK, will be remembered as a significant moment for both the royal family and the world.
Since then, Harry and Meghan have focused on their family life and public endeavors, with their roles within the royal family evolving. Though their relationship with the monarchy has faced challenges, including their decision to step back from royal duties, their wedding will forever be remembered as a historic event that represented a blend of traditional royal elements and modern values.
