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They wed on a perfectly sunny day on May 19 two years ago, having announced their engagement in November 2017. And Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ’s wedding went down in history as one that broke a lot of moulds, while remaining steeped in tradition. From walking down the aisle on her own to her husband’s use of platinum in his wedding band, rather than the traditional Welsh gold, keep reading to find out more about one of the most romantic and talked-about royal weddings in recent history.
1. Something blue
A piece of material from the dress Meghan wore on her first date with Harry was sewn into her wedding dress. Meghan told the British ITV documentary Queen Of The World it was her “something blue.” She added: “It’s fabric from the dress that I wore on our first date.”
2. Meghan’s solo wedding procession
The former Suits actress chose to begin her wedding procession alone before joining Prince Charles as she approached the altar. It was the first time any royal bride had walked down the aisle of her wedding on her own.
3. Followed in her late mother-in-law’s footsteps
Harry and Meghan read traditional vows during the ceremony but Meghan omitted the word “obey,” just like Princess Diana did when she married Prince Charles in 1981. Kate Middleton also did the same when she and Prince William wed in 2011.
4. New titles
Shortly before the wedding began, Queen Elizabeth announced that Harry was now the Duke of Sussex, making Meghan the Duchess of Sussex. Since leaving their royal duties in March 2020 and dropping their HRH titles, they have kept their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
5. Meghan’s veil surprised her groom
Meghan’s veil was embroidered with the national flowers of each of the 53 Commonwealth countries. She later revealed to the ITV documentary Queen Of The World that it had been a total surprise to her groom! She said: “It was important for me, especially now being part of the royal family, to have all 53 of the Commonwealth countries incorporated. And I knew it would be a fun surprise for my now husband – he didn’t know! He was really over the moon to find that I would make this choice for our day together, and I think the other members of the family had a similar reaction.”
6. Nearly 30 million people in the US tuned in to witness the wedding
According to Deadline, 29.2 Americans watched the live broadcast of the wedding, which is around 6 million more than Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding.
7. Something old
The Duchess of Sussex’s “something old” was Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara, which was lent to Meghan by Queen Elizabeth.
8. Harry picked flowers for Meghan’s bouquet himself
Harry handpicked flowers at Kensington Palace for his bride and it also featured Forget-Me-Nots, which were Princess Diana’s favorite flowers. Myrtle sprigs were also included, a tradition in royal wedding bouquets that dates back to Queen Victoria.
The bouquet was later placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey, a tradition started by Queen Elizabeth’s mother to honor her brother who was killed in World War One.
9. Meghan’s veil was 16 feet long
The veil was carried by page boys Brian Mulroney and John Mulroney, the twin sons of Meghan’s best friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney.
10. Prince Harry breaks with tradition with wedding band
The royal family has been using Welsh gold for their rings since Queen Elizabeth’s mom’s wedding in 1923, and Meghan’s band was made from gold from Clogau St David’s mine at Bontddu in North Wales. However, Prince Harry decided to switch things up and chose platinum for his band.