In the aftermath of the grand royal wedding in May 2018, revelations have surfaced regarding Queen Elizabeth II’s opinions about Meghan Markle’s choice of wedding attire.
The late monarch, known for her traditionalist views, reportedly had strong feelings about the actress’s bridal gown, stating that it was “too white” for a woman with a previous marriage.
The insights come from royal author Ingrid Seward in her recent book, “My Mother and I,” which delves into the Queen’s relationship with her son, Charles.
Within the pages, the author highlights Elizabeth’s discomfort on Meghan’s wedding day, specifically pointing out her displeasure with the perceived disregard for royal conventions by the Duchess of Sussex.
According to the accounts, the Queen was unsettled not only by the gown’s color but also by the decision for Prince Charles to accompany Meghan down the aisle.
Elizabeth expected Meghan to walk alone, particularly since her estranged father, Thomas Markle, could not attend.
This break from tradition stirred criticism in royal circles, underscoring the Queen’s commitment to established norms.
Moreover, the monarch expressed her concerns regarding the well-being of Prince Philip, who had recently undergone hip surgery.
His health became a topic of worry as the event approached, as the Queen was keenly aware of the physical challenges he faced just weeks before they celebrated the royal nuptials.
In addition to those worries, the Queen felt uncomfortable with the wedding’s overall ambiance, particularly a lengthy sermon delivered by American Archbishop Michael Curry.
While many hailed the sermon as a highlight of the modern royal wedding, the Queen’s traditional sensibilities regarded it as a departure from the expected tone of royal ceremonies.
Following the wedding, only one joint engagement took place between the Queen and Meghan, which took place in June of that same year.
However, their relationship soured significantly when Harry and Meghan decided to step back from royal duties in early 2020.
This decision left the Queen “severely disappointed,” as she saw it as a break from royal tradition and family ties.
After the Queen’s passing in September 2022, tensions resurfaced, especially when Meghan made comments about her grandmother-in-law in a revealing docuseries.
These remarks did not sit well with Prince Harry, who appeared visibly disturbed by Meghan’s light-hearted take on her first encounter with the Queen.
Describing that first meeting, Meghan recalled a moment in the car, where Harry reminded her of the curtsy.
She later performed a theatrical mimicry of it, recalling that the encounter felt surreal, which prompted mixed reactions from the audience.
The entire scene painted a picture of discord between personal understanding and public perception of royal protocol.
In another reflection on Meghan’s choice of attire, royal biographer Tom Bower noted that the Queen was particularly surprised by the decision to wear a veil.
This choice was seen as unconventional given Meghan’s status as a divorcee.
In contrast, Queen Camilla did not adhere to the same tradition on her wedding day to Charles, opting to forgo a veil completely.
The veil itself—which was a showstopper at the ceremony—was adorned with intricate lace depicting flora from all 53 Commonwealth nations.
The creativity behind the design, crafted by Clare Waight-Keller of Givenchy, was intended to bridge the gap between modern design and royal heritage.
Meghan expressed her respect for Waight-Keller’s vision, stating that the designer honored her wishes throughout the creation process.
However, the Queen’s silent disapproval loomed over the elaborate gown which took a remarkable 3,900 hours to create with the help of a team of 50 people.
Lady Elizabeth Anson, a close confidante of the Queen, reflected on Her Majesty’s singular comment regarding Meghan and Harry’s wedding: the gown was “too white.”
This sentiment hints at the broader narrative of the Queen’s adherence to royal customs, making allowances only for those who fit comfortably within traditional frameworks.
Ultimately, the echoes of the royal wedding resonate in a landscape where longstanding customs collide with contemporary interpretations of relationships, marriage, and identity.
The late Queen’s reflections on Meghan’s wedding attire stand as a testament to the complex dynamics of tradition in the ever-evolving royal family.