In 2018, the world witnessed the grand wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. The event was a star-studded affair, although the lead-up was marked by various dramatic moments.
There were reports of tension between Meghan and Kate Middleton, with rumors suggesting they clashed over Princess Charlotte’s dress, causing tears. In his memoir, Spare, Harry recounted further disagreements between Meghan and Kate, particularly following his honeymoon, which strained the relationship between the two women.
As time passes, more surprising stories have surfaced. One such claim in Spare was that Prince William would have preferred a different venue for Harry and Meghan’s wedding. Harry alleged that his brother suggested a more modest location, far from the grandeur of traditional royal sites.
Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle in an intimate setting in November 2017. The couple announced their engagement via Clarence House, stating that Harry had received the Queen’s approval and Meghan’s parents’ blessing. The engagement came after Harry proposed during a quiet evening at home, while Meghan was roasting a chicken. Meghan fondly recalled the moment, describing it as sweet, natural, and romantic, with Harry even getting down on one knee.
In the months leading up to their wedding, there was significant discussion within the Royal Family about the wedding venue. Harry and William reportedly had different views. While Harry initially suggested Westminster Abbey, William shot down the idea, considering it inappropriate since he and Kate had wed there. Harry then proposed St. Paul’s Cathedral, but William thought it was too grand, instead suggesting Tetbury, a small chapel near their father’s Highgrove residence. Harry found this suggestion absurd, as he and Meghan had originally dreamed of a more personal ceremony in Botswana but were expected to have a public wedding.
The brothers clashed over other details as well. Harry revealed that they had heated discussions about whether Meghan should wear a veil since she was a divorcee. Another point of contention was Harry’s beard, which he refused to shave despite William’s frustration.
Ultimately, they settled on St. George’s Chapel, and on May 19, 2018, Harry and Meghan’s wedding took place. Although both Harry and William’s weddings were seen as monumental events, they differed in tone. William and Kate’s was more formal, whereas Harry and Meghan’s was relaxed, featuring gospel music and a more personal atmosphere.
In Spare, Harry reminisced about standing at the altar, watching Meghan walk towards him, accompanied by the music he had carefully selected. He reflected on the significance of the moment, feeling overwhelmed with emotion as they exchanged rings made from the same Welsh gold used for Kate’s ring.
Although many expected William to serve as Harry’s best man, he did not. Harry chose his old friend Charlie for the role, which may have fueled the growing rift between the brothers. Harry speculated that William may have been upset about not being chosen, though the public was told William was the best man to maintain appearances.
The guest list at Harry and Meghan’s wedding sparked questions. Unlike William and Kate’s wedding, which included political figures and world leaders, Harry and Meghan’s guest list was filled with celebrities. Some royal experts, like Rachel Johnson, even questioned whether some guests, such as George and Amal Clooney, actually knew the couple.
Harry and Meghan later spent time with the Clooneys in Italy, and the actor mentioned having dinner with the couple several times. Royal expert Andrew Morton also raised concerns about the star-studded guest list, suggesting that Meghan invited high-profile guests who supported her in the media.
One of the most surprising revelations came during Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they claimed they had secretly married three days before their official wedding ceremony. They described the private event, with only the Archbishop of Canterbury and their dogs as witnesses. However, the Archbishop later clarified that the legal wedding took place at St. George’s Chapel as scheduled.
Though their wedding seemed like a fairytale, Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the Royal Family has been strained ever since. Whether they will reconcile with the family remains uncertain.
What’s your take on their situation? Do you think they will ever make amends with the Royal Family? Share your thoughts!