Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19 2018 in the year’s most talked-about nuptials.
If, just like us, you’re living for every last detail of the event, this is where you’ll find everything about the big day.
Keep an eye out as we update it with everything that happens at the wedding of the year…
The royal couple tied the knot on May 19 2018 at 12 p. m. noon. The marriage service lasted an hour, beginning at 12pm and finishing by 1pm, and it took place in the castle’s 15th century St George’s Chapel.
Here’s the happy couple looking *super* loved-up…
And giving us the moment we were all waiting for!
We felt the love all the way through the ceremony – it’s clear this pair are meant to be.
We couldn’t get enough of little Princess Charlotte, who served as a bridemaid for Meghan. Here’s the little cutie…
After saying their vows (was anyone else choking back the tears when Harry mouthed “you look amazing” to his bride? ! ), Harry and Meghan completed a two-mile journey on the streets of London after exchanging their wedding vows in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
The route saw the happy couple take a trip down Castle Hill, along the High Street and then along Sheet Street, Kings Road and Albert Road, before returning to Windsor Castle along the Long Walk. Phew!
After their drive-by, they greeted their guests from the ceremony at a reception at St. George’s Hall (a very fancy location, if you’re asking). The close friends and family party was hosted by Prince Charles – as he did for William and Kate following their 2011 ceremony – at Frogmore House (and we are sure there will be plenty of dad dancing – we’re looking at you, William, and banging club tunes).
The dress
After months of speculation and rumours flying around left, right and centre about who would design the wedding dress of the year, it was confirmed that the dress designer was Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy – we did not see that one coming!
Artistic Director Clare Waight Keller custom designed the wedding gown and Meghan looked absolutely ethereal. Speaking about the dress, the designer said: “It is truly an honour to have been given the opportunity to closely collaborate with Meghan Markle on such a remarkable occasion. We wanted to create a timeless piece that would emphasize the iconic codes of Givenchy throughout its history, as well as convey modernity through sleek lines and sharp cuts. ”
“In contrast, the delicate floral beauty of the veil was a vision Meghan and I shared, a special gesture embracing the commonwealth flora, ascending the circumference of the silk tulle.
“As a British designer at a Parisian Haute Couture house, and on behalf of all us at Givenchy who have been able to experience such an extraordinary process of creativity, I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and grateful to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Kensington Palace for allowing us to be part of this historical chapter.
“It has been an immensely rewarding experience to get to know Meghan on a personal level, one I will forever carry with me. The House of Givenchy joins me in wishing her and Prince Harry every wish of happiness in their future. ”
True to the heritage of the house, the pure lines of the dress are achieved using six meticulously placed seams. The focus of the dress is the graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasizes the slender sculpted waist. The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three-quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity.
Meghan Markle wears breathtaking Givenchy gown by Clare Waight Keller as she walks down the aisle to marry Prince Harry
Meghan apparently wanted to have all 53 countries of the Commonwealth with her on her journey through the ceremony so Ms. Waight Keller designed a veil representing the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country united in one spectacular floral composition. Incredible!
The veil is five meters long and made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza.
Each flower was worked flat, in three dimensions to create a unique and delicate design. The workers spent hundreds of hours meticulously sewing and washing their hands every thirty minutes to keep the tulle and threads pristine.
Symmetrically placed at the very front of the veil, crops of wheat are delicately embroidered and blend into the flora, to symbolise love and charity.
The wedding shoes are based on the Givenchy refined pointed SS18 Haute Couture design made of a silk duchess satin.
Clare Waight Keller also designed the six young bridesmaids’ dresses, hand crafted in the Givenchy Haute Couture Atelier in Paris. The dresses were designed to have the same timeless purity as Meghan’s dress.
As for her beauty look, Meghan looked absolutely incredible with a surprisingly pared-back beauty look.
Meghan Markle absolutely nailed her wedding beauty look
The actress opted to wear her hair in a bun beneath her veil, which she offset with a glistening tiara. The man behind the mane? Serge Normant, who also works with the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker.
Her makeup, which was apparently applied by Dior’s Daniel Martin, was natural, fresh and, naturally, glowing.
Who was there?
The A-listers were out in force for the wedding of the year, with Amal Clooney, wearing Stella McCartney and makeup by Charlotte Tilbury, and George Clooney, David and Victoria Beckham, Oprah Winfrey, dressed in Stella McCartney, Carey Mulligan, Cressida Bonas, Chelsea Davy, James Corden, and Idris Elba all in attendance. Serena Williams, who is close friends with Meghan, was also in attendance and took us behind the scenes getting ready for the big day.
Serena Williams and Priyanka Chopra took us behind the scenes getting ready for the royal wedding
In terms of the royal family, Princess Eugenie and Beatrice, Sarah Ferguson, Lady Kitty Spencer, Princess Anne, and Sophie Wessex were all there to support Prince Harry. Kate Middleton arrived with the bridal party, and her family, including Pippa and James Middleton, were also at the event.
Kate Middleton opts for primrose yellow Alexander McQueen coat as she attends Harry and Meghan’s wedding
As well as royals, dignitaries and A-listers, over 2,600 members of the public snared tickets to the wedding.
The 2,640 people included ‘people who have served their communities’ and were chosen by the Queen’s representatives from all over the UK.
There was also a selection of people from the charities and organisations that the royal couple support (they are both huge charity advocates if you didn’t already know).
The Queen arrives in a zesty green outfit for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding
A hundred pupils from two local schools also attended and a staggering 610 Windsor Castle community members and 530 members of the Royal Household.
Meghan’s pre-wedding wellness plan
Meghan is a walking advocate for the healthy lifestyle she preaches. In fact, her mother is a yoga instructor so that’s one of her secrets to staying in shape.
As for her healthy eating regime, she has previously said: “I try to eat vegan during the week and then have a little bit more flexibility with what I dig into on the weekends. ”
So what does a *perfect* day in her food diary look like? She told The New Potato:
“A Clean Cleanse vanilla shake blended with frozen Ontario blueberries for breakfast, a Niçoise salad and glass of rosé, with some Grey Owl goat cheese and baguette on the side for lunch, and a leisurely dinner of seafood and pasta, and a negroni to cap off the night,”
She also swears by running as a form of meditation – but adds balance to her lifestyle by gorging on french fries at weekends. A girl after our own heart.
Who walked Meghan down the aisle?
Meghan entered the church on her own – we love an independent woman – and Prince Harry’s father, Prince Charles, met Meghan half way down the aisle.
Kensington Palace said in a statement:
“Ms. Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George’s Chapel on her wedding day. The Price of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Mr. Markle to the Royal Family in this way. ”
Early reports suggested that Meghan’s mother, Doria Radlan, would be given the honour, but in a shocking twist, then news broke that her father, Thomas Markle, would take her place.
Thomas, however, has been involved in a controversial situation this week, after a set of photos that showed him preparing for the wedding were thought to be fake and were apparently sold to the British press. The situation became even more complicated after Thomas’s health was at risk and he had to return to hospital for heart surgery.
Meghan herself has spoken out about the drama in an emotional statement.
It read:
“Sadly my father will not be attending our wedding. I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health. ”
“I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday”.
Amal and George Clooney lead the incredibly stylish arrivals at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding
The order of service
Kensington Palace shared the couple’s order of service on Saturday morning – and it was a thoroughly modern affair.
The hymn ‘Stand By Me’ was chosen by the couple, the wedding vow wording was super modern and the late Princess Diana’s sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, gave a reading.
The Official Order of Service for the Wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle is now available to download.
– Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 18, 2018
Kensington Palace said in a statement: “Like any couple getting married, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle have taken a great deal of care in selecting all elements for their service. ”
Orchestral selections included works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Edward Elgar, Gabriel Faure and Franz Schubert and the National Anthem played at the end. The couple chose the Most Reverend Michael Curry, who is head of the Episcopal Church in the United States, to give the sermon.
Meghan’s ring has been fashioned from a piece of Welsh Gold, gifted by The Queen. Prince Harry’s ring is a Platinum Band with a textured finish.
The couple’s brand new titles
The Queen, who was dressed in lime green Stuart Parvin suit and an Angela Kelly hat, confirmed on Saturday morning that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The title hasn’t been used for over 150 years and Harry’s dukedom is one of the highest ranks in the British peerage.
As well as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry was also given the Scottish and Northern Irish titles of the Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel, and Meghan will be known as Countess of Dumbarton and Baroness Kilkeel.
Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince Henry of Wales.
“His titles will be Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. Prince Harry thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, and Ms Meghan Markle on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. ”
Fancy!
The music
The music for the ceremony was directed by James Vivian, the music director for St. George’s Chapel.
Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason was hand-picked by the couple to perform. The youngster won 2016’s BBC Young Musician and received a phone call from Meghan Markle herself regarding a performance at the wedding.
According to the royal website, he said: “I’m so excited and honouredto perform at Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle’s wedding. I was bowled over when Ms. Markle called me to ask if I would play during the ceremony, and of course I immediately said yes! ”
The Christian gospel group, The Kingdom Choir, also put on a stellar performance.
The flowers
The couple chose London-based Philippa Craddock to work on their flower arrangements.
In the official announcement, Kensington Palace wrote: “Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have chosen floral designer @philippacraddock to create the church flowers for their wedding. ”
They also gave us an insight into the exact flowers the couple have plumped for, revealing: “The displays in St George’s Chapel will feature foliage from The Crown Estate and Windsor Great Park, and will use seasonal plants including branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, as well as white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves.
“The designs will reflect the wild and natural landscapes from which many of the plants will be drawn.
“The Royal Parks will also supply pollinator-friendly plants from their wildflower meadows. These plants provide a great habitat for bees and help to sustain healthy and biodiverse ecosystems. ”
The florist herself also took to Instagram to discuss working with the couple, citing it ‘an incredible privilege’.
She wrote: “I am loving working with them, it is an incredible privilege, and the designs will be a true reflection of them as a couple, with sustainability at the forefront. We will be using plenty of locally sourced greenery and seasonal flowers including peonies, garden roses and foxglove. ”
The cake
Kensington Palace confirmed that the couple used Californian pastry chef Claire Ptak, who will whipped up delicious lemon elderflower cake for their big day.
The cake was scattered with flowers, buttercream and zesty lemon – and we have little doubt it will be absolutely delish.
Food writer and food stylist, Chef Ptak, who runs Violet Bakery, was once interviewed by Meghan for her website, The Tig, so it’s hardly surprising she’s been snapped up.
The gift list
Prince Harry and Meghan apparently shunned a gift list and instead asked their guests to donate money to Harry’s charity via his Royal Foundation. How lovely.
A source told The Sun: “Prince Harry is a man who has everything. He doesn’t want guests spending lots of time buying him extravagant presents but he does want them to support his charity work.
“Obviously he has his own foundation with Prince William and Kate, and he also supports organisations like Wellchild and the Invictus Foundation.
“He’s expected to provide more specific information with the individual invites. ”
The mini-moon
According to The Irish Independent, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be spending time in Ireland soon after their wedding this Spring.
The couple will apparently visit in June or July for one night only and we’re betting the locals are delighted they’ll get a glimpse of the married couple for the first time.
Meghan’s wife training
According to The Daily Express, as part of her training, Meghan spent two days in the English countryside where she undertook some security training sessions, including a ‘kidnap and rescue’ scenario.
Members of the Royal Army’s SAS regiment taught Meghan how to act if she ever found herself in a hostile situation and apparently used live ammunition while rescuing the former Suits actress from her fake kidnapping.
The actress was also taught that it’s best to forge a relationship with potential kidnappers and even learnt how to behave if her rescuers are killed and she has to fend for herself. Talk about intense!
Meghan was apparently also trained on how to drink tea (a quintessentially British activity). According to the actress’ new biography, Meghan: A Hollywood Princess, and US Weekly, Meghan learnt the royal protocol and etiquette of tea drinking, including the specific way to hold the cup. Meghan was given the chance to practise when she took tea with the queen before news of the couple’s engagement was announced.
The hen party
According to Us Weekly, Meghan’s hen party didn’t quite involve willy straws and sashes; it was a much more civilised affair at the high-end, A-list retreat, Soho Farmhouse.
There’s 100 acres of lush green countryside, swimming pools, spas and even a milkman to deliver your morning milk; how very British.
The couple’s gift to the public
We won’t be getting a day off in celebration of the wedding (*sigh*), but the government is giving us another present to honour the royal nuptials.
Pubs will have their licensing hours extended during the weekend of the wedding so we can all raise a glass (or five) to the happy couple. Cheers, Meghan and Harry.
It’s good timing because May 19 also coincides with the FA Cup Final and Scottish Cup Final.
Here are all the stylish guests from the big day…
