We’ve been fortunate enough to witness two weddings of the British royal family in recent years. Kate Middleton and Prince William said “I do” in 2011. Then, in 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married. Their marriages shared some fundamental commonalities but were otherwise completely different. After all, William and Kate are on their way to becoming King and Queen Consort, but Harry and Meghan have a less “royally traditional” connection. Here are some distinctions between the two spectacular weddings that you may have overlooked. Were any of these contrasts a hint that Harry and Meghan would abdicate their formal roles as royals? You make the call.
Walking Down The Aisle
It’s difficult to imagine how much pressure Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle felt as they walked down the aisle on their big days in front of the entire world. On her wedding day, the Duchess of Cambridge was accompanied by her father, Michael Middleton. Unfortunately, the Duchess of Sussex’s father was ill during the month of her wedding, preventing him from traveling to London for the big day. Meghan proceeded down the aisle alone before being met halfway by Prince Charles.
Walking Down The Aisle
The Cakes At The Royal Weddings
Fiona Cairns created Prince William and Kate’s wedding cake, which had an astonishing eight layers. The couple chose fruitcake as their flavor and had a chocolate cake produced for those who didn’t like fruitcake, costing a total of $160,000. For their wedding cake, Prince Harry and Meghan chose a lemon sponge cake with elderflower syrup and Amalfi lemon curd. Claire Ptak reportedly spent between $60,000 and $75,000 on the dessert.
The Cakes At The Royal Weddings
The Kiss
Millions of people tuned in to see the wedding royal couples’ first kiss. After the wedding ceremony at Westminister Abbey, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge exchanged their first kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Following the wedding ceremony, Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex had their first wedded kiss outside St. George’s Chapel. Both couples were beaming with joy as the throng applauded them.
The Kiss
The Two Tiaras
Nothing about a royal wedding is ordinary, which is why so many people tune in. The beautiful headpiece that the brides wear for the occasion distinguishes royal weddings from the rest. Kate wore a Cartier tiara that Queen Elizabeth II received on her 18th birthday to her wedding. Meghan also donned a tiara that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. In 1932, the Diamond Bandeau Tiara was created. Meghan changed the sapphire center stone for a diamond for her wedding day.
The Two Tiaras
The Engagement Rings
The engagement ring Prince William gave to Kate Middleton was previously owned by William’s late mother, Princess Diana. The 12-carat ring is now worth $400,000 and contains an oval blue sapphire with cut facets. It is surrounded by beautiful solitaire diamonds. Meghan’s engagement ring also includes pieces from Princess Diana’s collection, with two of her diamonds framing a center stone purchased by Prince Harry in Botswana, where the now-married pair first met. Meghan’s engagement ring is reported to be around $350,000.
The Engagement Rings
Two Wedding Reception Gowns
Following their royal marriages, the Duchesses changed into new gowns and traveled to the bridal receptions that Prince Charles had planned for each of his sons and their new wives. Kate attended her reception in a traditional white Alexander McQueen gown. Stella McCartney designed Meghan’s gown, which reportedly cost $157,000. She was photographed wearing the gorgeous gown while holding hands with Prince Harry as he assisted her into a blue vintage Jaguar.
Two Wedding Reception Gowns
The Middletons’ Attire For Both Weddings
Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, are members of the upper crust of British society. The family is well-educated and has a lengthy history of distinguished lawyers. They’re no strangers to the British royals, since the two families have had long-standing ties. Michael wore a suit and top hat to their daughter’s royal wedding, while the Mother of the Bride wore a pale blue gown. Both wore similar dresses to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018.
The Middletons’ Attire For Both Weddings
The Beckhams
Both royal weddings were attended by soccer star David Beckham and his wife, fashion designer and former pop star Victoria Beckham. For Prince William and Kate’s wedding, David wore a grey morning suit and top hat, while Victoria wore a sleek navy gown and hat. The couple donned similar hues to Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding, with David sporting a tight haircut and beard instead of a top hat. The celebrity couple reportedly donated their wedding attire to raise funds for charity.
The Beckhams
A Closer Look At The Lovely Bouquets
The wedding flowers held by Kate and Meghan at their respective weddings appear similar but differ significantly. Shane Connolly created Middleton’s beautifully petite bouquet, which comprises all-white flowers, each reflecting something the couple hopes for their marriage, such as happiness and steady love. Meghan’s bouquet, designed by Philippa Craddock, includes flowers handpicked by Prince Harry to represent hopes for their marriage, such as dedication and love.
A Closer Look At The Lovely Bouquets
Kate Had A Maid Of Honor, Meghan Had Page Boys
Kate Middleton, as predicted, invited her younger sister Pippa to be her Maid of Honor and carry her train down the aisle at Westminster Abbey. The two sisters are extremely close and lived together prior to Kate’s wedding. Meghan, on the other hand, did not choose a Maid of Honor, despite having some of her dearest friends in attendance at her royal wedding. At St. George’s Chapel, two page boys carried Meghan’s train.
Kate Had A Maid Of Honor, Meghan Had Page Boys
Waving To The Crowd
Duchesses Kate and Meghan are expected to exhibit the perfect regal wave when they officially join the British royal family. Following the wedding ceremony, royal brides are expected to wave to the public throughout the carriage ride as a gesture of gratitude to those who have arrived to celebrate. Kate’s fingers are tight together for her wave, whilst Meghan’s fingers are more relaxed and spaced out. While waving to the onlookers, both ladies utilize minimum movement.
Waving To The Crowd
The Grooms
Both Prince William and Prince Harry served in the military and wore their uniforms to their weddings, as is customary for royal grooms to do. Colonel William donned a red Irish Guards outfit. Since Captain Mark Phillips in 1973, he was the first royal groom to wear red. On his wedding day, Prince Harry wore a Blues and Royals military outfit. Despite being promoted Captain General of the Royal Marines, he chose to wear a Major’s uniform.
The Grooms
Duchess Catherine Of Cambridge’s Dress
The entire world was waiting to see what gown Kate Middleton would wear as she married the future King. Sarah Burton designed the Duchess of Cambridge’s gown for Alexander McQueen. The garment, which cost an estimated $450,000, was much admired by viewers for its blend of heritage and modern elegance. Kate wore a gown with lace created by the Royal School of Needlework and a nine-foot train. The dress’s back was extraordinarily elaborate, with 58 organza-covered buttons and Rouleau loops.
Duchess Catherine Of Cambridge’s Dress
Some Thought Kate Wore White To Meghan’s Wedding
Except for the bride, no one is supposed to wear white to a wedding. At first sight, many felt the Duchess of Cambridge had broken the rules on this one. However, in different lighting, Kate’s beautiful Alexander McQueen coat appeared to be a primrose yellow. Kate looked gorgeous, despite having just given birth to Prince Louis three weeks before, wearing a stylish light yellow coat and a Philip Treacy hat.
Some Thought Kate Wore White To Meghan’s Wedding
The Duchess Of Sussex’s Wedding Dress
The Duchess of Sussex wore a silk gown designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy on her wedding day. The dress had an open boat neckline and a plain design with no lace or other decorations. The Duchess did use a piece of cloth from her blue dress from her first date with Prince Harry. Meghan’s veil was an amazing 16.5 feet long, despite her modest train.
The Duchess Of Sussex’s Wedding Dress
The Mother Of The Bride
Carole Middleton didn’t want to overshadow her daughter, the Duchess of Cambridge, on her wedding day. Catherine Walker’s pastel blue gown was the right tone for the spring wedding. On Kate’s wedding day, the Mother of the Bride seemed overjoyed. Doria Ragland, Meghan’s mother, travelled in from Los Angeles to show her support for Prince Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding. Meghan wedded her prince charming in a light green Oscar de la Renta gown, looking as pleased as ever.
The Mother Of The Bride
Prince Charles’ Two Outfits
While Prince Charles’ second wife Camilla Parker wore similar clothing to both royal weddings, Prince William and Prince Harry’s father wore markedly different apparel for two of his sons’ most important days. Charles wore his royal suit, complete with all the insignia, to Prince William and Kate’s wedding. Prince Charles donned a basic grey suit to Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding, which went well with Camilla’s light pink outfit and hat.
Prince Charles’ Two Outfits
Evening Wedding Receptions Were Not For Everyone
The nighttime reception follows each royal wedding. The nighttime parties are not open to everyone who attends the extravagant weddings. Most guests changed their outfits after the wedding for the beautiful night, which was kept private. Prince William and Kate Middleton’s evening reception was hosted at Buckingham Palace, while Prince Harry and Meghan’s reception was held at St. George’s Hall in Windsor Castle. Both ceremonies followed tradition, with speeches, toasts, and congratulations to the newlywed spouses.
Evening Wedding Receptions Were Not For Everyone
Kate Is Thoroughly British
While there were some who criticized Kate Middleton after her relationship with Prince William was revealed, the couple appeared to be a perfect match. Kate grew up in Berkshire, England, in an affluent family and received a decent education, attending St. Andrew’s School, Downe House School, Marlborough College, and the University of St Andrews, where she met her future husband. Kate’s family has a lot of elite social ties; her father was born into money and also has ties to the British nobility, therefore Kate and William are likely to meet.
Kate Is Thoroughly British
Meghan’s LA Background
While Kate was born into riches and set on a road of good education and finding a partner, Meghan pursued her performing profession. She attended an all-girls Catholic private school in Los Angeles before attending Northwestern University and majoring in theater and international studies. Meghan’s father was a director of photography and lighting in television, while her mother was a social worker and yoga instructor.
Meghan’s LA Background
Chelsy Davy’s Royal Wedding Outfits
Prior to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry had an on-again, off-again seven-year relationship with Chelsy Davy, a Zimbabwean businesswoman. From 2004 through 2011, Harry and Chelsy dated, and she was invited to both Prince William and Prince Harry’s weddings. Harry and Chelsy had recently broken up when Prince William married. According to Parade magazine, the magnitude of the occasion kept Harry and Chelsy apart for good, as Chelsy recognized the royal family life wasn’t for her. She was not invited to the evening event hosted by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Chelsy Davy’s Royal Wedding Outfits
The Cost Of Each Wedding
It’s no secret that both royal weddings cost significantly more than the typical commoner’s wedding. As the marriages of the British royal family become part of history, every detail of the occasion is meticulously planned. The outstanding guest list alone will send attendance soaring. The wedding of Prince William and Kate in 2011 had 2,500 guests and cost $34 million. The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 had fewer guests (600) but cost a whopping $55 million.
The Cost of Each Wedding
The Queen’s Royal Wedding Attire: From Light To Bright
Queen Elizabeth II is noted for her colorful attire. She has been cited as saying, “I can never wear beige because nobody will know who I am.” The Queen wore a primrose yellow long-sleeved gown with a matching bonnet at Prince William and Kate’s wedding. When she attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018, the Queen wore a brighter green cloak over a purple gown. She wore it with a matching green hat embellished with purple feathers.
The Queen’s Royal Wedding Attire: From Light To Bright
The Royal Wedding Veils
While Kate’s wedding gown train was longer than Meghan’s, it was Meghan’s veil that dazzled guests and those watching from home. Kate’s veil was a top-secret Royal School of Needlework piece that looked stunning with the Queen’s tiara. Clare Waight Keller created Meghan’s 16.5-foot-long veil, which contained wildflowers from 53 different countries, after Meghan requested that all Commonwealth nations be represented in her veil design.
The Royal Wedding Veils
Pippa Middleton’s Outfits Caught Attention
Pippa Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister, served as Maid of Honor during her sister’s wedding in 2011. Pippa’s gown was designed to complement her sister’s and bridesmaids’ gowns while also standing out. Following the event, her profile soared as people were intrigued by Kate’s younger sister. Pippa, who married in 2017, wore a pale green flowery dress with a $695 price tag to Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding.
Pippa Middleton’s Outfits Caught Attention
The Bride’s Earrings
The Duchess of Cambridge wore Robinson Pelham diamond earrings on her wedding day. The teardrop earrings, which reportedly cost $20,000, complimented her diamond tiara. Meghan wore Cartier earrings at her wedding to Prince Harry. The diamond and white gold earrings complemented her tiara, which she borrowed from Queen Elizabeth II, who acquired it from Queen Mary in 1953. Meghan also wore a diamond bracelet from Cartier, Reflection de Cartier.
The Bride’s Earrings
Princess Anne Dressed In Various Shades Of Purple
We must not overlook Princess Anne. Princess Anne, the daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, attended both of her nephews’ weddings in style. She donned a purple and green collared coat with a vivid purple bonnet at Prince William and Kate’s wedding, matching her mother’s colors. Princess Anne donned a darker purple wrap coat to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. She completed the ensemble with a purple hairpiece and clutch.
Princess Anne Dressed In Various Shades Of Purple
The Crowds On The Big Day
The wedding of Prince William and Kate had significantly more guests and a far larger crowd than the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan. It seems logical, given that Prince William will almost certainly be named King one day. The couple also had the larger wedding location, with approximately 2,000 individuals in attendance at Westminister Abbey. An unknown number of people traveled to Windsor Castle on the day of Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding to be in the presence of the newlyweds. However, the smaller venue of St. George’s Chapel could not accommodate as many people.
The Crowds On The Big Day
The Phillips’ Attire – Prince William And Harry’s Cousin
Peter Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest grandchild, attended both royal weddings with his wife Autumn. Savannah and Isla are the couple’s two daughters. Autumn Kelly attended Prince William and Kate’s wedding in a gorgeous purple collared gown with a flared skirt. Autumn donned an amazing long-sleeved royal blue gown with a teal headpiece and her hair down to Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding.
The Phillips’ Attire – Prince William And Harry’s Cousin
Lady Kitty Spencer’s Elegant Dresses
Princess Diana’s absence and memories were felt powerfully during both Prince William and Prince Harry’s weddings. Her sons paid tribute to their late mother in their own unique ways, keeping her memories close on their special occasions. Lady Kitty Spencer, Princess Diana’s niece and cousin of Princes William and Harry, attended both of her cousins’ weddings. She wore a delicate, form-fitting beige gown to William’s wedding. Kitty wore a green square neck dress with a bright flower design on the skirt to Harry’s.
Lady Kitty Spencer’s Elegant Dresses
Prince Philip’s Attire
On both of their wedding days, Prince William and Prince Harry’s grandfather, Prince Phillip, was a proud man. Prince William donned red on his wedding day, while Prince Philip wore his red Grenadier Guards uniform. Prince Philip, on the other hand, chose to leave his uniform at home and wear a formal suit with a blue tie to Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding. Due to his recent hip surgery, which may have added to his agony, he may have preferred the more casual suit over the uniform.
Prince Philip’s Attire
Meghan Doesn’t Keep In Touch With Her Siblings
Meghan’s relationship with her mother Doria is strong, but her relationship with her siblings is not. Samantha Markle and Thomas Markle, Jr. are Meghan’s half-siblings from her father’s side. Her sister has slammed Meghan in interviews, and her brother has had run-ins with the authorities. Meghan has no meaningful relationship with her siblings as an adult, despite spending time together as children, and her mother Doria was the only family member to attend Meghan’s wedding.
Meghan Doesn’t Keep In Touch With Her Siblings
Kate’s Style Is Very Traditional English And Quite Popular
When Kate Middleton and Prince William’s relationship became serious, Kate’s fashion style shifted to be more conservative and conventional. The Duchess became a fashion icon after getting engaged and subsequently married, and “the Kate effect” was put in action. Her elegant hats, jackets, and conservative dress style are reminiscent of Queen Elizabeth II. The two women also have a penchant for bright colors and expensive jewelry. Kate’s favorite brands frequently sell out in a couple of minutes. When Kate was pictured wearing a polka dot pregnant dress in 2015, it quickly sold out in all sizes.
Kate’s Style Is Very Traditional English And Quite Popular
Meghan’s Style Is More Modern
Meghan was born and reared in Los Angeles, so her style is very different from Kate’s, who grew up in an upper-middle-class household across the ocean. The Duchess of Sussex favors fitted shorts and pants outfits over conventional gowns. She’s also been seen wearing sports coats and loose-fitting collared shirts with heels. Meghan’s clothing is full of somber blues that she accessorizes with stacked rings and modest, plain earrings, as opposed to Kate’s royal jewels and tiaras.
Meghan’s Style Is More Modern
Kate Has Led A Life Of Privilege
Kate Middleton enjoyed a lavish lifestyle before marrying Prince William. Her father was born into money and founded a multi-million dollar internet party gift company. Kate resided in her parents’ apartment, which is estimated to be worth between $1.3 and $1.8 million, while attending the famous St. Andrews private school. Kate has never had to worry about money or being taken care of while working for her degree.
Kate Has Led A Life Of Privilege
Kate Has A Close Relationship With Her Siblings
Kate Middleton’s two siblings are easily identified because the duchess is very close to her brother and sister. Kate’s younger sister Pippa served as maid of honor at her and Prince William’s wedding, and Kate served as maid of honor at Pippa’s wedding. Kate also has a close relationship with her younger brother, James Middleton, who is frequently seen at royal family events and read a bible verse at Kate and William’s wedding.
Kate Has A Close Relationship With Her Siblings
Meghan Was Given Lots Of Opportunities, But Not Like Kate
Meghan’s father made a decent living in Hollywood and was able to send his daughter to a prestigious private school. Meghan’s lifestyle, on the other hand, was nothing like Kate’s lavish childhood. Meghan was raised largely by her mother after her parents divorced when she was six years old. Meghan performed odd jobs like teaching calligraphy and bookbinding to make ends meet after college, in between acting opportunities. She didn’t have the luxury of living in a million-dollar condo like Kate did.
Meghan Was Given Lots Of Opportunities, But Not Like Kate
Kate Keeps Distance Between Her Fans
When greeting attendees at the events, Kate may be seen keeping a space between herself and the audience in images. She is frequently seen with her purse in front of her, a body language indicator suggesting she is not open to handshakes or hugs. She will occasionally reach out and shake hands or take flowers, but not always. This is due in part to the fact that having anybody touch or photograph the duchess would be against royal protocol.
Kate Keeps Distance Between Her Fans
Meghan Embraces Her Fans
Unlike the Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan is quick to hug youngsters and others who come to see the British royal family. Her kind personality makes admirers feel safe approaching her and asking for a hug or a photo. Meghan erased her successful blog and all of her social media accounts before announcing her relationship with Prince Harry, but you can’t blame her for still wanting to communicate with admirers.
Meghan Embraces Her Fans
Kate Keeps Her Opinions To Herself
Staying impartial on political and social concerns is one of the protocols for being a member of the British royal family. Royals are not permitted to express their views on issues, nor are they permitted to support a candidate or a cause that has two sides. Kate has done an excellent job of remaining impartial on all matters and keeping her opinions to herself since coming into the spotlight dating Prince William.
Kate Keeps Her Opinions To Herself
Meghan Has Always Been Outspoken
Meghan has always been vocal about her thoughts and has taken a stand on social issues since she was a small girl. In fact, Meghan was featured on Nick News with Linda Ellerbee when she was 11 years old for her campaign to have a Proctor & Gamble television commercial that she found sexist deleted. She also raised awareness of social issues such as gender inequality on her popular blog The Tig before closing it down. Although she cannot change the past, the duchess has been silent since her engagement to Prince Harry.
Meghan Has Always Been Outspoken
Kate’s Past Is A Clean Slate
Despite their best efforts, the media has been unable to obtain any information about Kate Middleton prior to her marriage to Prince William. There may be a few images of Kate from her undergraduate days in which she isn’t dressed as well as she is now, but that’s to be expected. Queen Elizabeth II had no reservations about welcoming Kate into the family since she had no reservations about the duchess’ past.
Kate’s Past Is A Clean Slate
Meghan Wasn’t A Perfect Fit, But The Queen Warmed Up To Her
Meghan Markle wasn’t the obvious choice to marry Prince Harry and join the royal family. She was not just an American, but also a celebrity thanks to her acting profession, and she had previously been married and divorced. The Queen undoubtedly considered these factors when deciding whether to approve Prince Harry. To be fair, Meghan was 34 years old when she met Harry, and she had more life experiences than Kate did when she met her prince at the age of 19.
Meghan Wasn’t A Perfect Fit, But The Queen Warmed Up To Her
Kate Loves Playing Sports
Kate Middleton enjoys being active and participating in sports in her spare time. She is always present when the royal couple appears at athletic activities or with youngsters. As her family travels to Switzerland, she has been seen participating in sports such as tennis, volleyball, rowing, and skiing. Kate participated in cross country, rowing, swimming, tennis, and field hockey while in boarding school. She’s a natural athlete!
Kate Loves Playing Sports
Meghan Enjoys Yoga
Meghan, like her mother, wants to be active by getting on a yoga mat. Meghan’s mother, Doria, is a yoga instructor in Los Angeles, and Meghan has apparently been practicing yoga since she was seven years old. Meghan was frequently seen carrying her yoga mat when living in Toronto. Meghan Markle was observed attending a hot yoga class at Modo Yoga in New York City shortly after marrying Prince Harry. “She has been going to Modo yoga for many years and tries to do so whenever she is in New York,” a source told People. It was the ideal cure for jet lag.”
Meghan Enjoys Yoga
Kate And Prince William Rekindled Their Relationship
When Kate and Prince William first met in college at St. Andrew’s in 2001, sparks soared. They began dating in 2002 and formally proclaimed their romance in 2004 while attending family functions together. The couple divorced in 2007. Kate and William claimed that they both wanted some space and time to themselves, which makes sense given that they were both fresh out of college and finding their feet. They were back together by 2008. The Queen had always approved of their relationship, and Prince William proposed in Kenya in 2010. On April 29, 2011, the pair married.
Meghan And Harry Moved At A Faster Pace
While Kate and Prince William were together for nine years before marrying, Meghan and Prince Harry’s relationship progressed much more quickly. The couple first met when they were matched up on a blind date in 2016. They embarked on their first journey together, to Botswana, just a few weeks after meeting, and felt instant chemistry. On November 27, 2017, the Clarence House and Kensington Palace confirmed the couple’s engagement, and they married the following year on May 19, 2018.
Meghan And Harry Moved At A Faster Pace
Kate Is Set To Become The Queen Consort
The line of succession to the throne is crucial in any royal family, particularly the highly renowned British royal family. Following his father, Prince Charles, Prince William is currently second in line to the throne. When Prince William ascends to the throne, Kate will become Queen consort, which is a huge honor. This is why it is critical that Kate strictly adheres to royal protocol. As a result, their first son, Prince George of Cambridge, is now third in line to the British throne.
Kate Is Set To Become The Queen Consort