Meghan Markle’s Wedding Decision That Reportedly ‘Hurt’ Queen Elizabeth and Altered Royal Protocol Forever
The wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018 was one of the most-watched events of the year. The ceremony at St George’s Chapel and the reception at Windsor Castle required meticulous planning and coordination on an enormous scale. Now, royal editor Russell Myers has provided fresh insights into the behind-the-scenes preparations for one of the most memorable royal weddings in modern history in his book William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, published on February 24.
According to Myers, Meghan, now 44, had a difference of opinion with Queen Elizabeth regarding who should be involved in organising the big day. Lady Elizabeth Anson, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 79, had extensive experience planning major royal events. She had helped organise the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, the Queen and Prince Philip’s 70th wedding anniversary, and the wedding of William and Catherine.
At the Queen’s request, Lady Anson offered her assistance to Harry and Meghan. However, Meghan reportedly told her that her services were not needed. Lady Anson later confided that the exchange with her grandson left the Queen “hurt beyond belief.”
Lady Elizabeth Shakerley, also known as Lady Anson, was the first cousin once removed of the late monarch, being the sister of Patrick Anson, 5th Earl of Lichfield. In addition to William and Kate’s wedding, she had also planned the nuptials of Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece to Marie-Chantal in 1995 and Sting’s 1992 wedding to Trudie Styler.
This was not the only point of disagreement between the Queen and Meghan in the lead-up to the wedding. Royal author Sally Bedell Smith described how Meghan “refused” to share details of her wedding dress with the Queen. Meghan also insisted on wearing a veil, which the Queen privately disagreed with, given that Meghan was a divorcee.
Before marrying Harry, Meghan had been married to American film producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2014. Other royal divorcees, such as Queen Camilla and Princess Anne, chose not to wear traditional veils or classic white bridal gowns, opting instead for skirt suits or dresses with hats.
While the eyes of the world were focused on Harry and Meghan saying “I do,” the couple enjoyed their wedding reception in a more private setting. They attended a lunchtime reception for 600 guests at St George’s Hall hosted by the Queen, followed by an evening reception for 200 close friends and family at Frogmore House.
In an unprecedented move, Meghan made a speech at the reception. She later revealed in an interview with The Cut that she took comfort in the “resounding knowing that, above all, love wins.”
The wedding was a historic moment, blending royal tradition with modern elements. Meghan’s decisions, including her choice of veil and her approach to planning, marked a shift in how royal weddings were organised and presented to the public.
The reported disagreements between Meghan and the Queen highlight the challenges of merging different backgrounds and expectations within the royal family. Queen Elizabeth, known for her deep respect for tradition and protocol, had decades of experience in planning major royal events. Meghan’s desire to have more control over her wedding day reflected her independent spirit and modern outlook.
Lady Anson’s extensive experience made her a natural choice to assist with the wedding planning. Her involvement in previous royal celebrations had been highly successful, and the Queen’s decision to recommend her services showed her confidence in Lady Anson’s abilities.
The exchange reportedly left the Queen feeling hurt, according to Lady Anson. This moment illustrates the delicate balance required when navigating family relationships within the constraints of royal protocol and public expectations.
Meghan’s choice to wear a veil despite being a divorcee was another point of discussion. Traditionally, royal divorcees had opted for different styles, but Meghan’s decision to follow a more conventional bridal look was seen by some as a break from precedent.
The wedding itself was a global spectacle, watched by millions around the world. The inclusion of diverse elements, from the gospel choir to the personal touches chosen by the couple, reflected Meghan’s influence and the couple’s desire to create a ceremony that felt authentic to them.
The reception speeches and private moments at Frogmore House allowed the couple to celebrate with their closest friends and family in a more intimate setting. Meghan’s speech, with its message about love winning, captured the hopeful spirit of the day.
Eight years on, the wedding remains one of the most memorable royal events of recent times. While some aspects of the planning reportedly caused tension, the day itself was a celebration of love and a new chapter for the royal family.
The reported disagreements between Meghan and the Queen have been the subject of much discussion. They highlight the challenges of blending different worlds and expectations, particularly when tradition and modernity come into conflict.
As the royal family continues to evolve, stories like this provide insight into the personal dynamics that exist behind the formal ceremonies. The wedding of Harry and Meghan marked a significant moment in the modernisation of the monarchy, with lasting impacts on how royal events are planned and presented.
For Meghan, the experience of planning her wedding likely reinforced her desire to have more control over her public image and personal choices. Her subsequent projects and initiatives reflect a woman determined to create her own path while navigating the complexities of royal life.
The story of Meghan and Harry’s wedding planning continues to fascinate royal watchers. It serves as a reminder that even in the most carefully orchestrated events, human emotions and family dynamics play a significant role.
As time passes, the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remains a landmark moment in royal history — one that blended tradition with contemporary elements in a way that captured the world’s imagination.
