From Dresses To Jewelry, Photos Show The Differences Between Royal Weddings
The royal weddings of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 were both remarkable events. Although they were both spectacular occasions, there were definitely some differences that you may have missed between these two luxurious weddings.
Could these small distinctions provide us a hint at why Harry and Meghan eventually decided to step back from their official duties as royals? Keep reading through to find out...
The Crowds On The Big Day
Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding at Westminster Abbey indeed attracted a larger crowd compared to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
The larger crowd at William and Kate's wedding can be attributed to several factors, including the fact that Prince William is second in line to the throne and will likely become king in the future. Westminster Abbey's capacity allowed for approximately 2,000 attendees, while the smaller venue of St. George's Chapel limited the number of people who could witness Harry and Meghan's wedding.
Twinning Tiaras
Kate wore Queen Elizabeth II's Cartier tiara at her wedding, while Meghan initially considered Princess Diana's tiara but ultimately chose a stunning 1932 design from the Queen's collection. The Diamond Bandeau Tiara was made even more radiant by replacing its sapphire center with a diamond.
Walking Down The Aisle
Kate Middleton was escorted by her father, Michael Middleton, on her wedding day. However, Meghan faced the unfortunate circumstance of her father's health issues preventing him from attending the wedding. As a result, Meghan walked alone down the aisle until she was met halfway by King Charles.
The Kiss
Prince William and the Princess of Wales had their first kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the wedding ceremony at Westminister Abbey.
Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex displayed their first wedded kiss right outside of St. George's Chapel following the wedding ceremony.
Catherine, Princess Of Wales
The Princess of Wales chose a stunning, one-of-a-kind gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Reportedly costing in the region of $434,000, according to Brides magazine, Kate's dress was intricately crafted and featured exquisite details.
Boasting handcrafted lace from the Royal School of Needlework and an impressive nine-foot train it also had 58 organza covered buttons and Rouleau loops at the back.
The Duchess Of Sussex's Dress
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, looked stunning in a custom-made silk dress designed by Clare Waight Keller from Givenchy. The garment featured an open boat neckline and an unembellished design with no lace or other details.
As an extra special touch for her big day, Meghan included a piece of fabric from her blue dress that she had worn on their first date with Prince Harry. Moreover, her breathtaking veil was 16.5 feet long!
The Queen Always Stood Out
Queen Elizabeth II was known for bringing color to the ceremony. At Prince William and Kate's wedding, she wore a stunning primrose yellow long-sleeve dress, which was accompanied by a matching hat.
Then at Prince Harry and Meghan's, the Queen decided to wear a vibrant green coat over a purple dress along with a coordinating green hat decorated with magnificent purple feathers.
Princess Anne Wore Different Shades of Purple
We cannot overlook Princess Anne, the daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. She made a grand entrance at both her nephews' weddings - looking regal in a purple and green collared coat for Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton, followed by an elegant deep purple wrap coat with a matching hairpiece and clutch for Prince Harry's nuptials to Meghan Markle.
Lady Kitty Spencer's Elegant Dresses
Both Prince William and Prince Harry paid tribute to their late mother, Princess Diana, in their own ways on their big days.
Lady Kitty Spencer, Princess Diana's niece attended both of her cousins' weddings. She wore a light, tightly-fitted beige dress to William's wedding and a green square neck dress with a colorful floral design on the skirt for Harry's.
Waving To The Crowd
Upon officially joining the British royal family, Princess Kate and Duchess Meghan are expected to demonstrate the perfect regal wave as a sign of appreciation for the people that have gathered to celebrate.
Kate keeps her fingers close together for her wave, while Meghan has her fingers a bit more relaxed and spaced out. Both ladies use minimal movement while waving to the crowds.
The Price Tag Of Each Wedding
It's no secret that both royal weddings cost well above the average wedding for a commoner.
In total, Prince William and Kate's 2011 wedding hosted 2,500 guests and cost around $34 million. In 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding had a smaller guest list of 600, yet it cost a reported $35 million.
The Royal Brides' Veils
Kate's veil was a top-secret project of the Royal School of Needlework that paired elegantly with the tiara borrowed from the Queen.
Clare Waight Keller designed Meghan's 16.5-foot-long veil that featured the wildflowers of 53 countries after Meghan made a request that all the Commonwealth's nations be represented in her veil design, according to Glamour.
The Bride's Earrings
On her wedding day, the Princess of Wales selected a pair of Robinson Pelham diamond earrings That cost a reported $27,500. They featured a teardrop shape that complemented her tiara.
Meghan wore Cartier earrings when she wed Prince Harry. The diamond and white gold earrings paired well with her tiara. She also wore a Reflection de Cartier diamond bracelet.
The Mother Of The Bride
Carole Middleton wore a pale blue dress designed by Catherine Walker, which was the perfect shade for the spring wedding. The Mother of the Bride looked elated on her daughter's big day.
Meghan's mother wore a light green Oscar de la Renta dress for her daughter's wedding, looking happy as ever as Meghan married her prince charming.
Some Thought Kate Wore White To Meghan's Wedding
Traditionally, no one except the bride is supposed to wear white to a wedding. At first glance, any thought that the Princess of Wales may have broken this rule.
However, Kate's elegant Alexander McQueen coat was actually a primrose yellow. She looked stunning in the stylish light yellow coat and a Philip Treacy hat.
Both Had Beautiful And Meaningful Bouquets
The wedding bouquets that Kate and Meghan held at their respective weddings look quite similar, but there are important differences between the two. Middleton's delicate bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly and features all-white flowers, each representing something that the couple wishes for their marriage.
Designed by Philippa Craddock, Meghan's bouquet included flowers that were handpicked by Prince Harry and also symbolize hopes for their marriage.
King Charles' Outfits
While King Charles' second wife, Camilla Parker, wore similar outfits to both royal weddings, the father of Prince William and Prince Harry wore noticeably different attire for the two weddings.
Charles donned his royal uniform for Prince William and Kate's wedding, complete with all its regalia. For Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding, King Charles wore a simple grey suit that paired well with Camilla's light pink dress and hat.
Not Everyone Was Invited To The Receptions
Following each royal wedding is the evening reception. Not everyone who attends these grandiose weddings is invited to attend the evening receptions. The magical night was not shared publicly.
Prince William and Kate Middleton held their evening reception at Buckingham Palace, while Prince Harry and Meghan held their reception at St. George's Hall in Windsor Castle.
What Makes A Royal Cake?
For their royal weddings, Prince William and Kate chose a fruitcake-flavored wedding cake with eight tiers, crafted by Fiona Cairns at an estimated cost of $80,000.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan went for a more affordable lemon sponge cake with elderflower syrup and Amalfi lemon curd created by Claire Ptak that came in at just under $70,000.
The Beckhams
David Beckham and Victoria Beckham attended both royal weddings. David wore a grey morning suit and top hat for Prince William and Kate's wedding, while Victoria wore a sleek navy dress and hat.
For Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding, the color scheme of their outfits remained pretty much the same. However, David sport a close haircut and beard instead of a top hat.
Kate Is Thoroughly British
Kate grew up in a wealthy family in Berkshire, England. She attended 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 plenty of elite social ties; her father was born into wealth and also has ties to the British aristocracy.
The Middletons' Attire
Michael and Carole Middleton, the parents of Kate, are no strangers to the British royals. The two families have shared ties for many years.
Michael donned a suit and top hat for their daughter's royal wedding, while the Mother of the Bride wore a light blue dress.
The Two Wedding Reception Dresses
After their royal weddings, both brides changed dresses before heading to wedding reception. Kate wore a classic white Alexander McQueen dress for her reception.
Meghan's dress was designed by Stella McCartney and cost a reported $157,000.
Meghan's LA Background
Meghan took an interest in acting and pursued her career. She attended an all-girls Catholic private school in Los Angeles and went on to double major in theater and international studies at Northwestern University.
Meghan's father worked in television as a director of photography and lighting, while her mother was a social worker and yoga instructor.
The Grooms' Attire
Both Prince William and Prince Harry served in the military and wore their uniforms on their wedding days, as is tradition. William, a Colonel, wore a red Irish Guards uniform.
Prince Harry wore a Blues and Royals military uniform on his wedding day. He opted to wear a Major's uniform, despite having been appointed as Captain General of the Royal Marines.
The Engagement Rings
The engagement ring that Prince William presented to Kate Middleton once belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana. The beautiful 12-carat ring features an oval blue sapphire with cut faces circled by stunning solitaire diamonds.
Meghan's engagement ring also features jewels from Princess Diana's collection, with two of her diamonds framing a center stone that Prince Harry purchased from Botswana, where the couple first fell in love.
Chelsy Davy's Royal Wedding Outfits
Before Meghan Markle, Prince Harry had an on-again-off-again relationship with Chelsy Davy that spanned from 2004 until 2011. Davy was invited to both Prince William and Prince Harry's weddings.
At the time of Prince William's wedding, Harry and Chelsy had just broken up. Parade magazine reports that the enormity of the event made Chelsy realize the royal family life wasn't for her.
Kate Had A Maid Of Honor, Meghan Had Page Boys
Kate Middleton's younger sister Pippa acted as her Maid of Honor. Pippa carried Kate's train down the aisle at Westminster Abbey.
Meghan didn't select a Maid of Honor, although she had several of her best friends in attendance at her royal wedding. Instead, two page boys carried the train of Meghan's dress at St. George's Chapel.
Prince Philip's Attire
Prince Phillip was a proud man on both of his grandsons' wedding days. On Prince William's special day, Prince Philip attended the event wearing his red Grenadier Guards Uniform.
However, at Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding, Prince Philip opted to leave his uniform behind and wear a formal suit with a blue tie.
Pippa Middleton's Outfits Caught Attention
The younger sister of the Princess of Wales, Pippa Middleton, was the Maid of Honor at her sister's wedding. Her gown featured a design that complemented her sister's and the bridesmaids' dresses while also standing apart.
Pippa also attended Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding, wearing a light green floral dress with a price tag of $544.
The Phillips' Attire - Prince William And Harry's Cousin
The eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, Peter Phillips attended both royal weddings with his wife, Autumn. Autumn Kelly wore a stunning purple collared dress with a flared skirt to Prince William and Kate's wedding.
For Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding, Autumn wore an elegant long-sleeved royal blue dress with a teal hat and her hair down.
