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SPOT THE DIFFERENCES: ROYAL WEDDING EDITION
What’s better than one royal wedding in a decade? Two!
Today the world looked on as Meghan Markle and Price Harry transformed from American actress and Prince to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The two were married at St. George’s Chapel surrounded by friends, family and loved ones alike.
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The bride wore Givenchy, started her descent into royalty by walking down the aisle solo, with her father-in-law, Prince Charles, joining her at the Quire, and not choosing a maid of honor, the bride allowed her own beliefs to be a large part of the day.
Meghan and Harry’s relationship is a modern love story with a royal twist. The two were set up on a blind date, and their relationship grew from there. Having some unconventional obstacles in their way, the two handled each twist and turn with grace.
Just a few years ago, we were introduced to Kate Middleton, the women who stole Prince William’s heart while attending the University of St. Andrews. Not a stranger to controversy themselves, their relationship [and wedding] bare some similarities but many differences.
See below for a recap of this grandiose occasion, and some comparisons to the 2011 event.
Wedding Gown
The Duchess dress was a simple, boat neck gown designed by Givenchy’s creative director Clare Waight Keller. The gown was elegant and chic, the kind of gown that could stand the test of time. Her tiara loaned to her by Queen Elizabeth, was from Queen Mary’s collection, a tasteful and gorgeous adornment to compliment this look. Her veil incorporated 53 flowers that represented the Commonwealth nations as well as her home state of California.
Kate’s dress was designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, drawing inspiration from the current Queen’s wedding dress style as well as Grace Kelly’s iconic dress. Her dress, a V-neckline proved a bit more risque than Meghan’s boatneck. Both wore dazzling tiaras and flowing trains.
Rings
A big story surrounding the wedding has to do with the wedding rings. Traditionally, the men in the royal family do not wear rings. Harry, however, is not a traditional royal. The two exchanged rings during their service; Meghan’s ring made of Welsh Gold and give to her by the Queen and Harry’s band made of platinum.
While on rings, we can’t forget to mention the gorgeous engagement ring given to Meghan by Harry, with the middle diamond hailing from Botswana, a country close to his heart and the location of one of their early on dates, and the surrounding diamonds from Diana’s private collection.
Kate also received a momentum of Diana, William gave her his mother’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring when he proposed.
Ceremony
Meghan and Harry’s ceremony was said to be ‘intimate’, guests said that though there were 600 people in attendance, you still felt like you were experiencing a close, warm, wedding ceremony. The event had traditional royal undertones but was steered by a more modern agenda, with a choir singing ‘Stand by Me’ and a sermon quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Meghan and Harry definitely let their unique personalities shine through.
Kate and William’s wedding was considered to be a ‘state’ event’ since they will eventually be Queen and King of England. The 1,900 person ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey and was a bit more sumptuous than today’s event. Kate, who chose sister Pippa as her Maid of Honor, followed a bit more time-honored route with her big day.
Guests
Each wedding had a remarkable guest list, with politicians, diplomats, descendants of royalty, and more. Because Meghan is in the entertainment industry, there were some more familiar faces than the 2011 wedding.
Attendees included Serena Williams and family, Priyanka Chopra, the entire cast of Suits, Oprah, Amal and George Clooney, and more.
Overall
The event, undoubtedly, was one of the most anticipated of the year. The marriage of Meghan and Harry means a step in a more contemporary direction for the Royal Family. More importantly, the alliance of these two people will certainly help spark change and goodness in the world. Their dedication to philanthropy, and making the world a better place (the two things they bonded on during their first date) is admirable. Wishing them all the love, happiness, and success on this new journey!
PS – Meghan, I totally understand that you didn’t get my address change. Sorry I couldn’t make it! xo
Tara Ciccone 