Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018, in a ceremony watched by an estimated 1.9 billion people. Eight years on, the day still stands as one of the most closely followed royal moments of the modern era. According to People, the couple put intense care into choices that felt personal despite the huge scale. That balance shaped nearly every part of the ceremony, from the setting and guest list to the music, flowers and reception details that gave the day its own identity.
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Meghan Markle Chose Personal Details for Her Bridal Look
Meghan’s Givenchy gown, created by Clare Waight Keller, leaned into clean lines and precise tailoring rather than heavy embellishment. Her 16-foot veil carried embroidered flowers representing all 53 Commonwealth countries, along with a California poppy and Wintersweet from Kensington Palace. She also tucked in a private nod to her relationship with Harry. "Somewhere in here, there's a piece of blue fabric that's stitched inside," she said according to People. Her tiara, the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau, doubled as both her “something old” and “something borrowed.”
Prince Harry Added Diana Tributes and Military Tradition
Harry wore a Blues and Royals frock coat uniform with permission from Queen Elizabeth, keeping a strong military link on the day. He also made sure Princess Diana’s memory was present in quieter ways. Meghan’s bouquet included forget-me-nots, Diana’s favorite flower, along with blooms Harry picked from their Kensington Palace garden. The service itself blended old and new. Meghan did not include the word “obey” in her vows, following the example set by Diana and Kate. Even the wedding bands differed, with Meghan wearing Welsh gold and Harry choosing platinum.
King Charles Walked Meghan and the Music Broke Royal Pattern
In one of the ceremony’s most talked-about moments, then-Prince Charles walked Meghan part of the way down the aisle after her father could not attend. The service also brought in distinctly American elements. Bishop Michael Curry delivered a sermon that quoted Martin Luther King Jr., while Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir performed “Stand By Me.” Later, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason played during the ceremony, and the couple exited to Etta James’ “This Little Light of Mine.” Meghan later reflected on her state of mind that morning: "I went into a really calm space," Meghan told People.
Serena Williams, George Clooney and Idris Elba Joined the Party
The guest list stretched far beyond the House of Windsor. Serena Williams, George and Amal Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Meghan’s former Suits castmates were among those at the ceremony. The receptions added even more memorable details. Queen Elizabeth hosted a lunchtime gathering for 600 guests, while the evening celebration at Frogmore House welcomed about 200 close friends and family. Meghan changed into a Stella McCartney halter gown, Harry switched to a tuxedo, Idris Elba handled the music, George Clooney mixed drinks, and Serena Williams reportedly joined a game of beer pong.
