When Meghan Markle wedded Prince Harry in 2018, the world watched with wide eyes.
However, behind the façade of a joyous royal celebration lay unspoken sentiments, particularly from Queen Elizabeth II, who harbored reservations about the dress Meghan chose for the occasion.
Despite being eager to welcome Meghan into the royal fold, her wedding attire did not meet the Queen’s standards, as detailed by royal biographer Ingrid Seward.
According to Seward’s book, My Mother and I, the late Queen expressed her thoughts to her confidante, Lady Elizabeth Anson, remarking that Meghan’s choice of a very white gown was “too white.”
The Queen believed this was unsuitable for a woman who had previously been married, having tied the knot with Hollywood producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013.
In Her Majesty’s eyes, a divorcee shouldn’t appear so ostentatiously “virginal” when remarrying in a church setting.
Even though the Queen was generally supportive of Meghan, the couple’s actions in 2020 led to deeper concerns.
After Harry and Meghan decided to step back from their senior royal duties and relocate to the United States, sources suggested that the Queen felt a sense of betrayal.
As author Katie Nicholl discusses in her book, The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth‘s Legacy and the Future of the Crown, a close insider revealed that the Queen was “hurt” by their choice, stating, “I don’t know, I don’t care, and I don’t want to think about it anymore.”
Following their move, Queen Elizabeth‘s interactions with Harry, Meghan, and their two children—five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilibet—became infrequent.
The Queen’s passing in September 2022 marked a somber chapter for the royal family, leaving behind a legacy fraught with complex relationships.
At the time of her passing, Harry reflected on their shared moments, acknowledging that life is full of goodbyes and hellos.
He expressed his gratitude for the precious memories they created together, from childhood interactions to their first introductions as a married couple.
He conveyed how deeply they missed her presence—not just as their grandmother but as a beloved figure to the world.
During the wedding ceremony, Meghan made her grand entrance at St George’s Chapel in a striking Givenchy gown, captivating onlookers.
However, while many praised her simplicity and elegance, it appears that the Queen held a differing view.
She reportedly found Meghan’s attire to be flamboyant and inappropriate given her past, as expressed in private conversations with Lady Elizabeth.
Moreover, the decision for Prince Charles to walk Meghan down the aisle, instead of her estranged father, further stirred the Queen’s sentiments.
Thomas Markle’s absence, due to a scandal involving staged paparazzi photographs, necessitated Charles stepping into the role, a decision that Harry described as instinctive support from his father.
Though the Queen maintained a composed public image, her private critiques painted a different story.
Conversations with trusted friends often revealed her genuine concerns regarding royal traditions and decorum, particularly surrounding the marriage of a divorcee.
Despite the lack of public remarks, the Queen’s perspective was shaped by her deep-seated beliefs about royal propriety.
In retrospect, while Meghan’s wedding dress may have dazzled the public, it seems the monarchy held its own standards and expectations.
The sentiments surrounding the dress were a manifestation of larger issues that would later unfold in the royal narrative, making for a complicated and intriguing history.
As the dust settled post-wedding, the royal family faced challenges that would test its resilience.
Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the monarchy would ultimately evolve into a dialogue filled with tension, marked by their candid revelations about royal life and their experiences.
In the wake of such a pivotal moment in history, the story of Queen Elizabeth and Meghan Markle remains a powerful reminder of the complexities of belonging and acceptance within the royal family.
Even in the realm of elegance and celebration, shadows of tradition and personal beliefs continue to cast a long influence over the institution.
