If you’re anything like me, you’re nursing a *slight* post-Royal Wedding headache from too many G&Ts (and too much joyful screaming every time you spotted a celeb or royal you recognised). And the best hangover cure, aside from a Full English, is gobbling up as much Prince Harry and Meghan Markle-related content as you can.
I admit that my viewing party with my two best mates got a little rowdy, and perhaps I didn’t notice all the little details – I’m no Royal expert, after all. So I decided to share all my findings with you, fellow gin and tonic enjoyer / destroyer.
The dress (and the rest)
We all know that Meghan glided down the aisle in a gorgeous silk bateau-neck dress designed by Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy, but there were more intricate details to the outfit. The tiara, called the Queen Mary diamond bandeau, dates back to 1932 and was loaned to Meghan by The Queen for the big day. Meghan’s 5-metre veil / train situation wasn’t just your token lace piece, but was actually, at Meg’s request, embroidered with 53 different flowers representing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth.
Ms. Markle expressed the wish of having all 53 countries of the Commonwealth with her on her journey through the ceremony. Ms. Waight Keller designed a veil representing the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country united in one spectacular floral composition.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018
Later, Meghan changed into a reception frock designed by Stella McCartney, and wore an aquamarine ring once owned by her husband’s late mum, Princess Diana.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart Windsor Castle for a reception hosted by The Prince of Wales at Frogmore House, in a silver blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero. This vehicle was originally manufactured in 1968, and has since been converted to electric power #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/hRrxEUlFlJ
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018
What the royals said
Many outlets employed lip-readers to suss out what the royals were saying to each other before the ceremony. Since we don’t have a PEDESTRIAN.TV lip-reader on staff, I’ve chosen famous UK tabloid The Sun to be my source of intel. The outlet reports that Meghan dropped an “oh, fuck” during the carriage ride, and afterwards Harry said to his new bride “I need a drink”. Absolutely no judgement here for either of those comments. Earlier in the day, Prince William also said to his bro: “My trousers are too tight”. And when Harry saw Meghan he said: “You look beautiful…I missed you.” FEELS.
Just leaving this vid here because LOOK AT CHARLOTTE.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart the Chapel for a carriage procession through the Castle and Windsor Town #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/pxPht7OXfP
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018
The ~exclusive~ reception
Just because you were invited to the ceremony did not necessarily mean you got to go to the reception – for example, Prince Andrew‘s ex Fergie (aka Sarah Ferguson) was apparently not invited to the shindig despite being in the prime seats at the ceremony.
The evening reception was held at an old-timey house on the grounds of Windsor Castle called Frogmore House, and was hosted by none other than James Corden (so THAT’S why he was there). Other celeb invitees included Serena Williams, George and Amal Clooney, and actress Priyanka Chopra. The party was organised by Prince Charles and in a bold tradition-breaking move, Meghan requested to make a speech.
The wedding cake is to be served at the Reception. It was designed by Claire Ptak and features elderflower syrup made at The Queen’s residence in Sandringham from the estate’s own elderflower trees, as well as a light sponge cake uniquely formulated for the couple. #royalwedding pic.twitter.com/kt5lE4tEn9
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018
Before that, there was a lunchtime reception in St George’s Hall, where Elton John performed for guests.
Kate’s outfit “shade”
Some royal commentators were offended on Meghan’s behalf when Kate, The Duchess of Cambridge, rocked up in an Alexander McQueen dress she’d worn three times before. Gasp! The Daily Mail points out that she wore it to Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015, a Trooping the Colour event in 2016, and an event in Belgium last year. My take? The woman had a baby like a month ago, so who cares!
#RoyalWedding take a look at this beautiful future QUEEN OF England. HRH Kate Middleton. pic.twitter.com/YzgeMBguIn
— Zolile (@TheBestMalcolm) May 19, 2018
Miscellaneous cute things
After she had to sit by herself for the whole ceremony, I thought it was bloody sweet that Prince Charles held Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland‘s hand as they left the church. It would have been a really emotional and overwhelming day for her so it’s nice that he recognised that.
Doria Ragland #MeghanMarkle Mother w/ Prince Charles and Camila Parker Bowles was a powerful symbolic cultural moment that a new era has arrived for Britain 🇬🇧 #RoyalWedding #HarryandMeghan #RoyalFamily #RoyalWedding2018 #PrinceCharles pic.twitter.com/VSVAdH0QRQ
— RainV Entertainment (@RainVENNT) May 19, 2018
Pretty Little Liars star Troian Bellissario, who attended the wedding with her husband Patrick J. Adams (Meghan’s Suits co-star) revealed this little gem on her Instagram story: guests who were sick of wearing heels were given slippers for their sore feet.
Speaking of feet, a statement from Kensington Palace about the adorable bridesmaids (aged 3-7) included the detail that all of the kidlets wore little Aquazurra leather shoes with their initials monogrammed on them, which were a gift from Meghan herself.
The Bridesmaids and Page boys arrive at St George’s Chapel #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/gnhHRi5lui
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018
The Palace also brought the feels as they gave details about Meghan’s bouquet, confirming that Harry had picked some of the flowers – and they were a nod to Diana.
Prince Harry handpicked several flowers yesterday from their private garden at Kensington Palace to add to the bespoke bridal bouquet designed by florist Philippa Craddock.
The spring blooms include Forget-Me-Nots which were Diana, Princess of Wales’ favourite flower. The couple specifically chose them to be included in Ms. Markle’s bouquet to honour the memory of the late Princess on this special day.
Okay, that’s me done. I’m off to watch a repeat of the ceremony and cry into a G&T.
