The Queen 'had reservations' about Meghan Markle wearing a pure-white dress to marry Prince Harry, according to a new book (2024)

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The Queen 'had reservations' about Meghan Markle wearing a pure-white dress to marry Prince Harry, according to a new book? ›

Queen Elizabeth II thought Meghan Markle's wedding dress was too white for a divorced woman, according to a royal biography. Ingrid Seward's new book, My Mother and I, about Elizabeth and King Charles III, also touches on Meghan's marriage to Prince Harry.

However, according to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, the late Queen Elizabeth II thought that Meghan's wedding dress was “too white” for a divorcée. The book My Mother and I, which was released in October 2023, claimed that the late Queen only revealed her opinion to her closest confidantes.

However, in a new book by Ingrid Seward titled My Mother and I, Queen Elizabeth wasn't thrilled about Meghan wearing white. Elizabeth's traditional view led her to believe it wasn't a proper color for someone who was divorced.

The reigning monarch must approve of the royal bride's wedding dress before she walks down the aisle, reports CBS News. Dresses are expected to be either white or cream, feature long sleeves and not show the bride's shoulders or cleavage.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry split rumours dusted off

James added that their smiles were a testament to the message the couple sent to the world: 'We will not be broken'. Despite the 'make or break' hubbub that drowned the couple under these noisy rumours, they seem to be going strong.

And the moment was made even more awkward when the Queen simply replied: “Well then I suppose I have to say yes.” Harry had no idea what she was saying.

According to Hello! magazine, the queen decided to sport white, rather than her usual bold color choices for her wedding guest attire, because Camilla was wearing a pale blue dress, not the traditional white.

Le privilège du blanc (pronounced [lə pʁivilɛʒ dy blɑ̃]; "the privilege of the white") is a custom of the Roman Catholic Church that permits certain designated female royalty to wear white clothing (traditionally a white dress and white veil) during an audience with the pope.

However, there was one colour the Queen never wore on her public engagements. Robert Hardman, the Queen's biographer, even quoted her once as saying, “I can never wear beige because nobody will know who I am.” According to Hardman, the Queen only wore beige and more muted colours when she was relaxing at home.

Despite her status as a princess, she will never officially go by the title "Princess Meghan" - as this particular designation is reserved for those born directly into the Royal Family. Had she not been granted the Sussex title, Meghan would have been referred to as Princess Henry.

Why did Meghan Markle wear a white wedding dress? ›

Meghan was married to producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013. "Perhaps it's a generational thing, but she believes if you've been married before, you wear off-white on your wedding day, which is what the duch*ess of Cornwall did," the source went on to tell Nicholl of the Queen's thoughts on wedding fashion.

Does Queen Elizabeth do her own hair and makeup? The Queen's hairdresser for the last 20 years has been Scott Ian Carmichael who attended her once a week, except during lockdowns. She normally does her own makeup but for appearances like the Queen's Speech, she uses a makeup artist Marilyn Widdess.

According to Elizabeth Holmes' book, "HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style," the Queen's outfits are recorded, and repeats are purposely spaced out. After she's worn it a second or third time, the outfit is either reworked into a new design or reserved to only wear in private.

Wendell Pierce, a co-star of Meghan Markle, expressed that Meghan and Prince Harry appeared very much in love and happy during their meeting in 2023, highlighting the strong bond between the couple.

Diana and Queen Mother helped Harry and Meghan

It's clear that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were able to make their own way with a little help from family inheritance. It's reported that Prince Harry inherited more money than his brother from their late mother, Princess Diana, totaling over $26.7 million.

Harry remains a prince and is fifth in line to the throne. The couple kept their Duke and duch*ess of Sussex titles, but are no longer addressed as his or her royal highness (HRH). Harry also gave up his military titles.

Cost. The royal family announced that they would pay for the wedding. The costs for the cake, the florist, and the catering had been estimated to be £50,000, £110,000, and £286,000 respectively, and the overall cost was expected to be around £32 million.

“As was the case with the wedding of the Duke and duch*ess of Cambridge, the Royal Family will pay for the core aspects of the wedding, such as the church service, the associated music, flowers, decorations, and the reception afterwards,” said a statement released not long after the engagement news.

Queen Elizabeth II bought her wedding dress with WWII ration coupons. Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip on their wedding day, Nov 20, 1947.

Giles Deacon designed the dress for Pippa's big day. Pippa accessorised her bridal outfit with a Maidenhair fern tiara by Robinson Pelham and satin pumps with pearl detailing by Manolo Blahnik.