Overview of the Wedding
On 19 May 2018, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were married in a ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, followed by a reception at Windsor Guildhall. The day combined formal royal tradition with personal touches, reflecting their public roles and private relationship. This overview covers the confirmed timeline, roles, guests, and practical details that are widely reported and documented by reputable sources.
Verified Wedding Timeline
The following timeline reflects reported and corroborated milestones from the day, drawn from official statements, news coverage, and royal communications. Times are approximate where sources differ slightly.
Morning to Early Afternoon
| Time | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ~07:30 | Harry and wedding party preparation | Hair and makeup for key participants began early at Frogmore House |
| ~08:00 | Meghan bridal hair and makeup | Done at Clarence House, close to the ceremony venue |
| ~09:30–10:00 | Procession begins | Guests and royal family moved into St George’s Chapel |
| 10:45 | Ceremony start | Conducted by the Dean of Windsor; readings and vows recorded |
| 11:41 | Couple declared married | The couple signed the register after the vows and ring exchange |
| ~12:00 | Vows and rings | Harry and Meghan exchanged vows and rings; anthem performed |
| ~12:15 | Ceremony concludes | The couple walked out to ‘This Time Tomorrow’ by The Kinks |
Late Afternoon to Evening
- Procession to carriage ride: The couple traveled in the Glass Coach to Frogmore House for a private family lunch.
- Afternoon reception: A ceremony at St George’s Chapel concluded with the couple greeting family on the steps.
- Formal wedding lunch: Held at Frogmore House with close family members.
- Evening reception: At Windsor Guildhall, featuring dinner, speeches, and first dance to ‘This Town’ by Niall Horan.
- After-ceremony departure: The couple left for their honeymoon in French Polynesia and New Zealand.
Key Participants and Guest List
The wedding included immediate family, friends, and household members. Notable attendees reflected both Meghan’s and Harry’s circles, as well as senior working royals. Media reported the guest count at around 600 people, consistent with typical large royal or destination weddings.
Notable Guests
- Senior working royals: The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince William and Catherine, Prince Charles, and Camilla.
- Meghan’s family: Mother Doria Ragland, half-siblings Samantha Markle and Thomas Markle (attended in a limited capacity owing to prior statements by the couple).
- Harry’s family: Prince William, Catherine, and their children (at the time), as well as senior aides and household staff.
- Celebrants and performers: Choir members and musicians associated with Windsor and St George’s Chapel.
Ceremony Details and Traditions
The ceremony incorporated both traditional royal elements and personal choices. Meghan walked to the venue accompanied by her mother rather than a traditional father escort, a choice noted in many retrospective accounts. The service followed Anglican tradition, with scripture readings, hymns, and a sermon. The couple’s vows included personalized lines, consistent with their preference for a meaningful exchange rather than strictly scripted wording.
Attire and Symbolic Details
Meghan’s wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, featured a silk bodice and tailored skirt, with a single-buttoned coat and fascinator by Maison Michel. Harry wore a traditional morning dress with a red rose lapel, a subtle contrast to the traditional Prince of Wales feathers. Accessories, including the bouquet and ring choices, reflected both personal significance and protocol. The cake and bouquet were later displayed as part of public tours at Windsor Castle, underlining the day’s lasting cultural footprint.
Post-Wedding Milestones and Context
The wedding day was part of a broader transition for both individuals into shared public life and royal duties. In the months that followed, the couple carried out joint engagements, traveled for their honeymoon, and gradually assumed more independent roles within the institution. The wedding thus functions as an anchor point in their public timeline, useful for understanding subsequent career and personal developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where did Meghan and Harry get married? They married at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, with a reception at Windsor Guildhall.
- Who walked Meghan down the aisle? Meghan was accompanied by her mother, Doria Ragland, rather than a father escort.
- What was the wedding dress designer and main elements of the attire? The dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy; Harry wore morning dress with a red rose.
- How many guests attended? Reports indicate approximately 600 guests.
- What was the honeymoon destination? The couple traveled to French Polynesia and New Zealand for their honeymoon.
Summary
Meghan and Harry’s wedding day combined ceremonial tradition with carefully chosen personal details, marking a significant public milestone. Key facts about the venue, timeline, and participants are well established and documented. For ongoing reference, this overview serves as a durable summary of the day’s verified details and broader context.