by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2019

Her Royal Highness The Princess Mary (created Princess Royal in 1932) and Henry Lascelles, Viscount Lascelles (succeeded his father as 6th Earl of Harewood in 1929) were married at Westminster Abbey in London, England on February 28, 1922.

• Unofficial Royalty: Westminster Abbey in London, England
• YouTube: Princess Mary Wedded to Viscount Lascelles at Westminster Abbey (1922)

Mary’s Early Life

Embed from Getty Images 
Princess Mary with her five brothers, circa 1910

The only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary (born Princess Victoria Mary of Teck) was born on April 25, 1897, in the year of the Diamond Jubilee of her great-grandmother Queen Victoria, at York Cottage on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England. She was the third of the six children of her parents who were the Duke and Duchess of York at the time of her birth. Mary’s youngest brother Prince John died in 1919 when he was thirteen years old due to epilepsy complications. Her two elder brothers became Kings of the United Kingdom: Edward VIII and George VI. The other two brothers were Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Prince George, Duke of Kent.

Princess Mary was educated by governesses and also shared some lessons with her brothers. During World War I, when she was a teenager, Mary accompanied her mother Queen Mary on visits to hospitals and other organizations that assisted soldiers and their families. Mary had her own project, Princess Mary’s Christmas Gift Fund, which sent a gift box to British soldiers and sailors for Christmas 1914. In 1918, Princess Mary began a nursing course at the Great Ormond Street Hospital, working two days a week in the Alexandra Ward. Mary also became active in supporting the Voluntary Aid Detachment, the Women’s Land Army and the Girl Guides. She was the honorary president of the British Girl Guide Association from 1920 until her death.

To learn more about Mary, see Unofficial Royalty: Princess Mary, Princess Royal, Countess of Harewood

Henry’s Early Life

Henry Lascelles was born on September 9, 1882, in London, England. He was the elder son and the eldest of the three children of Henry Lascelles, 5th Earl of Harewood and Lady Florence Bridgeman, daughter of Orlando Bridgeman, 3rd Earl of Bradford. At the time of his birth, Henry was styled The Honourable Henry Lascelles. When his grandfather died in 1892 and his father became the 5th Earl of Harewood, Henry was able to use one of his father’s subsidiary titles and be styled Viscount Lascelles. He became the 6th Earl of Harewood upon the death of his father in 1929.

Henry grew up at Harewood House, the family seat near Leeds in Yorkshire, England. After attending Eton College, Henry attended the Royal Military College Sandhurst and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Grenadier Guards on February 12, 1902. He gained the rank of Captain in the service of the Grenadier Guards and fought in World War I where he commanded the 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards. He was mentioned in dispatches and wounded twice. He also served with the Yorkshire Hussars Yeomanry and attained the rank of Major.

To learn more about Henry, see Unofficial Royalty: Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood

The Engagement

Embed from Getty Images
Engagement Photo

Mary’s eldest brother The Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VIII) knew Henry from World War I and greatly admired him. After meeting at the Grand National, an annual horse race, and a house party in 1921, Mary and Henry were continuously seen together, despite their fifteen-year age difference. They both loved horse riding and the two frequently attended hunts together.

When Henry was invited to Balmoral and Sandringham, it was noted that there could be an engagement announcement soon. On November 20, 1921, Henry proposed to Mary at York Cottage, where he was staying while at Sandringham. Queen Mary wrote in her diary for that day, “At 6.30 Mary came to my room to announce to me her engagement to Lord Lascelles! We then told G. (King George V) & then gave Harry L. our blessing. We had to keep it quiet owing to G. having to pass an order in council to give his consent. Of course, everybody guessed what had happened & we were very cheerful & almost uproarious at dinner. We are delighted.”

The Wedding Site

Embed from Getty Images
Westminster Abbey Choir leading to the Altar

The wedding of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles was the first time a child of a monarch had married at Westminster Abbey since 1290 when Margaret of England, daughter of King Edward I, married John II, Duke of Brabant. Westminster Abbey was completed around 1060 and was consecrated in 1065, during the reign of Edward the Confessor. Construction of the second and present church was begun in 1245 by Henry III who selected the site for his burial. In 1269, Henry III oversaw a grand ceremony to rebury Edward the Confessor in a magnificent new shrine, personally helping to carry the body to its new resting place.

Westminster Abbey was the wedding venue for six royal weddings during the reigns of the Plantagenet kings including that of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia in 1382. That would be the last royal wedding at Westminster Abbey until the reign of King George V. Queen Victoria’s granddaughter and King George V’s first cousin Princess Patricia of Connaught married The Honorable Alexander Ramsay at Westminster Abbey in 1919. This was the first major royal event after World War I.

Mary was the first of King George V’s children to marry. Five of the six children (Prince John died in childhood) of King George V married and three of the five were married at Westminster Abbey. Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester was due to marry at Buckingham Palace but the unexpected death of his fiancée’s father caused the wedding to be moved to the Private Chapel at Buckingham Palace. The large size of Westminster Abbey allowed more guests to be present at the wedding ceremony and the long drive from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey brought out immense crowds along the route. With each royal wedding, the anticipation and excitement grew.

Bridesmaids and Best Man

Embed from Getty Images
Seated, left to right: Lady Mary Cambridge, Princess Maud of Fife, Lady Rachel Cavendish, Lady Mary Thynne. Standing, left to right: Lady Doris Gordon-Lennox, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons, Viscount Lascelles, Princess Mary, Major Sir Victor Mackenzie, Lady Diana Bridgeman, Lady May Cambridge.

Major Sir Victor Mackenzie, 3rd Baronet was the best man. Like the groom, Sir Victor was wounded twice in World War I and mentioned in dispatches. In 1932, he was made Groom in Waiting to King George V, serving in the role until 1936. In 1936, he was made an Extra Groom in Waiting to King Edward VIII and retained that position in the household of King George VI from 1937 until his death in 1944. He never married.

Bridesmaids:

• Princess Maud of Fife, first cousin of the bride, daughter of Alexander Duff, 1st Duke of Fife and Princess Louise, Princess Royal, married Charles Carnegie, 11th Earl of Southesk
• Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, future sister-in-law of the bride, daughter of Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore, married the future King George VI
• Lady Diana Bridgeman, first cousin once removed of the groom, daughter of Orlando Bridgeman, 5th Earl of Bradford, married Sir Robert Henry Edward Abdy, 5th Baronet
• Lady May Cambridge, maternal first cousin and paternal second cousin of the bride, daughter of Alexander Cambridge, 1st Earl of Athlone (brother of Queen Mary) and Princess Alice of Albany (granddaughter of Queen Victoria), married Sir Henry Abel Smith
• Lady Mary Cambridge, maternal first cousin of the bride, daughter of Adolphus Cambridge, 1st Marquess of Cambridge (brother of Queen Mary), married Henry Somerset, 10th Duke of Beaufort
• Lady Rachel Cavendish, daughter of Victor Cavendish, 9th Duke of Devonshire, married James Stuart, 1st Viscount Stuart of Findhorn
• Lady Doris Gordon-Lennox, daughter of Charles Gordon-Lennox, 8th Duke of Richmond, married Commander Clare George Vyner
• Lady Mary Thynne, daughter of Thomas Thynne, 5th Marquess of Bath, married (1) Charles Wilson, 3rd Baron Nunburnholme (2) Sir Ulick Alexander

Wedding Attire

The groom and best man both wore the uniform of the Grenadier Guards. Across his scarlet tunic, the groom wore the blue sash of the Order of the Garter, bestowed upon him by King George V the day before the wedding.

The eight bridesmaids wore dresses of frosted cloth of silver over ivory satin. At their waists was a big true lover’s knot in blue, Princess Mary’s favorite color, and they carried bouquets of sweet peas, the bride’s favorite flower. Each bridesmaid wore a brooch given by Viscount Lascelles – a crystal jewel studded with sapphires and diamonds with two coronets and the initials M and H.

Princess Mary’s wedding dress was designed by Messrs. Reville, Ltd. of Hanover Square, London. The dress was made of cloth of silver with an ivory silk train embroidered with emblematic flowers of the British Empire. The cloth of silver was brought by Queen Mary from India during her visit in 1911. The silk train was woven by hand by workers in Braintree, Essex, England, an old English silk manufacturing center where the art of silk weaving was passed down from generation to generation.

Embed from Getty Images
Princess Mary’s floral bridal wreath

Instead of wearing a tiara, Princess Mary wore a floral bridal wreath. To complement her wedding dress, Mary wore a short single strand of pearls and a diamond and pearl brooch suspended from a very fine chain, a gift from the groom. On her bodice, she wore the brooch given to her by the Royal Scots regiment, the oldest regiment in the British Army when she was appointed their Colonel-in-Chief.

The Wedding

Embed from Getty Images
An interior view of Westminster Abbey during the wedding ceremony

Over 2,000 wedding guests began arriving at Westminster Abbey at 9:00 AM and by 10:00 AM, most of them were in their seats. At 11:15 AM, the members of the British Royal Family were ready for their procession. They were led by Queen Alexandra, the grandmother of the bride. Closely following was Queen Mary, the mother of the bride, in a white dress covered with gold embroidery, wearing the blue sash of the Order of the Garter, and bedecked with diamond jewelry. Soon, cheers from the street, coming through the open Abbey door, heralded the arrival of King George V and his only daughter Princess Mary. The wedding coach was not the familiar Gold State Coach that had been used at State Openings of Parliament but the coach known as The Glass Coach.

At the west door, the bride was joined by the eight bridesmaids, who had been awaiting her in Little Poet’s Corner, where poets who are not honored in the better-known Poet’s Corner in the South Transept are remembered. King George V was in the uniform of colonel-in-chief of the Grenadier Guards, in honor of the groom who served in the Grenadier Guards during World War I. As the bridal procession moved past the grave of the Unknown Warrior, whose remains were brought from France and buried there in 1920, their thoughts must have flashed back to those lost in World War I. A year later, when one of Mary’s bridesmaids, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, married the future King George VI, she laid her bouquet of white roses on the grave of the Unknown Warrior. No doubt she was thinking of her brother Fergus Bowes-Lyon and all the other British soldiers who had died in World War I. It has become a tradition that royal brides have their bouquets placed on the grave of the Unknown Warrior.

The wedding ceremony, the typical Church of England service, was conducted by Randall Davidson, Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Gordon Lang, Archbishop of York, Arthur Winnington-Ingram, Bishop of London, and Herbert Ryle, Dean of Westminster.

The signing of the register took place in Edward the Confessor’s Chapel, among the tombs of five kings and six queens. The register was signed by the bride and groom and attested by King George V and Queen Mary; Henry Lascelles, 5th Earl of Harewood and Florence Lascelles, Countess of Harewood; Randall Davidson, Archbishop of Canterbury; Cosmo Gordon Lang, Archbishop of York; and Herbert Ryle, Dean of Westminster.

Music

Before the wedding, as the guests arrived, the following music was played on the organ by Sidney Nicholson, organist of Westminster Abbey:

• “Solemn Melody” by Walford Davies
• “Trumpet Voluntary” by Henry Purcell
• “Marche Nuptiale” by Alexandre Guilmant
• Four Movement from “Water Music” by Georg Friedrich Handel
• “Benediction Nupitale” by Camille Saint-Saens
• “Bridal March” by Hubert Parry
• “Imperial March” by Edward Elgar

During the wedding, the following was performed by Sidney Nicholson, organist of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of Westminster Abbey:

• Procession of the Bride: The hymn “Lead Us, Heavenly Father” was sung
• After the solemnization of matrimony, as the couple moved to the altar: Psalm 67 “God be merciful unto us” with music by Thomas Tertius Noble was sung
• After the address by the Archbishop of Canterbury: The hymn “Praise My Soul The King of Heaven” by Sir John Goss was sung
• Before the signing of the register: The National Anthem, “God Save The King” was sung
• During the signing of the register: The anthem “Beloved, Let Us Love One Another” written especially for the occasion by Sidney Nicholson was sung
• Procession of the Bride and Groom, Clergy, King and Queen, Royal Family: Bridal March from “Romeo and Juliet” by Charles Gounod and “Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn were played on the organ

After the Wedding

Embed from Getty Images
Buckingham Palace Balcony Appearance: Left to Right – King George V, Princess Mary, Viscount Lascelles, Queen Alexandra, and Queen Mary

The newlyweds proceeded back to Buckingham Palace, with huge crowds cheering them along the way. The wedding breakfast at Buckingham Palace was a small affair, only a hundred people were present, members of the bride and groom’s families and some of the bridesmaids.

Each table sat ten people and was decorated with white lilacs and pink tulips. At the main table, King George V sat with Princess Mary on his right. Continuing around the circular table on the right sat the groom’s mother the Countess of Harewood, Mary’s brother Prince Henry, the Dowager Countess of Bradford (the groom’s maternal grandmother), Mary’s brother The Duke of York (the future King George VI), Queen Alexandra, the groom’s father the Earl of Harewood, Queen Mary and the groom Viscount Lascelles.

As the newlyweds were ready to leave the palace, everyone went to the Grand Hall where the newlyweds were pelted with rose-leaf confetti. A huge crowd had waited patiently outside Buckingham Palace to see the couple as they left for the honeymoon. At 3:45 PM, an open landau drawn by four gray horses carrying the bride and groom appeared in the quadrangle. King George V and his four sons and walked to where the guests had gathered in the forecourt. They all took up positions on either side of the arch through which the landau was to pass. They were joined by some of the bridesmaids and two little pages. They were all given confetti shaped like horseshoes and silver slippers. As the landau passed the crowd, the bride and groom were pelted with the confetti so hard by the King and the Princes that the couple had to duck down. Everyone laughed, especially the King.

Embed from Getty Images
King George V, The Duke of York, Prince Henry and Prince George, throwing confetti in the shape of small horseshoes and silver slippers as Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles leave Buckingham Palace

As the couple made their way to Paddington Station, they were greeted by throngs of people cheering loudly. At Paddington Station, the couple boarded a train to their honeymoon destination, Weston Park in Weston-under-Lizard, Staffordshire, England, the country home of the Earls of Bradford, the family of Viscount Lascelles’ mother. After some days of seclusion, the newlyweds traveled to Italy and then spent time with Bernard Forbes, 8th Earl of Granard and Beatrice Forbes, Countess of Granard at their Paris home.

Children

 

Mary and Henry had two sons:

• George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood (1923 – 2011), married  (1) Marion Stein, had issue, divorced  (2)  1967 Patricia Tuckwell, had issue
• The Honourable Gerald Lascelles (1924 – 1998), married (1) Angela Dowding, had issue, divorced (2) Elizabeth Collingwood; had issue

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

• En.wikipedia.org. (2019). Wedding dress of Princess Mary. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_dress_of_Princess_Mary [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Flantzer, Susan. (2014). Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood. [online] Unofficial Royalty. Available at: https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/henry-lascelles-6th-earl-of-harewood/ [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Flantzer, Susan. (2014). Princess Mary, Princess Royal, Countess of Harewood. [online] Unofficial Royalty. Available at: https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/princess-mary-princess-royal-countess-of-harewood/ [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Hough, Richard. (1991). Born Royal – The Lives and Loves of the Young Windsors. Leicester: Ulverscroft.
• Nytimes.com. (1922). LASCELLES PICKS BEST MAN.; Names Sir Victor Mackenzie, Twice Wounded in World War.. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/1922/02/07/archives/lascelles-picks-best-man-names-sir-victor-mackenzie-twice-wounded.html?searchResultPosition=45 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Nytimes.com. (1922). LONDON BEGINS FETE ON EVE OF WEDDING OF PRINCESS MARY; PRINCESS MARY, A BRIDE TODAY, HER WEDDING COACH, AND SCENE OF HER HONEYMOON Sightseers and Holiday Makers Watch for a Glimpse of Bridal Couple. CHEERED AS THEY APPEAR Princess Limits Decorations’ Cost, but Triumphal Arches Are Erected. RECEIVES WANAMAKER GIFT Ambassador and Mrs. Harvey to Be Only Americans Officially Present in Abbey. Lascelles Eludes Crowd. Harveys Only American Guests. Letter of Thanks to Wanamaker. 170 to Be at Breakfast. Lascelles May Be Made a Duke. Rescuer of Lascelles Invited. Princess Will Change Initial Bay Horses to Draw Carriages. Trades and Crafts Offer Gifts Fine Fabric for Bride’s Train. Princess’s Coat of Arms.. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/1922/02/28/archives/london-begins-fete-on-eve-of-wedding-of-princess-mary-princess-mary.html?searchResultPosition=55 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Nytimes.com. (1922). PRINCESS GOING TO PARIS.; Mary and Her Husband to Be Guests at Granard Mansion.. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/1922/03/03/archives/princess-going-to-paris-mary-and-her-husband-to-be-guests-at.html?searchResultPosition=59 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Nytimes.com. (1922). PRINCESS MARY ENGAGED TO WED LORD LASCELLES; Betrothal to the Viscount Is Formally Announced by the King and Queen. HE HAS LARGE FORTUNEHeir to Title and Yorkshire Estates of Earl of Harewood–Distinguished Himself in the War. ENGAGEMENT IS POPULARMarriage of Member of Royal Family Within the Kingdom Is Welcomed by the Press.. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/1921/11/23/archives/princess-mary-engaged-to-wed-lord-lascelles-betrothal-to-the.html?searchResultPosition=32 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Nytimes.com. (1922). PRINCESS MARY’S GOWN TO BE CLOTH OF SILVER; Her Wedding Dress to Have a Train of Ivory Silk Woven by Hand.. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/1922/01/17/archives/princess-marys-gown-to-be-cloth-of-silver-her-wedding-dress-to-have.html?searchResultPosition=40 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Nytimes.com. (1922). PRINCESS MARY WED IN REGAL SPLENDOR TO LORD LASCELLES IN WESTMINSTER; ALL LONDON JOINS IN THE REJOICING; GORGEOUS SCENE IN CHURCH Women in Brilliant Gowns and Jewels for Princess’s Wedding. LONDON WAR GLOOM BROKEN King Joins in Throwing Rice as Couple Leave on Their Honeymoon. BRIDAL TRIP TO SHROPSHIRE Satisfaction Is Voiced That the Princess’s Match Means No Foreign Tie.. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/1922/03/01/archives/princess-mary-wed-in-regal-splendor-to-lord-lascelles-in.html?searchResultPosition=57 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Nytimes.com. (1922). PRINCESS SECLUDED ON HER HONEYMOON; Mary and Lascelles Even Dispense With the Telephone on the Weston Estate. GRATEFUL FOR GOOD WILL Musical Part of the Wedding Ceremony is to Be Repeated at Westminster.. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/1922/03/02/archives/princess-secluded-on-her-honeymoon-mary-and-lascelles-even-dispense.html?searchResultPosition=58 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Pope-Hennessy, James. (1959). Queen Mary, 1867-1953. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
• Royal-magazin.de. (2019). Jewels – Wedding gifts to Mary Princess Royal| Viscountess Lascelles | Countess Harewood. [online] Available at: https://royal-magazin.de/england/mary-lascelles-harewood/princess-royal-mary.htm [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Trove. (1922). PRINCESS MARY’S WEDDING – PAGEANT IN STREET AND ABBEY STORY OF AN EYE-WITNESS. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) – The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1957) – 6 Apr 1922. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4671031 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Westminster-abbey.org. (1922). Order of Service of the Marriage of Her Royal Highness Princess Mary and The Viscount Lascelles, D.S.O.. [online] Available at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/media/5182/princess-mary-wedding-1922.pdf [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].
• Westminster Abbey. (2019). Wedding of Princess Mary, daughter of George V | Westminster Abbey. [online] Available at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/royals/princess-mary-daughter-of-george-v [Accessed 5 Oct. 2019].

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2018

Embed from Getty Images 

On Friday, October 12, 2018, HRH Princess Eugenie of York married Mr. Jack Brooksbank at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor.

• Unofficial Royalty: St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, England
• YouTube: Wedding of Princess Eugenie of York and Jack Brooksbank (Royal Family YouTube Channel)

The Bride – HRH Princess Eugenie of York
Embed from Getty Images

Princess Eugenie Victoria Helena is the younger daughter of HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York and the former Sarah Ferguson. She was born at Portland Hospital in London on March 23, 1990. Eugenie has an elder sister, Princess Beatrice. Her christening was held at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, the first public christening of a member of the royal family.

She was educated at the Winkfield Montessori School, the Upton House School, Coworth Park School, St. George’s School and Marlborough College. Following a gap year, she attended Newcastle University, graduating in 2012 with a degree in English Literature and History of Art. The Princess interned with Christie’s and The Royal Collection Trust before taking a job as a Benefit Auctions Manager at Paddle8, an online auction firm located in New York City. Since July 2015, she has worked as an associate director at the Hauser & Wirth art gallery in London. She shared an apartment at St. James’s Palace in London with her sister, until moving to Ivy Cottage, on the grounds of Kensington Palace, in April 2018.

Unofficial Royalty: HRH Princess Eugenie

The Groom – Mr. Jack Brooksbank
Embed from Getty Images

John (Jack) Christopher Stamp Brooksbank was born May 3, 1986 to George and Nicola (née Newton) Brooksbank. He has one younger brother, Thomas. He and Eugenie are third cousins, 2 times removed, through their mutual descent from Thomas Coke, 2nd Earl of Leicester. Jack’s great-grandfather, Sir Jack Coke, served as Gentleman Usher to King George VI and Extra Gentleman Usher to Queen Elizabeth II. He also served as an Equerry to Queen Mary.

Jack attended the Stowe School and then embarked on a career in the hospitality industry. He worked at several pubs and restaurants, including the Admiral Codrington and the Markham Inn in Chelsea, and then worked as manager of the nightclub Mahiki, in Mayfair. He is currently the brand ambassador for Casamigos Tequila, and in 2017 established Jack Brooksbank Limited, a wholesale company for the sale of wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.

Unofficial Royalty: Mr. Jack Brooksbank

The Engagement
Embed from Getty Images

Eugenie and Jack were introduced by mutual friends in Verbier, Switzerland. The Princess was on holiday and Jack was working there at the time. After seven years together, Jack proposed to Eugenie while on holiday in Nicaragua at the end of 2017.

Embed from Getty Images

The groom had already purchased a large Padparadscha sapphire, and after returning home, the couple worked together to design the engagement ring. It features the oval-cut pink-orange sapphire surrounded by diamonds, on a gold band. Their engagement was formally announced on January 22, 2018, after which the couple met with the media and photographers in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

Wedding Guests

850 guests filled St. George’s Chapel for Eugenie and Jack’s wedding. This included a large number of the extended royal family and countless friends and colleagues. Here is a partial list of those in attendance:

Embed from Getty Images

The Groom’s Family and Friends
Mr. and Mrs. George and Nicola Brooksbank
Mr. Thomas Brooksbank
Mr. and Mrs. David and Vanessa Brooksbank
Mr. Charles Brooksbank
Mrs. Amy Brooksbank Rodgers
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Newton
Mr. John Newton
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Farr
Mr. and Mrs. William Gayner
Mr. and Mrs. Rory Chichester

Embed from Getty Images

The Royal Family
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh
The Prince of Wales
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Prince George of Cambridge (page boy)
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge (bridesmaid)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
The Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York
Princess Beatrice of York
The Earl and Countess of Wessex
Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor (special attendant)
Viscount Severn (special attendant)
The Princess Royal and Sir Timothy Laurence
Peter and Autumn Phillips
Zara and Mike Tindall
The Earl and Countess of Snowdon
Viscount Linley
Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones
Lady Sarah and Daniel Chatto
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
The Duke of Kent
Lady Helen and Timothy Taylor
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent
Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor
Miss Maud Windsor (bridesmaid)
Lady Gabriella Windsor and Mr. Thomas Kingston
James Ogilvy
Zenouska Mowatt

**noticeably absent were The Duchess of Cornwall (previously scheduled engagements), The Duchess of Kent (mostly retired from royal life), and Princess Alexandra (recovering from a broken arm and recent surgery)

Embed from Getty Images

Royal Guests
Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie Chantal of Greece
Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece
Hereditary Prince Ernst-August and Hereditary Princess Ekaterina of Hanover
Prince Christian and Princess Alessandra of Hanover
Ms. Chantal Hochuli (formerly Princess Chantal of Hanover)

Embed from Getty Images

Some Notable Guests
James Blunt and Sofia Wellesley
Cressida Bonas
Naomi Campbell
Chelsy Davy
Olivier and Zoe de Givenchy
Cara Delevingne
Poppy Delevingne
Julian Fellowes and Emma Kitchener-Fellowes
Stephen Fry and Elliott Spencer
Pixie Geldof
Ellie Goulding
Ricky Martin and Jwan Yosef
James and Pippa (Middleton) Matthews
James Middleton
Demi Moore
Kate Moss
Guy Pelly
Zac Posen
Jamie Redknapp
Liv Tyler
Jack Whitehall
Robbie Williams and Ayda Field Williams

Eugenie and Jack also invited representatives from several of the charities they support, and members of the public, to be on the grounds of the chapel for the festivities.

The Wedding Attendants
Embed from Getty Images

Maid of Honour

• HRH Princess Beatrice of York (the bride’s sister)

Best Man

• Mr. Thomas Brooksbank (the groom’s brother)

Bridesmaids

• HRH Princess Charlotte of Cambridge (daughter of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)
• Miss Savannah Phillips (daughter of Peter and Autumn Phillips)
• Miss Isla Phillips (daughter of Peter and Autumn Phillips)
• Miss Mia Tindall (daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall)
• Miss Maud Windsor (daughter of Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor, and Eugenie’s goddaughter)
• Miss Theodora Williams (daughter of Robbie Williams and Ayda Field)

Page Boys

• HRH Prince George of Cambridge (son of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)
• Mr. Louis de Givenchy (son of Olivier and Zoe de Givenchy, friends of the couple)

In addition, Eugenie’s two younger cousins, the children of The Earl and Countess of Wessex, were Special Attendants. Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor accompanied the bridesmaids and pageboys, while Viscount Severn escorted Sarah, Duchess of York and Princess Beatrice down the aisle to their seats in the Quire.

The Wedding Attire
Embed from Getty Images

Princess Eugenie wore a dress designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos of the British label Peter Pilotto. Consisting of several layers, each carefully designed to provide the desired silhouette, the dress features a fitted bodice and a full pleated skirt. The neckline folds around the shoulders and down into a low back which continues into a full-length train. Princess Eugenie specifically requested a low back to show the scars from her corrective surgery for scoliosis as a child. (For this reason, she also chose not to wear a veil.) The fabric – a jacquard of silk, cotton, and viscose blend – incorporated several symbols with special meaning to the couple:

• Thistle – representing the couple’s fondness for Balmoral
• Shamrock – representing the bride’s maternal family’s Irish heritage
• York Rose – representing her father’s Dukedom
• Ivy – representing the couple’s home, Ivy Cottage at Kensington Palace

Embed from Getty Images

The wedding was the first time Princess Eugenie has been seen publicly in a tiara. While many expected she would wear her mother’s wedding tiara, she instead wore a tiara loaned to her by her grandmother, The Queen. The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara was made by Boucheron in 1919 for The Hon. Mrs. Ronald Greville, a prominent member of British society and a noted philanthropist. Upon her death in 1942, Mrs. Greville left a large bequest of all of her jewelry to Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother). This tiara was part of that bequest. In addition to Eugenie’s first tiara appearance, this is also the first time the tiara has been worn publicly since arriving in the vaults of Buckingham Palace 76 years ago. It is made of brilliant and rose-cut diamond pavé set in platinum, with six emeralds on either side of a large cabochon emerald in the center. Princess Eugenie also wore diamond and emerald drop earrings which were a wedding gift from the groom.

The bride’s bouquet included lily of the valley, stephanotis pips, baby blue thistle, white spray roses, and trailing ivy. It also included sprigs of myrtle from Osborne House, in a tradition dating back 160 years. While visiting her husband’s grandmother in Germany, Queen Victoria was given a nosegay that contained some myrtle. A sprig from this was planted along the terrace walls at Osborne House and continues to flourish to this day. In 1858, Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter married and carried a sprig of this myrtle in her bouquet. Since then, nearly all royal brides in the British Royal Family have incorporated a sprig of this myrtle into their wedding bouquet.  In keeping with a tradition begun by The Queen Mother following her wedding in 1923, Princess Eugenie’s flowers were later taken to Westminster Abbey and placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

Embed from Getty Images

The groom and his best man wore traditional morning suits. Both wore tie pins featuring the white rose of york and the padparadscha sapphire, which were gifts from the bride’s mother.

The Ceremony
Embed from Getty Images

The bride arrived at St. George’s Chapel, accompanied by her father, The Duke of York, in a 1977 Rolls Royce Phantom VI, given to The Queen in 1978 for her Silver Jubilee. (This was the same car used by Catherine Middleton for her wedding to Prince William in 2011.) She entered the chapel on her father’s arm and was met at the Quire Screen by the groom and the Dean of Windsor. Following the introduction, all processed through the Quire to the altar. The wedding ceremony was conducted by the Dean of Windsor, David Connor, and the prayers were led by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu. The ceremony itself was very traditional, with the couple exchanging their vows, and the groom placing the wedding ring – made from a piece of Welsh gold given to them by The Queen – on the bride’s finger. Readings were given by Charles Brooksbank, the groom’s cousin, and Princess Beatrice of York, the bride’s sister. The music was provided by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. Andrea Bocelli performed two solos during the service, and additional signing was provided by the Choir of St. George’s Chapel.

Embed from Getty Images

After the ceremony, the couple – along with their parents and siblings – went to the North Quire Aisle to sign the Registers. Upon returning, the National Anthem was played after which the bride and groom paid homage to The Queen before processing out of the chapel through the West Door. There, the steps were lined with members of the Nijmegen Company of the Grenadier Guards, of which the Duke of York is Colonel.

Embed from Getty Images

The couple greeted the crowds gathered outside the chapel with waves and a kiss before getting into the Scottish State Coach, pulled by four Windsor Greys, for a carriage procession through Windsor. As the procession departed, pipers from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, performed from the Garter Tower.

Embed from Getty Images

Following the wedding and carriage procession, Eugenie and Jack returned to Windsor Castle where The Queen hosted a reception.

The Wedding Banquet and Receptions
Embed from Getty Images

Following the wedding and carriage procession, Eugenie and Jack returned to Windsor Castle where The Queen hosted a reception in St. George’s Hall. After greeting their guests, the couple posed for formal photographs with the bridal party and their families. The centerpiece of the reception was the five-tiered wedding cake. Made by Sophie Cabot, the cake features 3 tiers of red velvet cake and 2 tiers of chocolate sponge cake, all covered with butter cream and white icing. The bottom tier features the couple’s initials in gold, surrounded by hand-painted blackberry bramble. Keeping with the autumnal theme, the cake is adorned with ivy, fall leaves, and berries, which cascade down from the top tier. These are all made of sugar and hand-painted.

Embed from Getty Images

The couple departed the castle in an Aston Martin DB10 – a one-of-a-kind model made specifically for the James Bond movie ‘Spectre’ – for Royal Lodge, where the bride’s parents hosted a black-tie reception that evening. The following day, the festivities continued with a carnival-themed party at Royal Lodge.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

by Susan Flantzer  © Unofficial Royalty 2018

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle in Windsor, England. On the day of the wedding, Prince Harry was created Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. His wife is styled Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex.

• Unofficial Royalty: St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, England
• YouTube: The Royal Wedding 2018: Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle (Royal Family YouTube Channel)

The Family of Prince Harry

HRH Prince Henry Charles Albert David was born on September 15, 1984, at St. Mary’s Hospital in the Paddington section of London. Known as Prince Harry, he was the second of the two children of Charles, The Prince of Wales and the former Lady Diana Spencer. At the time of his birth, Harry was third in line of succession behind his father and brother Prince William. Charles was the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of Greece. Upon his mother’s accession to the throne in 1952, Charles became her heir. He was created Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester on July 26, 1958. In 2022, upon the death of his mother, Prince Harry’s father became King Charles III.

Diana was the third of the four surviving children of Edward John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer and The Honourable Frances Ruth Roche, younger daughter of the 4th Baron Fermoy. The Spencer family is an old English noble family. Althorp in Northamptonshire, England has been the ancestral home of the Spencer family since the early 16th century. The Spencer family has served the British monarchy for centuries. Most recently, Diana’s grandmother, Lady Fermoy, was a close friend and a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Diana’s father served as equerry to both King George VI and to Queen Elizabeth II. Among the Spencer family ancestors are the famous soldier and statesman John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and his wife Sarah Jennings who was a close friend of Queen Anne, and King Charles II through four of his illegitimate children.

Harry’s older brother Prince William was born on June 21, 1982. Unfortunately, the marriage of The Prince and Princess of Wales was not a happy one. The couple separated in December 1992 and divorced in August 1996. Exactly a year later, Diana, Princess of Wales tragically died in a car accident in Paris. Accompanied by their father, their grandfather Prince Philip, and their uncle the 9th Earl Spencer, William and his brother Harry walked behind their mother’s coffin during her funeral procession. In 2005, Prince Charles married Camilla Parker-Bowles with whom he had a romantic relationship before and during his marriage. It is understood that William and Harry have a good relationship with their stepmother.

• Unofficial Royalty: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

The Family of Meghan Markle

Embed from Getty Images 
Meghan and her mother Doria Ragland attend the Invictus Games with Prince Harry

Rachel Meghan Markle, born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, is the daughter of Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland. Her father is a cinematographer and lighting director and worked on the primetime shows Married With Children and Facts of Life and the daytime shows General Hospital and Santa Barbara. He is the winner of two Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction for a Drama Series and was nominated six other times. Meghan’s mother has a master’s degree in social work and works as a clinical therapist and yoga instructor. Meghan told Elle magazine in 2016, “My dad is Caucasian and my mom is African American. I’m half black and half white.” Meghan has two much older half-siblings from her father’s first marriage: Samantha Markle Grant born in 1965 and Thomas Markle Jr. born in 1966.

Meghan grew up and was educated at private schools in Los Angeles, California. She attended elementary school at Hollywood Little Red Schoolhouse and then attended Immaculate Heart High School, an all-girls high school. Meghan graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago Illinois in 2003 with a double major in theater and international relations. In 2011, Meghan married her long-time boyfriend Trevor Engelson, a film and television producer. The couple divorced in 2013.

Growing up in Hollywood and with a lighting director as a father, Meghan was around the entertainment industry and knew she would end up in show business in some capacity. Her first acting job was a one-episode role on the daytime show General Hospital in 2002. Thereafter, she had small roles on television shows and in several films. To help support herself, Meghan took on freelance calligraphy jobs. Starting in 2011, Meghan appeared on Suits, an American legal drama television series, playing Rachel Zane, a senior paralegal with dreams of going to law school.

• Unofficial Royalty: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

The Engagement

Embed from Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s personal relationship started in June 2016. Apparently, they were introduced by a mutual friend. On November 8, 2016, Kensington Palace confirmed Meghan was “a few months” into a relationship with Prince Harry in a statement from the prince asking for the media harassment of Meghan and her family to end.

The engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was announced on November 27, 2017. They became engaged earlier in November 2017 in London. Meghan was the second American and the first person of mixed-race heritage to marry into the British royal family.

The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 states that the monarch must approve or disapprove marriages of the first six persons in the line of succession. Because Harry was fifth in the line of succession to the British throne at the time of his engagement, it was necessary that he obtain Queen Elizabeth II’s permission to marry. The Queen’s consent was declared to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom on March 14, 2018.

Instead of wedding presents, Harry and Meghan requested that people make a charitable donation and provided a list of seven organizations:

• CHIVA (Children’s HIV Association): supports more than 1,000 young people living with HIV in the UK and Ireland
• Crisis: works with homeless people to help rebuild their lives
• The Myna Mahila Foundation: helps empower Indian women through offering stable employment, breaking cultural taboos, and teaching women life skills
• Scotty’s Little Soldiers: supports children who have lost a parent while serving in the British Armed Forces
• StreetGames: uses sport to help young people and communities become healthier and safer
• Surfers Against Sewage: works to protect oceans, beaches, waves, and wildlife
• The Wilderness Foundation UK: teaches vulnerable teenagers from urban communities about the great outdoors and rural employment opportunities

The Engagement Ring

Embed from Getty Images

Meghan Markle’s engagement ring was designed by Prince Harry with the help of Cleave and Company, court jewelers to The Queen. The ring which is on a gold band features a cushion diamond from Botswana and two outside stones from the personal collection of Harry’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Partial Guest List

About 600 people were invited to the wedding service at St. George’s Chapel.  The guests arrived at the Round Tower of Windsor Castle by bus and then walked to the South Door of St. George’s Chapel.  At 11:20 AM, members of the royal family made their way from Windsor Castle either by foot or by car and entered St. George’s Chapel via the Galilee Porch.

British Royal Family

Embed from Getty Images

• Queen Elizabeth II: Harry’s grandmother
• Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Harry’s grandfather
• Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales: Harry’s father
• Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall: Harry’s stepmother
• Prince William, Duke of Cambridge: Harry’s brother and best man
• Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge: Harry’s sister-in-law
• Prince Andrew, Duke of York: Harry’s paternal uncle and godfather
• Princess Beatrice of York: Harry’s paternal first cousin
• Princess Eugenie of York: Harry’s paternal first cousin
• Jack Brooksbank: fiancé of Princess Eugenie of York
• Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex: Harry’s paternal uncle
• Sophie, Countess of Wessex: wife of the Earl of Wessex
• Lady Louise Windsor: Harry’s paternal first cousin
• James, Viscount Severn: Harry’s paternal first cousin
• Anne, Princess Royal: Harry’s paternal aunt
• Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence: husband of Anne, Princess Royal
• Peter Phillips: Harry’s paternal first cousin
• Autumn Phillips: Peter Phillips’s wife
• Zara Tindall: Harry’s paternal first cousin
• Mike Tindall: Zara Tindall’s husband
• David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon: the late Princess Margaret’s son, nephew of Queen Elizabeth II
• Serena Armstrong-Jones, Countess of Snowdon: Earl of Snowdon’s wife
• Charles Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley: Earl of Snowdon’s son
• Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones: Earl of Snowdon’s daughter
• Lady Sarah Chatto: the late Princess Margaret’s daughter, Harry’s godmother, niece of Queen Elizabeth II
• Daniel Chatto: Lady Sarah Chatto’s husband
• Arthur Chatto: Lady Sarah Chatto’s son
• Samuel Chatto: Lady Sarah Chatto’s son
• Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester: Queen Elizabeth II’s paternal first cousin
• Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester: Duke of Gloucester’s wife
• Prince Edward, Duke of Kent: Queen Elizabeth II’s paternal first cousin
• Katharine, Duchess of Kent: Duke of Kents’s wife
• Prince Michael of Kent: Queen Elizabeth II’s paternal first cousin
• Princess Michael of Kent (Marie-Christine): Prince Michael of Kent’s wife
• Princess Alexandra, The Honorable Lady Ogilvy: Queen Elizabeth II’s paternal first cousin

Meghan Markle’s Family

Embed from Getty Images

• Doria Ragland: Meghan’s mother

Spencer Family

Embed from Getty Images
Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer and his wife Karen Spencer, Countess Spencer

• Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer: Harry’s maternal uncle
• Karen Spencer, Countess Spencer: Earl Spencer’s third wife
• Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp: Harry’s maternal first cousin
• Lady Kitty Spencer: Harry’s maternal first cousin
• Lady Eliza Spencer: Harry’s maternal first cousin
• Lady Sarah McCorquodale: Harry’s maternal aunt
• Neil McCorquodale: Lady Sarah’s husband
• Emily Hutt, Harry’s first maternal cousin, and her husband James Hutt
• George McCorquodale, Harry’s first maternal cousin
• Celia McCorquodale, Harry’s first maternal cousin
• Lady Jane Fellowes, Baroness Fellowes: Harry’s maternal aunt
• Robert Fellowes, Baron Fellowes: Lady Jane’s husband
• Laura Pettman, Harry’s maternal first cousin
• Alexander Fellowes, Harry’s first maternal cousin
• Eleanor Fellowes, Harry’s first maternal cousin
• Victoria Aitken: Earl Spencer’s first wife, the mother of his four eldest children

Foreign Royalty 

Embed from Getty Images
Prince Seeiso arrives with an unidentified woman

Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and his wife were the only foreign royalty attending the wedding.

• Prince Seeiso of Lesotho: a friend of Harry and co-founder, with Harry, of the charity Sentebale
• Princess Mabereng of Lesotho: wife of Prince Seeiso

Guests Sitting in the Quire (besides family members)

Embed from Getty Images

• Alessandra Balazs: Harry’s friend, became friends with Meghan
• Carolyn Bartholomew: Harry’s godmother, friend of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her husband William Bartholomew
• George Clooney: American actor, and his wife human rights lawyer Amal Clooney
• Nicholas Walton Collins: Meghan’s former agent, and his wife Amelia Walton Collins
• Adrian Dandridge: community worker in Botswana
• Sophie Dandridge: community worker in Botswana
• Heather Dorak: celebrity Pilates instructor, Meghan’s friend, and her husband Matt Cohen
• Ed Lane Fox: Harry’s private secretary, and his wife Sonia Lane Fox
• Hugh Grosvenor, 7th Duke of Westminster
• Natalia Grosvenor, Duchess of Westminster: widow of the 6th Duke of Westminster
• Lady Viola Grosvenor: sister of the 7th Duke of Westminster
• Janina Gavankar: Meghan’s close friend and fellow actress
• Michael Hess: American oil tycoon
• Genevieve Hillis: Meghan’s long-time friend and former sorority sister
• Daisy Jenks: Harry’s friend
• Lindsay Jordan: author and Meghan’s friend also known as Lindsay Roth, and her husband Gavin Jordan
• Celine Khavarani: Meghan’s friend
• Brian Kocinski: Meghan’s friend
• Arthur Landon: Harry’s long-time friend
• Katalin Landon: Harry’s friend
• The Honorable Dame Shan Legge-Bourke: mother of William and Harry’s nanny Tiggy Pettifer
• Abraham Levy: friend of the couple
• Benita Litt: Meghan’s close friends, and her husband Darren Litt
• Sir John Major: Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997, and his wife Dame Norma Major, Lady Major
• Isabel May: Meghan’s close friend
• Lucy Meadmore: Meghan’s long-time friend
• Jessica Mulroney: one of Meghan’s best friends, her three children were in the wedding party, and her husband Benedict Mulroney
• Misha Nonoo: fashion designer, friend who set up Harry and Meghan’s blind date
• Charles Pettifer: Tiggy Pettifer’s husband
• Tiggy Pettifer: William and Harry’s nanny, formerly known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke
• Sarah, Duchess of York: Harry’s former aunt by marriage, mother of Harry’s cousins Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie
• Julia Samuel: close friend of Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince George’s godmother, and her husband, The Honorable Michael Samuel: chairman of the Anna Freud Centre’s trustees and Julia’s husband
• Jill Smoller: high profile sports agent
• Abigail Leigh Spencer: actress in Suits with Meghan
• Silver Tree: producer and director of Suits
• Emilie van Cutsem: widow of Prince Charles’ close friend Hugh van Cutsem
• Charlie van Straubenzee: Harry’s long-time friend
• Thomas van Straubenzee: known as Van, one of Harry’s best friends
• Samuel Vestey, 3rd Baron Vestey: Master of the Horse to the Royal Household
• Amanda Ward: widow of Harry’s godfather Gerald Ward
• Lady Carolyn Warren: racing manager
• John Warren: Lady Carolyn’s husband and The Queen’s current racing adviser
• Susanna Warren: daughter of Lady Carolyne Warren
• Jessie Webb: William and Harry’s nanny
• Serena Williams: tennis player, Meghan’s friend, and her husband Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit
• Oprah Winfrey: American talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist

Partial List of Other Guests (sitting in the nave)

Embed from Getty Images

• Patrick J. Adams: actor in Suits with Meghan, and his wife actress Troian Bellisario
• Natasha Archer, personal stylist of the Duchess of Cambridge
• David Beckham: soccer player, and his wife Victoria Beckham, fashion designer, model, and singer
• James Blunt: singer-songwriter, and his wife Sofia Wellesley, granddaughter of the late 8th Duke of Wellington
• Cressida Bonas: former girlfriend of Harry
• Tom Bradby: British broadcaster, Harry’s friend , and his wife Claudia Bradby
• Kevin Bray: director of Suits, and his wife Sophie de Rakoff
• Priyanka Chopra: actress and Meghan’s friend
• Amanda Cook Tucker, hairdresser of the Duchess of Cambridge
• James Corden: actor, writer, producer, comedian, television host, and his wife Julia Carey
• Baron Dannatt: retired general of the British army, and his wife Lady Dannatt
• Chelsy Davy: former girlfriend of Harry
• Rebecca Deacon: the Duchess of Cambridge’s former private secretary, and her husband Adam Priestley
• Mark Dyer: former equerry to The Prince of Wales, and his wife Amanda Dyer
• Idris Elba: actor, and his fiancée Sabrina Dhowre
• Nacho Figueras: Argentine polo player, and his wife Delfina Blaquier
• Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick: Channel 4 show Supervet, treated Meghan’s dog
• Rick Genow: Meghan’s attorney
• Will Greenwood: former rugby player, and his wife Caroline Greenwood
• Lady Edwina Grosvenor: daughter of the late 6th Duke of Westminster, and her husband television presenter Dan Snow
• Paddy Harverson: former communications secretary to the Prince of Wales, and his wife Mel Harverson
• Bonnie Hammer: Chairman of NBCUniversal Cable and a mentor to Meghan
• Tom Hardy: actor and producer, and his wife actress Charlotte Riley
• James Haskell: rugby player, and his fiancée television presenter Chloe Madeley
• Miguel Head: Prince William’s private secretary
• David Henson: parasport athlete, Harry’s friend, and his wife Hayley Henson
• Princess Xenia zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg: niece of the Duke of Edinburgh  (non-reigning royalty)
• Rick Hoffman: actor in Suits with Meghan
• Olivia Hunt: Harry’s friend
• Tom Inskip: Harry’s friend, and his wife Laura Inskip
• Sir Elton John: English singer, pianist, and composer, and his husband David Furnish
• Nick Jones: Soho House founder
• Jason Knauf: communications secretary of Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge
• Aaron Korsh: creator and writer of Suits
•  Amber Le Bon: model, Harry’s friend
• Karl Lokko: youth community activist, Harry’s friend, and his wife Cassandra Lokko
• Laura Lopes: Harry’s stepsister
• Alex Lubomirski: official engagement and wedding photographer, and his wife Giada Lubomirski
• Gabriel Macht: actor in Suits with Meghan, and his wife actress Jacinda Barrett
• Tereza Maxová: model
• Katrina McKeever: royal press officer
• Andrew Meyer: Meghan’s business manager
• Michael and Carole Middleton: parents of the Duchess of Cambridge
• Pippa Middleton: sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, and her husband James Matthews
• James Middleton: brother of the Duchess of Cambridge
• Ellen Miller-Alexander: husband serves the royal family and drove the car that took Meghan and her mother  to the wedding ceremony
• Sir Keith Mills: Chairman of the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, and his wife Maureen, Lady Mills
• Keleigh Thomas Morgan: Meghan’s former agent
• Carey Mulligan: actress and singer, and her husband Marcus Mumford, lead singer of the band Mumford & Sons
• Prince Franz Albrecht zu Oettingen-Spielberg: Harry’s friend, and his wife actress (Princess) Cleopatra von Adelsheim (non-reigning royalty)
• Patricia Palmer Tompkinson: friend of the royal family
• Tom Parker-Bowles: Harry’s step-brother, and his wife Sara Parker-Bowles
• Gabriela Peacock: nutritionist
• Guy Pelly: nightclub owner, Harry’s friend, and his wife Elizabeth Pelly
• Sarah Rafferty: actress in Suits with Meghan, and her husband Aleksanteri Olli-Pekka Seppälä
• Amanda Schull: actress in Suits with Meghan
• Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia: royal solicitor
• Sir Nicholas Soames: former equerry and friend of Prince Charles, and his wife Karen, Lady Soames
• Joss Stone: singer, songwriter, and actress
• Gina Torres: actress in Suits with Meghan
• Alexander van Straubenzee: Harry’s close friend
• Claire van Straubenzee: Harry’s close friend
• William van Straubenzee: Harry’s close friend
• Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo: nanny of Prince George and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
• The Honorable William Vestey: son and heir of Samuel Vestey, 3rd Baron Vestey, and his wife contributing editor for British Vogue Violet Vestey
• Jake Warren: Harry’s close friend, and his wife Zoe Warren
• Violet von Westenholz: Ralph Lauren publicist, Harry and Meghan’s friend

The Wedding Attendants

Meghan decided not have a maid of honor because she had a very close group of friends and did not want to choose one over the others and so, in accordance with royal tradition, her bridesmaids were children.

Best Man:

• Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, brother of the groom

Bridesmaids:

• Princess Charlotte of Cambridge: age 3, niece of Prince Harry, daughter of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
• Florence van Cutsem: age 3, goddaughter of Prince Harry, daughter of Mrs. Alice van Cutsem and Major Nicholas van Cutsem, a close friend of Prince Harry
• Remi Litt: age, 6, goddaughter of Meghan Markle, daughter of Mrs. Benita Litt, a close friend of Meghan Markle, and Mr. Darren Litt
• Rylan Litt: age, 7, goddaughter of Meghan Markle, daughter of Mrs. Benita Litt, a close friend of Meghan Markle, and Mr. Darren Litt)
• Ivy Mulroney: age 4, daughter of Mrs. Jessica Mulroney, fashion stylist and a close friend of Meghan Markle, and Mr. Benedict Mulroney, a Canadian television host and son of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
• Zalie Warren: age 2, goddaughter of Prince Harry, daughter of Mrs. Zoe Warren and Mr. Jake Warren, a close friend of Prince Harry

Page Boys:

• Prince George of Cambridge: age 4, nephew of Prince Harry, son of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
• Jasper Dyer: age 6, godson of Prince Harry, son of Mrs. Amanda Dyer and Mr. Mark Dyer, a former equerry to The Prince of Wales who has been an influence on Prince Harry since his childhood
• Brian Mulroney: age, 7, twin of John below, son of Mrs. Jessica Mulroney, fashion stylist and a close friend of Meghan Markle, and Mr. Benedict Mulroney, a Canadian television host and son of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
• John Mulroney: age, 7, twin of Brian above, son of Mrs. Jessica Mulroney, fashion stylist and a close friend of Meghan Markle, and Mr. Benedict Mulroney, a Canadian television host and son of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney

The Wedding Attire

Embed from Getty Images

Meghan Markle’s wedding dress was designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller, the first female artistic director of the French fashion house Givenchy.  Made of a double-bonded silk cady, the dress had three-quarter sleeves and an open bateau neckline. The lines of the dress extended towards the back where the train flowed in soft round folds.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

The veil was five meters long and was made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza.  The veil was embroidered with 53 flowers representing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Embed from Getty Images

The bride’s veil was held in place by Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara, lent by Queen Elizabeth II. The bandeau, made in 1932, consists of diamonds and platinum and has a detachable brooch of ten brilliant diamonds set in the center. The diamond bandeau was made for Queen Mary and specifically designed to feature the center brooch which was given as a present to the then Princess Mary of Teck in 1893 by the County of Lincoln upon her marriage to Prince George, Duke of York (the future King George V).  Upon Queen Mary’s death in 1953, the bandeau and the brooch were bequeathed to Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Mary’s granddaughter.

Embed from Getty Images

The bride’s bouquet, designed by florist Philippa Craddock, was a petite design, made with delicate flowers including scented sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine and astrantia, and sprigs of myrtle, bound with a naturally dyed, raw silk ribbon. The day before the wedding, Prince Harry handpicked several flowers from the couple’s private garden at Kensington Palace to add to the bouquet. Also included were forget-me-nots which were the favorite flower of Diana, Princess of Wales. The couple specifically chose them to be included in the bouquet to honor the memory of the late Princess.

The myrtle in the bridal bouquet is a royal family tradition.  Queen Victoria was given a nosegay containing myrtle during a visit to Gotha in Germany. A sprig from that nosegay was planted against the terrace walls of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, where it still continues to grow. In 1858, myrtle was first used in the bridal bouquet of Victoria, Princess Royal, Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter.

Embed from Getty Images
The Duchess of Sussex’s bridal bouquet resting on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior

The new Duchess of Sussex sent her bridal bouquet to Westminster Abbey to rest on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. The Grave of the Unknown Warrior is a tribute to the fallen soldiers of the First World War and to all those who have since died in international military conflict.  The tradition of royal brides’ bouquets being placed on the grave was started by the future Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother at her wedding in 1923, in memory of her brother Fergus Bowes-Lyon who was killed at the Battle of Loos in 1915 during the First World War.

Embed from Getty Images

Both Prince Harry and The Duke of Cambridge, the best man, wore the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals, which is an old Regiment of both The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.  Harry served for ten years in the Blues and Royals, including in combat in Afghanistan. Her Majesty The Queen gave her permission for Prince Harry to get married in his uniform. Both uniforms were tailored at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row in London.

Embed from Getty Images
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge in her bridesmaid’s dress

Clare Waight Keller also designed the six bridesmaids’ dresses. Made from ivory silk Radzimir, the dresses were high-waisted with a pleated skirt, had short puffed sleeves, and a double silk ribbon tied at the back in a bow. Each bridesmaid wore white leather Aquazurra shoes,  monogrammed with her initials and the wedding date. The shoes were a gift from the bride as a keepsake of the special day. Florist Philippa Craddock designed the bridesmaids’ flower crowns

Embed from Getty Images
Prince George of Cambridge in his page boy’s uniform

The four page boys wore a miniature version of the Blues and Royals frockcoats that Prince Harry and The Duke of Cambridge wore. As a special memento, each page boy has his initials embroidered in gold on the shoulder straps.   The uniforms were cut and made by the tailors Dege & Skinner in Savile Row in London.

Embed from Getty Images

Cleave and Company was chosen to make the wedding rings. Meghan’s ring was made from a piece of Welsh gold, given by Her Majesty The Queen.  Prince Harry’s ring was a platinum band with a textured finish.  The rings were carried to St. George’s Chapel on the day of the wedding by The Duke of Cambridge, in his capacity as best man.

The Ceremony

Embed from Getty Images

Prince Harry and his brother and best man Prince William arrived at St. George’s Chapel by foot and entered via the West Steps. The two princes were able to acknowledge the people gathered in the Castle precincts, including the 200 charity representatives gathered in the Horseshoe Cloister at the bottom of the West Steps.

In past royal weddings, it was the father who rode to the wedding with his daughter and walked her down the aisle.  Meghan wanted to involve both her parents, who divorced when she was six years old.  Meghan spent the night before the wedding at the Cliveden House Hotel with her mother Doria Ragland. Meghan and her mother rode in a car to Windsor Castle by way of the Long Walk, so that the public gathered there could see the bride as the car passed by. There was a brief stop at Windsor Castle where Ms. Ragland headed to the St. George’s Chapel and the bride was then joined by the bridesmaids and page boys before she continued her journey to the chapel.

Embed from Getty Images

At 12:00 noon, Meghan entered the chapel by the West Steps along with the bridesmaids and page boys and walked unescorted down the aisle in the nave.  Originally, Megan’s father Thomas Markle was to meet his daughter at the start of the quire and walk her the rest of the way down the aisle. However, Mr. Markle was unable to attend the wedding due to ill health.  Two days before the wedding, Meghan released a statement: “Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding. I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health.” The day before the wedding, Kensington Palace released this statement: “Ms. Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St. George’s Chapel on her Wedding Day. The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to The Royal Family in this way.”

The Dean of Windsor, The Right Reverend David Conner conducted the service. The Most Reverend and Right Honorable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, officiated as the couple took their marriage vows. Harry and Markle asked The Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry, the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, the United States-based member church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, to give the address at their wedding. Presiding Bishop Curry traveled from Chicago, Illinois to Windsor to take part in the wedding service and gave a rousing address in the style of African-American ministers about the importance of love.

It was important to Prince Harry that his mother’s family be involved in his wedding. All three siblings of Diana, Princess of Wales attended the wedding and Diana’s sister Lady Jane Fellowes gave the reading.

Embed from Getty Images

London-based florist Philippa Craddock created the floral displays for St. George’s Chapel using flowers and plants that were in season and blooming naturally in May including branches of beech, birch, and hornbeam, as well as white garden roses, peonies, and foxgloves. After the wedding, Harry and Meghan arranged for the flowers to be distributed to charitable organizations.

• The Order of Service for the Wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle

Music

The music was under the direction of James Vivian, Director of Music, St. George’s Chapel and was performed by:

• Orchestra conducted by Christopher Warren-Green and was made up of musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia.
• The Choir of St George’s Chapel
• Luke Bond, Organist and Assistant Director of Music, St George’s Chapel
• State Trumpeters from the Band of the Household Cavalry
• Elin Manahan Thomas, Welsh soprano
• David Blackadder, principal trumpet with both the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Academy of Ancient Music
• Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir, a gospel choir
• Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a 19-year-old cellist

Music Performed During the Wedding Service

• Bride’s Entrance: Eternal Source of Light Divine by George Frederick Handel (1685–1759), performed by the Orchestra and Elin Manahan Thomas (Soprano) with David Blackadder (Trumpet)
• Hymn: Lord of All Hopefulness, words by Jan Struther (1901–53), music Slane, traditional Irish melody
• Motet: If Ye Love Me by Thomas Tallis (1505–85), performed by the Choir of St George’s Chapel
• Stand by Me, words by Jerry Leiber (1933–2011), music by Ben E. King (1938–2015) and Mike Stroller (b. 1933), arranged by Mark Delisser (b. 1973) performed by Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir
• The Anthem: The Lord Bless You and Keep You by John Rutter (b. 1945) performed by the Choir of St George’s Chapel
• Hymn: Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, words by William Williams (1717–91), music Cwm Rhondda’, John Hughes (1873–1932), Descant verse: James Vivian (b. 1974)
• During the Signing of the Register: performed by Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cellist) and the Orchestra:
  • Sicilienne by Maria Theresia von Paradis (1759–1824), arranged by Chris Hazell (b.1948)
  • Après un rêve by Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924), arranged by Chris Hazell
  • Ave Maria by Franz Schubert (1797–1828), arranged by Chris Haze
• National Anthem: God Save The Queen
• Procession of the Bride and Groom:
  • Symphony no. 1 in B-flat – Allegro by William Boyce (1711–1779)
  • Amen by Jester Hairston (1901–2000)
  • This Little Light of Mine by Harry Dixon Loes (1892–1965)

Involving the Public

Embed from Getty Images

Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle wanted their wedding day to be arranged to allow members of the public to feel part of the celebrations too.  They invited 2,640 people into the grounds of Windsor Castle to watch the arrivals of the wedding party and the wedding guests at the chapel and to watch the carriage procession as it departs from the castle. This group was made up of:

• 1,200 members of the public from every corner of the United Kingdom will be nominated to attend by nine regional Lord Lieutenant offices.
• 200 people from a range of charities and organizations with which Prince Harry and Meghan have a close association, including those with which Prince Harry serves as Patron.
• 100 pupils from two local schools: The Royal School, Great Park, Windsor and St George’s School, Windsor Castle
• 610 Windsor Castle community members, including residents of Windsor Castle and members of the St George’s Chapel community.
• 530 Members of The Royal Households and Crown Estate.

In addition, following the wedding service, the newly married couple undertook a carriage procession along a route from St. George’s Chapel, leaving Windsor Castle via Castle Hill and processing along the High Street and through Windsor Town, returning to Windsor Castle along the Long Walk. Harry and Meghan hoped that the carriage procession provided an opportunity for more people to come together around Windsor and to enjoy the atmosphere of this special day. The newlyweds rode in the Ascot Landau carriage pulled by Windsor Grey horses and were accompanied by an escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

The Lunchtime Wedding Reception

Embed from Getty Images
St. George’s Hall set up for a banquet

Following the service, there was a reception at St. George’s Hall in Windsor Castle. All 600 guests who attended the wedding service were also invited to the lunchtime reception which was given by Her Majesty The Queen. Harry and Meghan joined the reception on return from the carriage procession.

The menu included:

A selection of canapés:

• Scottish Langoustines wrapped in Smoked Salmon with Citrus Crème Fraiche
• Grilled English Asparagus wrapped in Cumbrian Ham
• Garden Pea Panna Cotta with Quail Eggs and Lemon Verbena
• Heritage Tomato and Basil Tartare with Balsamic Pearls
• Poached Free Range Chicken bound in a Lightly Spiced Yoghurt with Roasted Apricot
• Croquette of Confit Windsor Lamb, Roasted Vegetables, and Shallot Jam
• Warm Asparagus Spears with Mozzarella and Sun-Blush Tomatoes

A selection of bowl food:

• Fricassee of Free Range Chicken with Morel Mushrooms and Young Leeks
• Pea and Mint Risotto with Pea Shoots, Truffle Oil, and Parmesan Crisps
• Ten Hour Slow Roasted Windsor Pork Belly with Apple Compote and Crackling

A selection of sweet canapés:

• Champagne and Pistachio Macaroons
• Orange Crème Brûlée Tartlets
• Miniature Rhubarb Crumble Tartlets

A selection of drinks:

• Pol Roger Brut Réserve Non-Vintage Champagne
• A selection of wines
• A range of soft drinks including an apple and elderflower mocktail, made with the same elderflower syrup as used in the wedding cake, and Sandringham Cox’s apple juice

Embed from Getty Images

The wedding cake designed by native Californian Claire Ptak who owns the small, trendy Violet Bakery in east London, featured elderflower syrup made at The Queen’s residence in Sandringham from the estate’s own elderflower trees.  A light sponge cake was specially made for the couple with an Amalfi lemon curd and elderflower buttercream filling. The cake was decorated with Swiss meringue buttercream and 150 fresh flowers, mainly British and in season, including peonies and roses.

The reception included the cutting of the wedding cake and speeches from The Prince of Wales and Prince Harry. The Duke of Cambridge, who is the Best Man, acted as master of ceremonies for the reception. The Prince of Wales described how emotional he felt watching his youngest son, whom he still remembered so clearly as a baby, marrying the love of his life. Prince Harry gave a heartfelt speech in which he made it clear he was the happiest man in the world. He described how beautiful his new wife looked and made the guests laugh when he promised that the Americans would not steal the swords in the castle.

Sir Elton John was asked to perform at the lunchtime reception in recognition of the close connection he has with Prince Harry and his family. Sir Elton performed Tiny Dancer, which he dedicated to the bride, Your Song, and The Circle of Life.

The Evening Wedding Reception

Embed from Getty Images

Later that evening, around 200 guests attended the private evening reception given by The Prince of Wales at Frogmore House.  The newlywed couple traveled the short distance from Windsor Castle to Frogmore House in a silver-blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero. The bride wore an evening dress made of lily-white silk crepe with a high neck, designed by Stella McCartney.

Talk show host James Corden served as master of ceremonies for the evening reception, which included a sit-down dinner and dancing to music spun by DJ Sam Totolee. The evening guests dined on a more casual menu of dirty burgers, cotton candy, and playful cocktails, including one called “When Harry Met Meghan.” Some drinks featured rum and ginger in a nod to the groom’s ginger (red) hair.

The best man, Prince William, gave a speech, as did the groom and the bride, making Meghan the first royal bride to give a speech. The entertainment, which included an incredible firework display in the gardens of Frogmore House, went on until around 3:00 AM.

The Honeymoon

Embed from Getty Images
The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex at their first royal engagement as a married couple, with The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall

Meghan and Harry did not leave for their honeymoon immediately after the wedding. Their honeymoon destination was kept private but it was speculated by the press that the destination was somewhere in East Africa.  The couple stayed at Windsor Castle on Saturday, May 19, 2018, after an evening reception with 200 of their friends and family.  The next day, the newly married Duke and Duchess of Sussex left Windsor Castle. On Tuesday, May 22, 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended their first royal engagement as a married couple, a Buckingham Palace garden party, part of the Prince of Wales’ 70th birthday celebrations.  The garden party, held six months ahead of Prince Charles’ actual 70th birthday in November, celebrated his charity work, patronages, and military affiliations. More than 6,000 people from charities Prince Charles supports attended and Prince Harry gave a speech in honor of his father.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

• Barry, Ellen. “A Royal Union For The 21St Century, With An Air Of Black Culture”. The New York Times, 2018, Accessed 22 May 2018.
• Barry, E. (2018). Meghan Markle’s Mother Gets Formal Role in Royal Wedding. [online] Nytimes.com. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/04/world/europe/meghan-markle-doria-ragland-royal-wedding.html [Accessed 4 May 2018].
• “Bridegroom And Best Man Uniform”. The Royal Family, 2018, https://www.royal.uk/bridegroom-and-best-man-uniform. Accessed 22 May 2018.
• Friedman, Vanessa. “A Dress Made For A Person, Not A Fairy Tale”. The New York Times, 2018, Accessed 22 May 2018.
• “Lunchtime Reception”. The Royal Family, 2018, https://www.royal.uk/lunchtime-reception-0. Accessed 22 May 2018.
• Lyall, Sarah. “Before Assembly Of Aristocrats, A Black Preacher Speaks Of Love”. The New York Times, 2018, Accessed 22 May 2018.
• Max Foster and Lauren Said-Moorhouse, C. (2018). Royal wedding: Role of Meghan Markle’s parents revealed. [online] CNN. Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/04/europe/royal-wedding-prince-harry-meghan-markle-intl/index.html [Accessed 4 May 2018].
• “Meghan, The Duchess Of Sussex”. Unofficial Royalty, 2018, https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/meghan-markle/. Accessed 22 May 2018.
• “Prince Harry Of Wales”. Unofficial Royalty, 2018, https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/prince-harry-of-wales/. Accessed 22 May 2018.
• “Prince Harry And Ms. Meghan Markle’s Wedding Rings”. The Royal Family, 2018, https://www.royal.uk/prince-harry-and-ms-meghan-markles-wedding-rings. Accessed 22 May 2018.
• “Royal Wedding Evening Reception”. The Royal Family, 2018, https://www.royal.uk/royal-wedding-evening-reception. Accessed 22 May 2018.
• “Sir Elton John Performs At Royal Wedding Lunchtime Reception”. The Royal Family, 2018, https://www.royal.uk/sir-elton-john-performs-royal-wedding-lunchtime-reception. Accessed 22 May 2018.
• “The Order Of Service For Prince Harry And Ms. Meghan Markle’s Wedding”. The Royal Family, 2018, https://www.royal.uk/order-service-prince-harry-and-ms-meghan-markles-wedding. Accessed 22 May 2018.
• The Royal Family. (2018). Claire Ptak to make the Royal wedding cake. [online] Available at: https://www.royal.uk/claire-ptak-make-royal-wedding-cake-0 [Accessed 4 May 2018].
• The Royal Family. (2018). Details of the Flowers at the Wedding of HRH Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle announced. [online] Available at: https://www.royal.uk/details-flowers-wedding-hrh-prince-henry-wales-and-ms-meghan-markle-announced [Accessed 4 May 2018].
• The Royal Family. (2018). An update from the Communications Secretary to Prince Harry on the Wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Markle. [online] Available at: https://www.royal.uk/update-communications-secretary-prince-harry-wedding-prince-harry-and-ms-markle [Accessed 4 May 2018].
• The Royal Family. (2018). The Carriage for the Wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle. [online] Available at: https://www.royal.uk/carriage-wedding-prince-harry-and-ms-meghan-markle [Accessed 4 May 2018].
• “The Royal Wedding Guest List In Full”. Evening Standard, 2018, https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/royal-wedding-guest-list-in-full-all-the-celebrities-friends-and-family-members-who-were-invited-to-a3843506.html. Accessed 22 May 2018.
• “Royal Wedding Guide To Who Sat Where At Harry And Meghan’s Marriage”. Mail Online, 2018, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5748561/Royal-wedding-whos-sitting-best-seats-Harry-Meghans-marriage.html. Accessed 22 May 2018.
• “The Wedding Dress, Bridesmaids’ Dresses And Page Boys’ Uniforms”. The Royal Family, 2018, https://www.royal.uk/wedding-dress-bridesmaids%E2%80%99-dresses-and-page-boys-uniforms. Accessed 22 May 2018.
• “These Were The Wedding Guests Of The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex”. Nettyroyal, 2018, https://www.nettyroyalblog.nl/engagements-weddings/wedding-guests-sussex/. Accessed 24 May 2018.

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

Bringing Royal Weddings into Our Homes

Embed from Getty Images 

• Unofficial Royalty: House of Windsor Index

In 1947, when the future Queen Elizabeth II married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten (born Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark), an estimated 200 million people listened to the Westminster Abbey ceremony on the radio. Thirteen years later, 300 million television viewers around the world witnessed the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II’s sister Princess Margaret as she married Antony Armstrong-Jones in Westminster Abbey. It was the first televised British royal wedding.

Since Princess Margaret’s wedding, a total of eight British royal weddings have been televised:

• Princess Anne and Mark Phillips at Westminster Abbey on November 14, 1973
• Prince Charles (King Charles III) and Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral on July 29, 1981
• Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson at Westminster Abbey on July 23, 1986
• Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on June 19, 1990
• Prince Charles (King Charles III) and Camilla Parker Bowles at Windsor Guildhall followed by a Service of Prayer and Dedication at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 9, 2005
• Prince William (The Prince of Wales) and Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011
• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018
• Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on October 12, 2018

Today, viewers can watch royal weddings not only on television but also by live-streaming on their computers and other devices. In 2011, when Prince William married Catherine Middleton, around 23 million Americans and 27 million British watched on their televisions and an additional 72 million people live-streamed the wedding. I have even live-streamed the weddings of the three children of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. Of course, the ceremonies were in Swedish but nevertheless, I enjoyed watching.

In keeping with the times, the British Royal Family is active with social media.

• Official Website: The Royal Family
• Facebook: The Royal Family
• Twitter: The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily)
• YouTube: The Royal Family

********************

Overview of the Later Windsor Weddings

Because here at Unofficial Royalty, we have wedding articles with extensive information on all the later Windsor weddings, only several trivia items about each wedding will be noted. If available, a YouTube video of the wedding (or part of the wedding will be added). Please check the Unofficial wedding articles for detailed information about each wedding. At the end of the overviews is a list of weddings of other grandchildren of King George V, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom (then Princess Elizabeth) married (November 20, 1947) Lt Philip Mountbatten (Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark) at Westminster Abbey in London, England

Embed from Getty Images

Princess Elizabeth’s wedding was the first major royal event after World War II. The princess had to use the still required ration coupons to buy the material for her wedding gown. The princess’ mother Queen Elizabeth loaned her the Queen Mary Fringe Tiara.  Originally made in 1919 for Queen Mary, it was given to Queen Elizabeth in 1936. While Princess Elizabeth was dressing, the tiara suddenly broke. Luckily, the court jeweler, who was standing by in case of emergency, was rushed to his work room by a police escort.

Embed from Getty Images
Prince William of Gloucester and Prince Michael of Kent staying warm as they wait to leave Westminster Abbey after the wedding

Two of Princess Elizabeth’s first cousins served as pages. Five-year-old Prince Michael, son of the late Duke of Kent, and six-year-old Prince William, the elder son of the Duke of Gloucester, wore Royal Stuart tartan kilts. It was their duty to carry their cousin Elizabeth’s train. As Princess Elizabeth walked down the aisle, she felt a tug on her gown. Six-year-old page Prince William of Gloucester was so nervous that he stepped on her train, but luckily had not torn it. The other page, five-year-old Prince Michael of Kent clutched the train so tightly that he committed the sin of walking right over the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in the Abbey aisle. As Elizabeth and Philip moved to the high altar, King George VI bent down and helped Prince Michael with the train which had become too heavy for him. During the recessional, Prince Michael once again delayed the bride’s progress and Philip glanced back at him several times to make sure poor little Michael kept in step.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and Lt. Philip Mountbatten
• YouTube: HM the Queen’s Wedding Day

********************

Princess Margaret of the United Kingdom married (May 6, 1960) Antony Armstrong-Jones (later 1st Earl of Snowdon) at Westminster Abbey in London, England, divorced 1978

Embed from Getty Images

The public was enthusiastic about Princess Margaret’s wedding, especially after she was not allowed to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend in 1955 because he was divorced. Prime Minister Winston Churchill had advised Queen Elizabeth II that Parliament would not approve a marriage to Group Captain Townsend unless Margaret were to relinquish her rights to the throne and her royal position. Margaret then issued a statement in which she announced that she would not be marrying Group Captain Townsend. She chose to put her royal role and duties ahead of her personal happiness.

Despite the public’s enthusiasm, some members of European royal families disapproved of a king’s daughter marrying a photographer and declined their wedding invitations. Among the royalty who did attend were Princess Margaret’s godmother Queen Ingrid of Denmark, King Gustaf VI Adolf and Queen Louise of Sweden (maternal aunt of the Duke of Edinburgh), Prince Karl of Hesse, Prince Ludwig of Baden and Prince Maximillian of Baden (all nephews of the Duke of Edinburgh).

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Princess Margaret of the United Kingdom and Antony Armstrong-Jones
• YouTube: Royal Wedding – Princess Margaret – 1960

********************

Princess Anne (later Princess Royal) married (November 14, 1973) Mark Phillips at Westminster Abbey in London, England, divorced 1992

It was through their mutual love of horses that Mark Phillips met Princess Anne. The couple first met at the equestrian events during the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City where Mark was a reserve member of the British equestrian team. At the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Mark won an Olympic Gold Medal in the Team Three-Day Event. He also won a Silver Medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Princess Anne competed as a member of the British Equestrian Team in the 1976 Olympics. Their love of horses was inherited by their daughter Zara who won a Silver Medal in the Three-Day Event with the British equestrian team in 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Anne chose to have only two attendants because of her personal experience as a bridesmaid trying to keep younger attendants in line. Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, the bride’s nine-year-old first cousin and the daughter of Princess Margaret, was her bridesmaid and Prince Edward, her nine-year-old brother was her page boy.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips
• YouTube: The Royal Wedding – Princess Anne – In Colour – 1973 (note that the announcer mistakenly identifies the page as Prince Andrew)

********************

Charles, Prince of Wales (later King Charles III) married (July 29, 1981) Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England, divorced 1996

Charles and Diana selected St Paul’s Cathedral in London over Westminster Abbey, the traditional site of Windsor royal weddings, because St. Paul’s offered more seating and permitted a longer procession through London. There were 3,500 guests at St. Paul’s and two million people lined the procession route. There had only been one other royal wedding at St. Paul’s Cathedral. In 1501, Arthur, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of King Henry VII, married Catherine of Aragon, the daughter of Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, at the Old St. Paul’s Cathedral which was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666. The present St. Paul’s Cathedral was built to replace the burned cathedral.

Diana wore the Spencer family tiara. According to her brother, Charles Spencer, now the 9th Earl Spencer, the tiara gave Diana a headache because she was not used to wearing it. The twenty-five-foot train of Diana’s gown posed problems. The gown’s designers realized too late that they had forgotten to allow for the train’s length in relation to the size of the glass coach Diana and her father rode in to the ceremony. The train did not fit easily into the glass coach and as a result, it was badly crushed. This accounted for the visible wrinkles in the wedding gown when Diana arrived at the cathedral.

Diana accidentally changed the order of Charles’s names during her vows, saying “Philip Charles Arthur George” instead of the correct “Charles Philip Arthur George”. Charles also made an error. He said he would offer her “thy goods” instead of “my worldly goods”. Diana did not promise to “obey” Charles as part of the traditional vows. That word was eliminated at the couple’s request, which caused a sensation at the time.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer
• YouTube: The Royal Wedding – Prince Charles and Lady Diana

********************

Prince Andrew, Duke of York married (July 23, 1986) Sarah Ferguson at Westminster Abbey in London, England, divorced 1996

Embed from Getty Images

Sarah Ferguson boasts a royal descent although it is from the wrong side of the sheets. Like the Duchess of Cornwall, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and the late Princess Alice of Gloucester, Sarah is descended from King Charles II via his illegitimate children. Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond, son of Charles II and his mistress Louise de Kérouaille, Duchess of Portsmouth and James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, son of Charles II and his mistress Lucy Walter are Sarah’s ancestors.

Embed from Getty Images

Four-year-old Prince William was one of the page boys. William looked adorable in the sailor’s uniform of the Royal Navy from 1782, complete with sailor hat, but his ability to pay attention was non-existent. He made several silly faces, got squirmy and even yawned in boredom at one point. As Andrew and Sarah were leaving for their honeymoon in a horse-drawn carriage, William started running after them. His grandmother, The Queen, had to run and catch him.

Embed from Getty Images

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson
• YouTube: Prince Andrew marries Sarah Ferguson

********************

Anne, Princess Royal married (December 12, 1992) Timothy Laurence at Crathie Kirk in Ballater, Scotland

Anne and Timothy were married at a small, private ceremony on December 12, 1992, at the tiny Crathie Church in Crathie, Scotland where the British Royal Family worships when they are staying at Balmoral Castle. The couple chose to marry in Scotland as the Church of England did not at that time allow divorced persons whose former spouses were still living to remarry in its churches. The Church of Scotland does not consider marriage to be a sacrament and has no objection to the remarriage of divorced persons. Princess Anne arrived at Crathie Church accompanied by her father Prince Philip and her 11-year-old daughter Zara who acted as her bridesmaid.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence
• YouTube: Princess Anne’s second wedding 1992

********************

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (later Duke of Edinburgh) married (June 19, 1999) Sophie Rhys-Jones at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England

Embed from Getty Images

Sophie and Edward opted for a low-key (for royalty) wedding at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. They did not want the wedding to be turned into a state occasion so there was no ceremonial, state or military involvement. Prime Minister Tony Blair and other politicians were not invited. The couple requested that guests wear formal evening gowns, and not to wear hats to reflect their wish for a more informal royal wedding. Nevertheless, Edward’s grandmother, The Queen Mother, who was rarely seen in public without a hat, wore one. Edward’s two brothers, The Prince of Wales and The Duke of York, both served as his supporters.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones
• YouTube: The Royal Wedding of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones 1999

********************

Charles, Prince of Wales (later King Charles III) married (April 9, 2005) Camilla Shand Parker-Bowles, civil service at the Guild Hall in Windsor, England followed by a Service of Prayer and Dedication at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England

Embed from Getty Images

The Privy Council met on March 2, 2005 to give their approval to the Queen’s consent to the marriage, in accordance with the provisions of the Royal Marriages Act 1772. The government indicated that the marriage was not morganatic.

A civil ceremony was chosen to avoid potential controversy caused by the future Supreme Governor of the Church of England (Charles) marrying a divorcée (Camilla) in a religious ceremony. However, the marriage of a divorced person whose spouse is still living has been possible in the Church of England, with the approval of the minister conducting the ceremony, since 2002.

Originally, it was announced that a civil marriage would take place on April 8, 2005, followed by a Service of Prayer and Dedication at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. This was later postponed until April 9, 2005, allowing The Prince of Wales to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II in Rome.

Upon marriage, Camilla took on all of Prince Charles’ titles, including Princess of Wales. However, out of respect for the late Diana, Princess of Wales, it was decided that she would be styled HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles
• YouTube: Royal Wedding 2005 Part 1
• YouTube: Royal Wedding 2005 Part 2

********************

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (later The Prince of Wales) married (April 29, 2011) Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London, England

As Prince William was not the heir apparent to the throne, the wedding was not a full state occasion and many details were left to the couple to decide, such as much of the guest list of about 1,900. Guests included the bride’s and groom’s families, members of foreign royal dynasties, diplomats, and the couple’s personal guests. The cost of the wedding itself was paid for by the Royal Family and the Middletons, however, the costs of security and transport were covered by Her Majesty’s Treasury.

In a break with royal tradition, the groom had a best man, his brother Prince Harry, rather than a supporter, while the bride chose her sister Pippa Middleton as maid of honor. In addition to the usual lunchtime wedding reception at Buckingham Palace, there was also an evening reception for three hundred of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s closest friends and family hosted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.

Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton
YouTube: The Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton

********************

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex married Meghan Markle (May 19, 2018) at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England

Embed from Getty Images

Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
YouTube: Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

********************

Windsor Weddings of Other Grandchildren of King George V, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II

Grandchildren of King George V

• George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood (1) married (September 29, 1949) Marion Stein at St. Mark’s Church in the West End of London, divorced 1967 (2) married (July 31, 1967) Patricia Tuckwell at Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut
• The Honorable Gerald Lascelles (1) married (July 15, 1952) Angela Dowding at the Church of St. Margaret’s, Westminster, divorced 1978 (2) married (November 17, 1978) Elizabeth Colvin in Vienna, Austria
• Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester married (July 8, 1972) Birgitte van Deurs at St Andrew’s Church in Barnwell, Northamptonshire, England
• Prince Edward, Duke of Kent married (June 8, 1961) Katharine Worsley at York Minster in York, England
• Princess Alexandra of Kent married (April 24, 1963) The Honorable Angus Ogilvy at Westminster Abbey
• Prince Michael of Kent married (June 30, 1978) Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz in a civil ceremony at the Rathaus (City Hall) in Vienna, Austria

Grandchildren of King George VI

• David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon married (October 8, 1993) The Honorable Serena Stanhope at the Church of St. Margaret’s, Westminster
• Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones married (July 14, 1994) Daniel Chatto at St Stephen’s, Walbrook, in the City of London
  • Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones and Daniel Chatto

Grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II

• Peter Phillips married (May 17, 2008) Autumn Kelly at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle
• Zara Phillips married (July 30, 2011) Mike Tindall at the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Princess Eugenie of York married (October 12, 2018) Jack Brooksbank at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, England – Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank
• Princess Beatrice of York married ( July 17, 2020) Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi at the Royal Chapel of All Saints Chapel, on the grounds of Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park in Windsor, England – Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

• Ashdown, D. (1981). Royal Weddings. London: Robert Hale Limited.
• Unofficial Royalty. (2018). Unofficial Royalty. [online] Available at: https://www.unofficialroyalty.com [Accessed 2 Apr. 2018]. (wedding and biography articles)
• Wikipedia. (2018). Main Page. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/ [Accessed 2 Apr. 2018].  (biography articles)

by Susan Flantzer – compiled, revised, and edited from articles at Unofficial Royalty
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

• Unofficial Royalty: House of Windsor Index

George V, King of the United Kingdom (son of Edward VII) married (1893) Mary of Teck at the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace in London, England

• Mary, Princess Royal married (1922) Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood at Westminster Abbey in London, England
• George VI, King of the United Kingdom (son of George V) married (1923) Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon at Westminster Abbey in London, England
• Henry, Duke of Gloucester married (1935) Lady Alice Montagu-Douglas-Scott at the Private Chapel of Buckingham Palace in London, England (wedding was originally set to be held at Westminster Abbey, but when Lady Alice’s father died, the wedding venue was changed)
• George, Duke of Kent married (1934) Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark at Westminster Abbey in London, England followed by a Greek Orthodox service held in the Private Chapel of Buckingham Palace
• Edward VIII, King of the United Kingdom (son of George V, abdicated 1936), as Duke of Windsor married (1937) Wallis Simpson at the Château de Candé, near Tours, France

In 1917, during World War I, due to anti-German sentiment, King George V decided that to show the British people that the British Royal Family was indeed British and so a change of name was necessary. The British Royal Family’s dynastic name had gone from one German name to another, the House of Hanover to the decidedly more Germanic-sounding, House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. On July 18, 1917, the day after the Privy Council had given its final approval, the following proclamation from King George V appeared in newspapers: “WHEREAS We, having taken into consideration the Name and Title of Our Royal House and Family, have determined that henceforth Our House and Family shall be styled and known as the House and Family of Windsor.”  See Unofficial Royalty: July 17, 1917: The Birth of the House of Windsor.

King George V, then Prince George, Duke of York, had married Princess Victoria Mary of Teck (also known as Princess May and later Queen Mary) in 1893 during the reign of his grandmother Queen Victoria. He had a typical royal wedding of the time at the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace in London. There was an opportunity for the public to see the royals as they left Buckingham Palace and proceeded the short distance to St. James’ Palace. Crowds gathered in the morning along the bridal procession route on Constitution Hill, Piccadilly, and St. James Street.

At 11:30 a.m., the first of the carriage processions left Buckingham Palace. Royalty from Britain and abroad rode in twelve open state landaus driven by cream-colored horses. The bridegroom and his father left the Palace at 11:45 a.m. followed by Queen Victoria in the Glass Coach. Accompanying the Queen was her first cousin, the beaming Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge, the mother of the bride. The bride’s procession came last. Mary was accompanied by her brother Adolphus.

After the wedding service, the guests returned in state to Buckingham Palace. The royal guests feasted at round tables covered with food in a room separate from the other guests. The other guests enjoyed themselves in the Ballroom where large buffet tables were set up. Queen Victoria led George and Mary out onto the balcony at Buckingham Palace and presented them to the cheering crowds. The balcony appearance would later become a tradition of Windsor weddings.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of King George V and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck

***************

Embed from Getty Images 
Westminster Abbey Choir leading to the Altar

Another tradition of Windsor weddings would be the use of Westminster Abbey in London as a wedding venue. Westminster Abbey was completed around 1060 and was consecrated in 1065.  It was the wedding venue for six royal weddings during the reigns of the Plantagenet kings including that of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia in 1382. That would be the last royal wedding at Westminster Abbey until the reign of King George V. Queen Victoria’s granddaughter and King George V’s first cousin Princess Patricia of Connaught married The Honorable Alexander Ramsay at Westminster Abbey in 1919. This was the first major royal event after World War I.

Five of the six children of King George V married and three of the five were married at Westminster Abbey. (George V’s youngest child Prince John died at the age of 14 following a severe epileptic seizure.) The large size of Westminster Abbey allowed more guests to be present at the wedding ceremony and the long drive from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey brought out immense crowds along the route. With each royal wedding, the anticipation and excitement grew.

It was George V’s children who really started the trend to marry non-royals. Only his son Prince George, Duke of Kent married a royal. Since that time, there has been only one member of the House of Windsor who married another royal – Queen Elizabeth II whose husband was born Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark.

***************

Weddings of King George V’s Children

Embed from Getty Images
Wedding of Princess Mary and Henry, Viscount Lascelles

Princess Mary, the only daughter, was the first of her siblings to marry. On November 20, 1921, she became engaged to Henry, Viscount Lascelles, the eldest son of Henry Lascelles, 5th Earl of Harewood. Lord Lascelles was staying at York Cottage, the country home of Mary’s family, and it was there that the proposal took place. Queen Mary wrote in her diary for that day, “At 6.30 Mary came to my room to announce to me her engagement to Lord Lascelles! We then told G. (King George V) & then gave Harry L. our blessing. We had to keep it quiet owing to G. having to pass an order in council to give his consent. Of course, everybody guessed what had happened & we were very cheerful & almost uproarious at dinner. We are delighted.”

Princess Mary and Lord Lascelles (Henry) were married at Westminster Abbey on February 28, 1922. The wedding was the first time a child of a monarch had married at Westminster Abbey since 1290 when Margaret of England, daughter of King Edward I, married John II, Duke of Brabant. It also was the first royal occasion for Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later wife of Mary’s brother King George VI), a friend of Mary’s and one of her bridesmaids.

Embed from Getty Images
On the Buckingham Palace balcony: King George V, Princess Mary, Viscount Lascelles, Queen Alexandra, and Queen Mary

Despite their fifteen-year age difference and despite rumors that the marriage was not happy, their elder son George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood said the marriage was a happy one. He wrote in his memoirs that they “got on well together and had a lot of friends and interests in common.” In 1929, Henry’s father died, he became the 6th Earl of Harewood, and the family moved to Harewood House near Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. On January 1, 1932, Mary was given the style Princess Royal by her father, a style for the eldest daughter of the sovereign. The previous Princess Royal, Mary’s aunt Louise, had died the previous year.

• Unofficial Royalty: Mary, Princess Royal, Countess of Harewood
• Unofficial Royalty: Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood

***************

In 1916, the second son of King George V, Prince Albert, known as Bertie, had been introduced to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the youngest daughter and the ninth child of the ten children of Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th and 1st Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne at a tea party. The two had actually first met in 1905 at a children’s party but neither recalled that meeting. Bertie, who was created Duke of York in June 1920, and Elizabeth had their first significant meeting on July 8, 1920 at the Royal Air Force Ball at the Ritz in London. Bertie had come to the ball with his equerry The Honorable James Stuart (the future 1st Viscount Stuart of Findhorn), the youngest son of the 17th Earl of Moray. Elizabeth and James were old friends from Scotland and shared a dance. Bertie questioned James about his dance partner and asked to be introduced. Although the meeting did not make much of an impression upon Elizabeth, Bertie fell in love that evening and started courting Elizabeth.

Bertie first proposed to Elizabeth in 1921 but was rejected because Elizabeth feared the changes in her life being a member of the Royal Family would require. Elizabeth served as a bridesmaid in the wedding of Bertie’s sister Mary, Princess Royal in February 1922. The following month, Bertie again proposed to her and was turned down once more. On January 2, 1923, after taking Elizabeth to dinner at Claridge’s and the theater, Bertie proposed a third time. After talking to friends and relatives and expressing her feelings in her diary, Elizabeth decided on January 14, 1923 to accept Bertie’s proposal although she still has misgivings.

The wedding of HRH The Duke of York and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was held on April 26, 1923 at Westminster Abbey in London. As Elizabeth was proceeding down the aisle, she passed the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, a casualty of World War I whose remains had been brought from France and buried in the Abbey floor three years earlier. Elizabeth laid her bouquet of white roses on it. No doubt she was thinking of her brother Fergus and all the other British soldiers who died in World War I. Placing bouquets on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior has become a Windsor royal wedding tradition.

In 1936, after the abdication of his brother King Edward VIII, Bertie acceded to the throne as King George VI and his wife became Queen Elizabeth, known as The Queen Mother during the reign of her daughter Queen Elizabeth II.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of George VI and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon

***************

Embed from Getty Images
Wedding of Prince George, Duke of Kent and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark

In August 1934, Buckingham Palace announced the engagement of Prince George, Duke of Kent to Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. The two were second-cousins, through their mutual descent from King Christian IX of Denmark. They married on November 29, 1934 at Westminster Abbey followed by a Greek Orthodox ceremony in the Private Chapel at Buckingham Palace. George’s eldest brother The Prince of Wales served as best man and his other two brothers were groomsmen. George and Marina’s wedding was the first royal wedding to be broadcast on the radio.

Princess Marina was considered to be the most glamorous of the early Windsor brides.  Her gown, designed by British designer Edward Molyneux, was made from silver and white brocade with a flower design and was lined with silver lamé. The court train was fifteen feet long and the sleeves were long and in a medieval style. The veil, made of handmade lace and white tulle, had been worn by Marina’s mother, born Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna of Russia, and by Marina’s sister Olga at their weddings. It was secured by the Kent City of London Fringe Tiara, a wedding gift to Marina from the City of London.  Princess Marina was the first British royal bride to wear the now de rigueur tiara.

Contrast Marina’s wedding outfit with that of Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon who had married eleven years earlier and was a victim of the fashions of the early 1920s. (See photo of Elizabeth, The Duke of York and the bridesmaids above.) Elizabeth had worn a sack-like dress with her lace veil firmly set over her forehead. Her bridesmaids wore floral headgear resembling headphones.

George and Marina’s wedding would be the last marriage of a foreign princess into the British Royal Family. Sadly, just six weeks after the birth of their third and youngest child, Prince George was killed when his military plane crashed in Scotland on August 25, 1942.

• Unofficial Royalty: Prince George, Duke of Kent
• Unofficial Royalty: Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, Duchess of Kent

***************

Embed from Getty Images
The wedding of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott

In August 1935, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, the third son of King George V became engaged to Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott, daughter of John Montagu Douglas Scott, 7th Duke of Buccleuch and 9th Duke of Queensberry. Sadly, Alice’s father died from cancer on October 19, 1935, less than a month before the wedding date, November 6, 1935. The wedding was originally set to be held at Westminster Abbey but the wedding venue was changed. It was deemed more appropriate to have the wedding at the Private Chapel at Buckingham Palace. Among the bridesmaids were the groom’s nieces Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret Rose. Despite the wedding being held at Buckingham Palace, the public was still able to see the bride as she rode from her Mayfair home to Buckingham Palace in the Glass Coach and then made the traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony with her new husband.

Embed from Getty Images
The Private Chapel at Buckingham Palace

***************

Embed from Getty Images
Wedding of The Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson

“After I am dead, the boy will ruin himself in twelve months.” King George V’s prophecy about his eldest son The Prince of Wales, christened with a long string of names, Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, but known as David in the family, came true. King George V died on January 20, 1936 and on December 11, 1936, David, who reigned as King Edward VIII, abdicated due to the widespread unwillingness to accept the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson as his wife and David’s refusal to give her up.

On December 12, 1936, at the accession meeting of the Privy Council, the new King George VI announced he was going to give his brother the title Duke of Windsor with the style of Royal Highness. Letters Patent dated May 27, 1937 re-conferred the “title, style, or attribute of Royal Highness” upon the Duke of Windsor, but specifically stated that “his wife and descendants, if any, shall not hold said title or attribute”.

On June 3, 1937, David married Wallis Simpson at the Château de Candé, near Tours, France surrounded by a small group of faithful friends. David had wanted his brothers Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Prince George, Duke of Kent along with his close friend and second cousin Lord Louis Mountbatten (the future 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma) to attend the ceremony but his brother King George VI forbade members of the royal family from attending.

When the Church of England refused to sanction the wedding, Reverend Robert Anderson Jardine, the Vicar of St Paul’s Church in Darlington, County Durham, England, offered to perform the ceremony. When Reverend Jardine returned home to Darlington, he soon became aware that he had performed an act which the Church of England could not accept. He was forced to resign his position and under pressure, he left England and settled in California.

The legality of King George VI’s Letters Patent stating that David’s style Royal Highness could not be extended to his wife or any children is doubtful. As the son of a British monarch, David was entitled to that style which should have automatically reverted to him upon his abdication and automatically extended to his legal wife and any legitimate children. David considered the holding back of the style Her Royal Highness from his wife unjust but out of respect for his brother, he never made a public issue. In their household, the Duchess of Windsor was always addressed as Royal Highness.

• Unofficial Royalty: King Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor
• Unofficial Royalty: Wallis, Duchess of Windsor

***************

Works Cited

• Ashdown, D. (1981). Royal Weddings. London: Robert Hale Limited.
• Unofficial Royalty. (2018). Unofficial Royalty. [online] Available at: https://www.unofficialroyalty.com [Accessed 2 Apr. 2018]. (wedding and biography articles)
• Wikipedia. (2018). Main Page. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/ [Accessed 2 Apr. 2018].  (biography articles)

Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have chosen the following Bridesmaids and Page Boys for their wedding on Saturday, May 19, 2018.

Bridesmaids:

• Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge: age 3, niece of Prince Harry, daughter of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
• Miss Florence van Cutsem: age 3, goddaughter of Prince Harry, daughter of Mrs. Alice van Cutsem and Major Nicholas van Cutsem, a close friend of Prince Harry
• Miss Remi Litt: age, 6, goddaughter of Meghan Markle, daughter of Mrs. Benita Litt, a close friend of Meghan Markle, and Mr. Darren Litt
• Miss Rylan Litt: age, 7, goddaughter of Meghan Markle, daughter of Mrs. Benita Litt, a close friend of Meghan Markle, and Mr. Darren Litt
• Miss Ivy Mulroney: age 4, daughter of Mrs. Jessica Mulroney, fashion stylist and a close friend of Meghan Markle, and Mr. Benedict Mulroney, a Canadian television host and son of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
• Miss Zalie Warren: age 2, goddaughter of Prince Harry, daughter of Mrs. Zoe Warren and Mr. Jake Warren, a close friend of Prince Harry

This drug is levitra on line http://cute-n-tiny.com/tag/dog/page/14/ not used to cure erectile dysfunction. When looking at the history of affirmative action this purchasing viagra australia is an extremely damaging fact in the case of Sildenafil citrate, the shape, texture and size of the medicine are similar. Yet viagra sample online as it has become a more difficult struggle. Some Artificial Ways of Gaining Height sildenafil bulk You can also use this drug.
Page Boys:

• His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge: age 4, nephew of Prince Harry, son of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
• Master Jasper Dyer: age 6, godson of Prince Harry, son of Mrs. Amanda Dyer and Mr. Mark Dyer, a former equerry to The Prince of Wales who has been an influence on Prince Harry since his childhood
• Master Brian Mulroney: age, 7, twin of John below, son of Mrs. Jessica Mulroney, fashion stylist and a close friend of Meghan Markle, and Mr. Benedict Mulroney, a Canadian television host and son of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
• Master John Mulroney: age, 7, twin of Brian above, son of Mrs. Jessica Mulroney, fashion stylist and a close friend of Meghan Markle, and Mr. Benedict Mulroney, a Canadian television host and son of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney

by Susan Flantzer – compiled, revised, and edited from articles at Unofficial Royalty 
© Unofficial Royalty 2018

• Unofficial Royalty: House of Hanover: Queen Victoria Index
• Unofficial Royalty: House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Index

During the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 – 1901), royal weddings started to move more toward the customs of today’s royal weddings. They were not in any sense as public as today’s royal weddings but sometimes there were opportunities for the public to see the wedding processions if the wedding was held at the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace in London. Even the weddings of Queen Victoria and the weddings of two future kings (Edward VII and George V), all of which occurred during Victoria’s reign, were nowhere near the occasions of the weddings of the future Queen Elizabeth II, her heir Prince Charles or the next heir Prince William.

Westminster Abbey was not a royal wedding venue during Queen Victoria’s reign. There would not be a royal wedding at Westminster Abbey until Queen Victoria’s granddaughter Princess Patricia of Connaught married The Honorable Alexander Ramsay there in 1919, eighteen years after Queen Victoria’s death. This was the first major royal event after World War I and the first royal wedding at Westminster Abbey since the 1382 wedding of King Richard II and Anne of Bohemia. With Queen Victoria herself and several of her children, we see a continuation of weddings at the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace in London that had become somewhat of the norm with the earlier Hanovers. However, we also see the start of royal weddings at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. In 1863, the wedding of Queen Victoria’s eldest son and heir, the future King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, and Princess Alexandra of Denmark would be the first royal wedding held at St. George’s Chapel, a tradition which has continued to this day for many members of the British Royal Family.

************************

First Cousins’ Marriage

Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha were first cousins. Victoria’s mother, born Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and Albert’s father Ernst I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha were siblings. The Coburg family had strong ties to the British Royal Family. Victoria and Albert’s uncle Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld had married Princess Charlotte of Wales, the only child of King George IV who had died tragically in childbirth. Leopold’s sister Victoria had married King George III’s son, Edward, Duke of Kent, and was the mother of Queen Victoria. The Dowager Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, the grandmother of Victoria and Albert, suggested the possibility of marriage between them in a letter to her daughter Victoria, Duchess of Kent, in 1821, when the children were but two years old. Later, the idea was taken up by their uncle Leopold, who became the first King of the Belgians in 1831.

First cousins Victoria and Albert met for the first time in 1836 when Albert and his elder brother Ernst visited England. Seventeen-year-old Victoria seemed instantly infatuated with Albert. She wrote to her uncle Leopold, “How delighted I am with him, and how much I like him in every way. He possesses every quality that could be desired to make me perfectly happy.”

In October of 1839, Albert and Ernst again visited England, staying at Windsor Castle with Victoria, who was now Queen. On October 15, 1839, the 20-year-old monarch summoned her cousin Albert and proposed to him. Albert accepted, but wrote to his stepmother, “My future position will have its dark sides, and the sky will not always be blue and unclouded.”

The couple was married in the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace in London on February 10, 1840, at 1 PM. Traditionally, royal weddings took place at night, but this wedding was held during the day so Queen Victoria’s subjects could see the couple as they traveled down The Mall from Buckingham Palace.

Albert wore the uniform of a British field marshal, over which hung the collar of the Order of the Garter, an honor that had recently been bestowed on him by Victoria. Her wedding dress was of rich white satin, trimmed with orange flower blossoms. On her head, she wore a wreath of the same flowers, over which was a veil of Honiton lace. She wore her Turkish diamond necklace and earrings and Albert’s wedding present of a sapphire brooch.

Most of the wedding guests were members of the British royal family and the Coburg ducal family. The simple ceremony took place at the altar and was performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, and the Bishop of London. There had been no rehearsal and the chapel was really too small for the large wedding party. The bridesmaids stepped on each other’s dresses and kicked each other’s heels. At times it appeared Albert was not quite sure what he should be doing, and he seemed rather awkward and embarrassed.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

************************

The Dynastic Marriage

Victoria and Albert’s first child was born on November 21, 1840, at Buckingham Palace, nine months after her parents’ marriage. Named Victoria after her mother and called Vicky in the family, she was created Princess Royal in 1841.

In 1851, Prince Wilhelm of Prussia (the future King of Prussia and German Emperor) and his wife Augusta were invited to London by Queen Victoria to visit the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, which her husband Prince Albert was instrumental in organizing. Wilhelm and Augusta brought their two children, 20-year-old Friedrich and 13-year-old Louise. On a visit to the Great Exhibition, ten-year-old Vicky was allowed to accompany the group as a companion to Louise. Despite being only ten years old, Vicky made an impression on Friedrich (Fritz), who was ten years older.

Four years later, in 1855, Fritz was invited back to England by Victoria and Albert for a visit to their Scottish home Balmoral. Both the British and Prussian royal families expected that Fritz and Vicky should come to a decision about their future together. Fritz was second in line to the Prussian throne after his father, who was expected to succeed his childless brother. Despite the fact that the marriage would not be universally popular in either country, Vicky and Fritz agreed to marry each other. Their marriage would be one of the most romantic of royal marriages. Because Vicky was so young, her parents decreed that the wedding would have to wait until Vicky was 17 years old.

Because Vicky was marrying a future monarch, the wedding was expected to be in Berlin. However, Queen Victoria had other ideas: “The assumption of it being too much for a Prince Royal of Prussia to come over to marry the Princess Royal of Great Britain in England is too absurd, to say the least…Whatever may be the usual practice of Prussian Princes, it is not every day that one marries the eldest daughter of the Queen of England. The question must, therefore, be considered as settled and closed…” Queen Victoria got her way and the wedding was scheduled for Monday, January 25, 1858, in the Chapel Royal of St. James’ Palace in London, England, where the bride’s parents had been married.

Eighteen carriages and 300 soldiers were in the procession for the short ride from Buckingham Palace to St. James’ Palace. Queen Victoria and Vicky were in the very last carriage. Vicky’s four brothers were in Highland dress and the elder two (Bertie and Alfred) preceded the Queen down the aisle. Vicky’s two younger brothers (Arthur and Leopold) accompanied their mother down the aisle followed by three of Vicky’s four sisters (Alice, Helena, and Louise) who were dressed in white lace over pink satin. Beatrice, Vicky’s youngest sibling, was left back at Buckingham Palace as she was not even a year old. Next came Fritz, wearing a dark blue tunic and white trousers, the uniform of the Prussian First Infantry Regiment of the Guard, accompanied by his father and his uncle Prince Albrecht of Prussia. Finally, Vicky came down the aisle escorted by her father Prince Albert and her great-uncle King Leopold I of the Belgians.

John Sumner, Archbishop of Canterbury, conducted the service and he was so nervous that he left out several parts of the service. However, Queen Victoria was pleased that both “Vicky and Fritz spoke plainly,” as she wrote in her journal. The service was concluded with George Friedrich Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and then Vicky and Fritz led the recessional to The Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn, the first time it was used for a wedding. Thereafter it became a popular wedding recessional. The music is from a suite of incidental music to Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Queen Victoria loved Mendelssohn’s music and the composer often played for her when he visited Great Britain. After the wedding, Vicky and Fritz led the carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace where they appeared on the balcony with and without their parents.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Victoria, Princess Royal and Friedrich III, German Emperor, King of Prussia

************************

“More of a Funeral than a Wedding”

With Vicky married to the Prussian heir, Victoria and Albert had hoped to make an equally impressive marriage for their second eldest daughter Alice. A visit from Willem, Prince of Orange, the eldest son of King Willem III of the Netherlands who would predecease his father, had failed to make a positive impression on Alice and her parents. Vicky had met the future Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine in the early months of her marriage and suggested that he may be suitable for Alice. Ludwig visited England with his brother Heinrich in 1860 to watch the Ascot Races – and to meet Alice. The visit was a success, and during the second visit in December of the same year, the couple became engaged. The engagement was announced in April 1861, with a wedding tentatively planned for the following spring.

Unfortunately for Alice and Ludwig, the British royal family suffered two deaths in 1861. Queen Victoria’s mother, the Duchess of Kent, died in March 1861. While still grieving her loss, Prince Albert died on December 14, 1861, after a short illness. As the eldest daughter still at home, it fell to Alice to console her grieving mother through the following months. Alice ran herself so ragged during this time that during a visit with her fiancé in the spring of 1862, Ludwig was genuinely worried for her health.

Vicky’s wedding in 1858 had been a grand affair but Alice’s was a sad ceremony meant for close family only. A muted celebration was scheduled for July 1, 1862, at Osborne House in the Isle of Wight. The wedding ceremony was planned for the dining room at Osborne House, preventing the guest list from growing too large. Alice’s sisters Helena, Louise, and Beatrice served as bridesmaids, along with Ludwig’s sister Anna. Prince Albert’s brother Ernst II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was recruited to give the bride away.

Although Alice and her mother apparently took some joy in arranging her trousseau, all of the outfits were black due to the required mourning. Alice wore a white dress trimmed with Honiton lace, orange blossoms, and myrtle. Her bridesmaids wore similar white dresses, but all of the women changed back into black mourning attire immediately following the service.

Queen Victoria would later describe the service to Vicky who was unable to attend due to a pregnancy as “more of a funeral than a wedding.” Other guests similarly described the wedding as being a very sad occasion. Alice’s brothers cried throughout the service, as did the Archbishop of Canterbury, who officiated. The death of Ludwig’s aunt Mathilde a few weeks before the wedding did nothing to raise the spirits of the wedding guests. During the ceremony, Queen Victoria continually stared at a portrait of Albert with his family hanging above the bride and groom.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Princess Alice and Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine

************************

“Sea King’s daughter from over the sea”

Before he died, Prince Albert, along with his wife, had been searching for a bride for the Prince of Wales, called Bertie in the family. Bertie’s elder sister Vicky was enlisted to help with the search. Princess Alexandra of Denmark, the daughter of the future King Christian IX of Denmark, had originally been fifth on the list of potential brides, but Vicky thought Alix, as she was called in her family, would be the perfect match for Bertie and she sent back glowing reports of her to Victoria and Albert. Prince Albert came to the conclusion that Alix was “the only one to be chosen.” Vicky then arranged the first meeting between Alix and Bertie in Speyer Cathedral in Germany on September 24, 1861. On September 9, 1862,  Bertie proposed to Alix at the Royal Palace of Laeken, the home of his great-uncle, King Leopold I of the Belgians.

Princess Alexandra arrived in England on March 7, 1863, having sailed from Denmark aboard the British royal yacht Victoria and Albert II. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the Poet Laureate, wrote the following ode in her honor:

A Welcome to Alexandra

Sea King’s daughter from over the sea,
Alexandra!
Saxon and Norman and Dane are we,
But all of us Danes in our welcome of thee,
Alexandra!

Despite her perpetual mourning for Prince Albert, Queen Victoria decreed that the Prince of Wales should be married with “the utmost magnificence”, and chose St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle as the site of the ceremony. This would be the first of many royal weddings at St. George’s Chapel. The wedding date was set for March 10, 1863.

Alix’s dress was a gift from King Leopold I of the Belgians. It was made of white silk trimmed with orange blossoms and myrtle and was overlaid with flounces of tulle and Honiton lace. The train, 21-feet in length, was of silver moiré also trimmed in orange blossoms. Her veil, trimmed with the same lace as her gown, featured English roses, Irish shamrocks, and Scottish thistles, and was held in place by a wreath of orange blossoms and myrtle atop her head. She was supported by her father, Prince Christian of Denmark and Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, Queen Victoria’s first cousin. Bertie wore a full dress uniform of a British General beneath his Garter Robes and was supported by his brother-in-law, Crown Prince Friedrich of Prussia, and his uncle, Ernst II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

During the wedding ceremony, Queen Victoria, in perpetual mourning for Prince Albert, sat in the Catherine of Aragon Closet, a room with an oriel window overlooking the left side of the altar. Dressed in a black silk dress with white collar and cuffs, along with her widow’s cap, she took her seat largely out of view of the guests in the chapel. She can be seen in the above painting on the top right.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of King Edward VII and Princess Alexandra of Denmark

************************

The Russian Marriage

All of Queen Victoria’s children with the exception of Prince Alfred were married in the United Kingdom. Alfred married Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, the only daughter of Alexander II, Emperor of All Russia and Marie of Hesse and by Rhine (Empress Maria Alexandrovna). During several visits to relatives, Alfred and Maria had met each other and wanted to marry. Despite the misgivings of Queen Victoria and Maria’s parents, the couple was married at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia on January 23, 1874. First, there was a Russian Orthodox ceremony in the Grand Church of the Winter Palace and then a Church of England ceremony was conducted by Arthur Stanley, the Dean of Westminster in Alexander Hall at the Winter Palace. Three of Alfred’s siblings attended the wedding. The Prince and Princess of Wales (Edward, known in the family as Bertie, and his wife, the former Alexandra of Denmark, known as Alix) officially represented Queen Victoria. Also attending were Prince Arthur and Queen Victoria’s eldest child Victoria and her husband Friedrich, German Crown Prince. The members of Queen Victoria’s court who had traveled to St Petersburg to attend the wedding were overwhelmed by the scale of the celebrations, receptions, and entertainments marking the marriage.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia

************************

The Happy but Short Marriage

Prince Leopold was the youngest son of Queen Victoria and Prince and was described as delicate from a very early age. It became apparent that he suffered from the genetic disease hemophilia and was the first of the nine hemophiliacs among Queen Victoria’s descendants.

Leopold saw marriage as a way to become independent from Queen Victoria, his overbearing mother. Besides having hemophilia, Leopold also had mild epilepsy. Although hemophilia had more serious consequences, it was a disease that was not completely understood at the time, and it was Leopold’s epilepsy that caused him problems while seeking a bride. Epilepsy was considered a social stigma and many families hid away their epileptic relatives. After Leopold was rejected by several potential royal brides, Queen Victoria and her eldest daughter Victoria stepped in and made arrangements for Leopold and Princess Helena of Waldeck-Pyrmont to meet in Darmstadt where Leopold was staying with Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine, who was the widower of Leopold’s sister Alice.

Leopold and Helena liked one another immediately, and after being briefed on Leopold’s health, the Waldeck-Pyrmont family had no objections to the marriage. During a visit to Helena’s family home, Leopold proposed and Helena accepted. The couple became engaged on November 17, 1881. Leopold was ecstatic when he wrote of the news to his brother-in-law Ludwig, widower of his sister Alice: “…we became engaged this afternoon…Oh, my dear brother, I am so overjoyed, and you, who have known this happiness, you will be pleased for me, won’t you?…You only know Helena a little as yet – when you really know her, then you will understand why I’m mad with joy today.”

The wedding was planned for April 27, 1882, at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Leopold took an interest in the planning of the wedding ceremony, requesting the assistance of composer and personal friend Charles Gounod to compose a march specifically for the wedding. His supporters were the Prince of Wales (his eldest brother) and Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine, the widower of his sister Alice. Due to a hemophilia-related injury, Leopold walked with a slight limp at the wedding.

Helena’s dress, a gift from her sister and her sister Queen Emma of the Netherlands. The gown was made of white satin, decorated with traditional orange blossom and myrtle and trimmed with fleur-de-lis. The long tulle veil was held in place by a diamond headdress and a wreath of orange flowers and myrtle. The bride was led down the aisle by her father and her brother-in-law, King Willem III of the Netherlands. Helena had a group of eight British aristocratic women serve as her bridesmaids. The ceremony concluded in the early afternoon and was followed by a wedding breakfast, after which the new couple headed to their new home, Claremont House.

Unfortunately, Leopold and Helena’s marriage was short-lived. In early 1884, Leopold’s doctors recommended that he spend the winter in Cannes, France, which he had done before. At the time, Helena was expecting her second child. On March 27, 1884, Leopold slipped and fell on the staircase at Villa Nevada, the private home where he was staying in Cannes. He injured his knee and hit his head, and died early in the morning of March 28, 1884, apparently of a cerebral hemorrhage, the injuries having been exacerbated by his hemophilia. He was only 31 years old. Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany was buried in the Albert Memorial Chapel at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany and Princess Helena of Waldeck-Pyrmont

************************

The Princess Who Stayed Home

Princess Beatrice was born on April 14, 1857, the youngest of the nine children of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Beatrice’s parents realized that she would be their last child, and she was treated differently than her siblings. Prince Albert described her as “an extremely attractive, pretty, intelligent child – indeed the most amusing baby we have had.” Known as Baby in the family, Beatrice filled a void for her parents when her eldest sister Victoria, Princess Royal married less than a year after her birth and left to live in Prussia with her new husband. By the time Beatrice was three years old, she was an aunt twice over from that marriage.

When Prince Albert died in 1861, Beatrice was only four and a half and had lost one of her principal role models. Queen Victoria was grief-stricken. Because of her mother’s prolonged grief and mourning, Beatrice’s life would forever be shaped by her father’s death. She became a great solace to her mother, and as the years progressed, Queen Victoria hoped that Beatrice would always be her constant companion.

At the age of six, Beatrice had declared, “I don’t like weddings at all. I shall never be married. I shall stay with mother.” Queen Victoria said of Beatrice, “She is my constant companion and hope and trust will never leave me while I live.” By the age of fifteen, Beatrice was writing letters on behalf of Queen Victoria and she was developing into the quiet, attentive, and devoted helper the Queen wanted. When the last of her sisters married and left home, Beatrice took on the job of being her mother’s full-time personal assistant. While attending the wedding of her niece Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine and Prince Louis of Battenberg in 1884, Princess Beatrice fell in love.

The man who won Beatrice’s heart was Prince Henry of Battenberg, the brother of the groom. Henry was the third of the four children of Prince Alexander of Hesse and by Rhine and Countess Julia Hauke. As his parents’ marriage was morganatic, Henry and his siblings took their titles from their mother, who had been created Countess of Battenberg (later elevated to Princess of Battenberg in 1858).

Beatrice told her mother that she wanted to marry Henry. Queen Victoria reacted with silence. For seven months, from May to November 1884, Queen Victoria and Beatrice lived together, and the Queen did not speak to Beatrice, instead, the Queen communicated with Beatrice by notes. Members of the family including the Prince and Princess of Wales (Bertie and Alix), Alice’s widower Ludwig, and Beatrice’s eldest sister (Vicky) tried to persuade the Queen to agree to Beatrice’s marriage. Queen Victoria finally realized that Beatrice would not back down and offered her conditions that must be met. Henry must renounce his career, nationality, and home and agree to live with Beatrice and the Queen. By the end of 1884, Queen Victoria and Beatrice were reconciled and a wedding was being planned.

Beatrice and Henry were married on July 23, 1885, at Saint Mildred’s Church in Whippingham, Isle of Wight, England near Queen Victoria’s beloved home Osborne House. Queen Victoria allowed Beatrice to wear the Honiton lace and veil which she herself had worn on her wedding day, the only one of her daughters allowed to do so. The ten royal bridesmaids were all nieces of Princess Beatrice: Princess Alix and Princess Irene of Hesse and by Rhine; Princess Alexandra, Princess Marie and Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh; Princess Louise, Princess Maud and Princess Victoria of Wales; and Princess Marie Louise and Princess Helena Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein.

Beatrice and Henry kept their promise and lived with Queen Victoria and Beatrice remained her full-time confidante and secretary. Henry was often bored by the lack of activity and in an effort to give him more to do, Queen Victoria appointed him to several positions. In November of 1895, Henry persuaded Queen Victoria to allow him to go to West Africa to fight in the Anglo-Ashanti Wars. Henry arrived in Africa on Christmas Day of 1895. By January 10, 1896, Henry was sick with malaria and it was decided to send him back to England. However, Henry died aboard ship off the coast of Sierra Leone at the age of 37.

Following Henry’s death, Beatrice remained her mother’s companion and secretary. As Queen Victoria aged, she relied more heavily on Beatrice for dealing with correspondence and other matters. After Queen Victoria’s death, Beatrice continued to serve her. For 30 years, Beatrice transcribed and edited her mother’s journals, which Victoria had kept since 1831 when she was 12 years old. Queen Victoria had ordered Beatrice to delete material that might prove hurtful to living people. Two-thirds of the content of the original journals was deleted. These deletions distressed Beatrice’s nephew, King George V and his wife Queen Mary, who could do nothing, and many historians since who felt that valuable information has been lost forever. The 111 notebooks that Beatrice copied are kept in the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle.

• Unofficial Royalty: Wedding of Princess Beatrice and Prince Henry of Battenberg (1885)

************************

Unofficial Royalty wedding articles for Queen Victoria’s children not mentioned above:

• Wedding of Princess Helena and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein (1866)
• Wedding of Princess Louise and John Campbell, 9th Duke of Argyll (1871)
• Wedding of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia (1879)

************************

Wedding venues that have official websites or Wikipedia articles will be linked below. Links are to Unofficial Royalty articles for the monarchs, their children, and their spouses.

Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (granddaughter of George III) married (1840) Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha at the Chapel Royal in St. James’ Palace in London, England

• Victoria, Princess Royal married (1858) Friedrich III, German Emperor and King of Prussia at the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace in London, England
• Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom married (1863) Alexandra of Denmark at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England
• Alice of the United Kingdom married (1862) Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine at Osborne House in the Isle of Wight, England
• Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh married (1874) Marie Alexandrovna of Russia at the Grand Church of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia
• Helena of the United Kingdom married (1866) Christian of Schleswig-Holstein at the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England
• Louise of the United Kingdom married (1871) John Campbell, 9th Duke of Argyll at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England
• Arthur, Duke of Connaught married (1879) Louise of Prussia at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England
• Leopold, Duke of Albany married (1882) Helen of Waldeck-Pyrmont at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England
• Beatrice of the United Kingdom married (1885) Henry of Battenberg at St. Mildred’s Church in Whippingham in the Isle of Wight, England

Three of Queen Victoria’s grandchildren married in the United Kingdom during her reign. All three were children of her eldest son and heir, the future King Edward VII. Their Unofficial Royalty wedding articles are listed below.

• Louise, Princess Royal married (1889) Alexander Duff, 1st Duke of Fife at the Private Chapel of Buckingham Palace in London, England
• George V, King of the United Kingdom married (1893) Victoria Mary of Teck at the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace in London, England
• Maud of Wales married (1896) the future Haakon VII, King of Norway at the Private Chapel at Buckingham Palace in London, England

• Wedding of Louise, Princess Royal and Alexander Duff, 1st Duke of Fife (1889)
• Wedding of King George V and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck (1893)
• Wedding of King Haakon VII of Norway and Princess Maud of Wales (1896)

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

• Ashdown, D. (1981). Royal Weddings. London: Robert Hale Limited.
• Unofficial Royalty. (2018). Unofficial Royalty. [online] Available at: https://www.unofficialroyalty.com [Accessed 2 Apr. 2018]. (wedding and biography articles)
• Wikipedia. (2018). Main Page. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/ [Accessed 2 Apr. 2018].  (biography articles)