Meghan Markle’s wedding dress, worn as she walked down the aisle at St George’s Chapel in 2018, will be remembered throughout history.
Not only did the former Suits actress, aged 42, marry the brother of the future king of the United Kingdom, but she also opted for an unexpectedly simple gown, creating a surprisingly pared-back feel.
Long-time followers of royal weddings across Europe might have experienced a sense of déjà vu when glimpsing the Duchess of Sussex’s dress as she entered the chapel at Windsor Castle.
Her gown, designed by Clare Waight Keller, bore a striking resemblance to the one worn by Princess Angela when she married Prince Maximilian of Liechtenstein in 2000. (View via this link: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn_ijf9u0ep/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=193ba402-ae14-407c-b1be-98c125d31c8a ).
The Panamanian-American fashion designer exchanged vows in New York City clad in a sumptuous satin floor-length gown featuring a bateau neckline, echoing Meghan’s choice. Angela’s gown boasted identical three-quarter-length sleeves, a defined cinched waistline, and a completely unembellished torso.
Similar to the Duchess, Angela, then Angela Gisela Brown, adorned herself with a sparkling diamond tiara tucked into a long trailing veil and pointed-toe white heels.
While Princess Angela’s veil appeared to be relatively simple, albeit lengthy, Meghan’s veil showcased intricate detailing with added sentimental significance. During her walk down the steps of St George’s Chapel, held by her young page boys Brian and John Mulroney, Meghan displayed a 16.5 feet-long veil adorned with flowers “representing the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country united in one spectacular floral composition.”
A statement from the palace elucidated, “Each flower was worked flat, in three dimensions to create a unique and delicate design. The workers spent hundreds of hours meticulously sewing and washing their hands thirty minutes to keep the tulle and threads pristine.”
Meghan donned the magnificent Queen Mary’s bandeau tiara from the late Queen Elizabeth’s collection. Official press information clarified, “The diamond bandeau is English and was made in 1932, with the entire brooch dating from 1893.” According to The Court Jeweller, the central piece of Meghan’s bridal tiara was “the County of Lincoln Brooch, one of Queen Mary’s own wedding gifts.”
There was also a striking resemblance between Princess Angela and the Duchess in their chic low bun hairstyles and delicate stud Cartier earrings. Both brides opted for a subtle warm brown smokey eye and natural lip color.
Meghan’s exquisite dress defied expectations of royal fans. While Princess Kate chose a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown adorned with lace, and Princess Beatrice donned an embellished vintage gown from her grandmother’s wardrobe, Meghan embraced a minimalist aesthetic that injected modern elegance into the royal bridal look.
