Meghan and Harry's Wedding Compared to Kate and William's in Photos
A side-by-side comparison of all the similarities and differences between the two most famous royal weddings in history.
In case you missed it, newlyweds, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have just said their "I dos" in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, more than seven years following Prince William and Kate Middleton's magical 2011 ceremony. In comparison, there are both traditional similarities and unique differences between the two infamous royal occasions. Ahead, see the ways the dresses, tiaras and bouquets varied between Kate and Meghan's big days.
Wedding Dress
For her wedding to Prince William back in 2011, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a a now-iconic lace Alexander McQueen gown designed by Sarah Burton, the label's creative director. The historic dress featured a bit more frill than Meghan's, with long lace sleeves, a V-neckline and a fitted sweetheart bodice.
For her special Windsor Castle ceremony, Meghan Markle wore a gorgeous, pure white, bow-neck, three-quarter-length-sleeve gown, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. Though Keller was not one of the predicted dress designers, she certainly has some fashion chops, being formerly seated at the helm of the fashion house Chloé.
Second Dress
After the show it's the after-party, and both brides brought their fashion A-game in bright white at round two of their respective royal wedding events. While Kate sported a classically elegant style, an Alexander McQueen ball gown with a thin crystal belt and a cropped fuzzy cardigan over her shoulders, Meghan opted for an arm moment in a stunning sleeveless Stella McCartney high-neck gown.
Tiara
Kate Middleton wore a Cartier Halo tiara in her 2011 wedding. The stunning headpiece was originally created in 1936 after it was commissioned by George VI. The jewel piece is currently on display at the National Gallery of Australia.
Meghan Markle's dazzling headpiece once belonged to Queen Mary and was lent to the bride by the Queen for her wedding day. Her gorgeous 16-foot veil was held in place by the diamond center-stone adorned filigree tiara, which was made in 1932 with the center brooch dating back to 1893.
First Kiss
At their 2011 London-based ceremony, Prince William and Kate Middleton shared an iconic lip-locking moment atop the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The Buckingham Palace kiss was the more traditional display, where Charles and Diana also shared a post-wedding PDA moment.
For their first official kiss after exiting their wedding ceremony at St George's Chapel, the Duke and Duchess shared a non-traditional sweet moment embracing not once, but twice on the steps of the church. A picturesque white floral archway served as the backdrop for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's debut kiss.
Bouquet
Kate Middleton carried a slightly larger but similarly simple, elegant and seasonal bouquet of lily of the valley flowers in her April 2011 wedding to Prince William.
Meghan Markle's bouquet is a bit more compact than Kate's, but the flowers hold sentimental meaning. A nod to Princess Diana, the custom arrangement is comprised of seasonal flowers handpicked by Harry himself and Forget-Me-Nots, Diana’s favorite flowers.
The Procession
Both post-wedding processions were very similar, aside from location. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge embarked on a horse-drawn open-carriage ride around Buckingham Palace.
Harry and Meghan looked elated following their official ceremony. The newlyweds rode in their own Ascot Landau carriage, waving to the spectators around Windsor Castle.
Wedding Party
Who could forget when Pippa Middleton stole the show as the non-traditional maid of honor at Kate and William's 2011 wedding? Though Meghan didn't have a maid of honor at her wedding, she did have similarly dressed little bridesmaids, in precious white dresses and flower crowns.
How Andrew's Arrest Impacts the Monarchy: Exclusive
King Charles Hits a Fashion Show After Andrew's Arrest
Queen Camilla Wears All Black After Andrew's Arrest
King Charles Reacts to Brother Andrew's Arrest
