What’s Behind the Royal Wedding Invitations?
Hey there! Let me fill you in on something really intriguing. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sent out their wedding invitations back on Thursday, March 22. Now, here's the kicker—eagle-eyed royal watchers have picked up on a fascinating detail. The wording on these invites actually gives a subtle nod to Meghan’s past marriage to Trevor Engelson, making a clear reference to her being a divorcée. Isn’t that interesting?
Ms. Meghan Markle: A Title with Meaning
Take a closer look at the invitations. Meghan is referred to as “Ms. Meghan Markle.” This contrasts sharply with how Kate Middleton was addressed on her 2011 wedding invites to Prince William—she was called “Miss Catherine Middleton.” Now, according to William Hanson, an etiquette expert at The Daily Mail, the use of “Ms.” is the correct way to refer to a divorced woman. But here’s the twist: the royal household has never before acknowledged this title.
View this post on InstagramInvitations to the wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle, which will take place at Windsor Castle on May 19, have been issued in the name of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Guests have been invited to the service at St George’s Chapel and to the lunchtime reception at St George’s Hall, which is being given by Her Majesty The Queen. The invitations follow many years of Royal tradition and have been made by @barnard_and_westwood. They feature the Three-Feathered Badge of the Prince of Wales printed in gold ink. 📷 @pa
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A Break from Tradition?
Hanson explained, “The royal household, particularly Queen Elizabeth, has never acknowledged the honorific Ms., regardless of whether it signified a divorced woman or one who didn't want her marital status highlighted.” He went on to say that Meghan herself might have requested this style. “There’s no slight intended on Prince Harry’s fiancée. It’s another subtle sign that the royal household is evolving with the times.” Meghan was previously married to Hollywood producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013. While Meghan is planning for some non-traditional aspects of her wedding, the invitations themselves stuck to classic designs.
Design and Details of the Invites
Kensington Palace shared some fascinating details about the invitations via Twitter. “Invitations to the wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have been issued in the name of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales,” the tweet revealed. “Guests have been invited to the service at St George’s Chapel and to the lunchtime reception at St George’s Hall, which is being given by Her Majesty The Queen. Later that evening, around 200 guests are being invited to the reception at Frogmore House given by The Prince of Wales.”
The palace also shared a photo of the invites, detailing how they were crafted. “The invitations follow many years of Royal tradition and have been made by @BarnardWestwood. They feature the Three-Feathered Badge of the Prince of Wales printed in gold ink. Lottie Small, who recently completed her apprenticeship, printed all of the invitations in a process known as die stamping, on a machine from the 1930s that she affectionately nicknamed Maude.”
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
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The statement continued, “Using American ink on English card, the invitations are printed in gold and black, then burnished to bring out the shine, and gilded around the edge. @BarnardWestwood have been making Royal invitations since 1985, and Managing Director Austen Kopley said he was thrilled and honored to be making them.”
Comparing with Past Royal Weddings
Now, why do royal wedding invitations often stick to classic designs? Well, they’re typically sent from the Queen, not the couple themselves. Remember when Kate and William tied the knot at Westminster Abbey? The details of their nuptials were printed on thick, eight-by-six-inch white cardstock with the Queen’s royal cypher stamped in gold. The invitation’s black printed text read, “The Lord Chamberlin is commanded by The Queen to invite [Name] to the Marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, K.G. with Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on Friday, 29th April, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.” The card also included a reply address and a note on the dress code.
