The splendor of Meghan Markle’s royal wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018 was tinged with controversy over traditional protocol.

Meghan Markle's choices for her wedding attire and accessories led to debates over adherence to royal traditions, as the Daily Mail reports.

Starting a Royal Union at St George's Chapel

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's marriage took place on May 19, 2018, at the historic St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, a venue befitting a prince and a soon-to-be duchess.

Despite the fairy-tale setting, the choice of her wedding dress and veil was brought under scrutiny by some royal family members and traditionalists. Meghan, having been previously married to Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013, chose to wear a white Givenchy gown designed by Clare Waight Keller, which required 3,900 hours of meticulous labor by 50 devoted artisans.

However, her decision to wear a 16 ft long veil adorned with lace representing each of the 53 Commonwealth countries seemed to provoke debates within the royal circles. The veil, held in place by Queen Mary's diamond bandeau tiara -- a piece lent to Meghan by Queen Elizabeth II -- was seen as an elaborate choice for someone entering into their second marriage.

The emotional and symbolic aspects of Meghan’s attire were amplified by her independent choice to honor the Commonwealth through her veil's design -- a collaboration with her designer. Keller aimed to create a piece that was both "timeless but modern," reflecting Meghan's vision and embracing the diversity of the Commonwealth.

Queen's Concerns and Comparisons to Past Controversies

The late Queen Elizabeth II, while lending Meghan the tiara, allegedly expressed concerns over the appropriateness of wearing a veil. As recorded by Tom Bower in his 2022 book Revenge, the Queen was perplexed why Meghan chose a full veil for her second wedding. The color of Meghan's dress also seemed to be a point of contention, with royal aides and family members questioning its suitability for a divorcee. The monarch's reservations mirrored royal traditions, which typically reserve white gowns and veils for first-time brides.

These internal disputes recall past royal marriages, notably that of Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII, in which Simpson, also an American divorcee, opted for a pale blue dress for their nuptials. Prince Philip reportedly made comparisons between Meghan and Simpson, highlighting the challenges of marrying into the royal family under similar social scrutiny.

Adding to the pre-wedding tensions, Meghan's estranged relationship with her father, Thomas Markle, who missed the wedding due to a scandal with the paparazzi, was another aspect that Queen Elizabeth reportedly regretted Meghan had not reconciled before the event.

Controversy Beyond Wedding Dress

The wedding also saw Prince Harry breaking royal protocol by wearing a beard, a departure from traditional clean-shaven military attire in royal weddings. Harry reportedly obtained special permission from the Queen, though this decision was humorously noted by him as placing his grandmother in an "uncomfortable position."

During Meghan's tiara fitting, further issues arose involving Angela Kelly, the Queen's dresser and close aide, which indicated underlying tensions. Despite these challenges, Meghan successfully wore Queen Mary's tiara, integrating royal history with her modern interpretation of a royal bride.

Why This Story Matters

This story is important because it highlights the balance between royal tradition and contemporary values within the British monarchy.

It reflects the ongoing evolution of the institution as it adapts to modern societal norms and the personal choices of its members.

These events resonate beyond the palace, illustrating the struggles between personal expression and traditional expectations faced by individuals stepping into public roles.

Lessons to Learn from This Story

1. Respect for Tradition vs. Individual Expression: It teaches us the importance of balancing respect for traditions with the need for personal expression, particularly in settings bound by historical conventions.

2. Understanding and Empathy: Acknowledging different viewpoints within families and institutions can lead to deeper understanding and cohesiveness rather than division.

3. Handling Public Scrutiny: Public figures, especially those marrying into high-profile families, must navigate their roles under intense public and media scrutiny, illustrating the pressures of maintaining personal integrity.

Despite differing views on Meghan's wedding choices, these elements highlight critical aspects of cultural and personal symbolism and the complex interplay between individual identity and institutional expectations in royal and public spheres.

In conclusion, Meghan Markle's wedding to Prince Harry was not only a union of two individuals but also a focal point of cultural discourse involving tradition, modernity, and individual identity within the royal family. This event continues to evoke discussions on the adaptation of the monarchy to the evolving societal landscape.