The royal wedding is finally here!
And whilst Kensington Palace has released vital information about the event in drops in the lead-up to the big day, there was one major detail that wouldn’t be revealed until today: Meghan’s dress.
But now, the wait is finally over as the stunning bride-to-be has arrived at Windsor Hall wearing a custom gown by Clare Waight Keller.
Kensington Palace announced that Waight Keller met Meghan earlier this year and it was decided that the British designer, who is the first female Creative Director at the French house in its history, would be tasked with the job.
The dress is made using silk organza and “six meticulously placed seams” which formed the elegant structure of the dress. It also uses an “exclusive double bonded silk cady” developed especially for the wedding.
The stunning five-metre long veil that Meghan wore during the ceremony also had special meaning as it represented all 53 of the Commonwealth countries and took hundreds of hours to make. In the statement, Kensington Palace wrote, “Ms. Waight Keller designed a veil representing the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country united in one spectacular floral composition.”
The veil is held by the Queen’s bandeau tiara, made in 1932 of diamonds and platinum, which was lent to Meghan for the occasion by the Queen. It is “pierced with interlaced ovals and pavé set with large and small brilliant diamonds. The centre is set with a delectable brooch of ten brilliant diamonds,” the Palace wrote in the official communication on the outfit details.
In a statement, Waight Keller said, “It is truly an honour to have been given the opportunity to closely collaborate with Meghan Markle on such a remarkable occasion. We wanted to create a timeless piece that would emphasise the iconic codes of Givenchy throughout its history, as well as convey modernity through sleek lines and sharp cuts. In contrast, the delicate floral beauty of the veil was a vision Meghan and I shared, a special gesture embracing the commonwealth flora, ascending the circumference of the silk tulle. As a British designer at a Parisian Haute Couture house, and on behalf of all us at Givenchy who have been able to experience such an extraordinary process of creativity, I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and grateful to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Kensington Palace for allowing us to be part of this historical chapter. It has been an immensely rewarding experience to get to know Meghan on a personal level, one I will forever carry with me. The House of Givenchy joins me in wishing her and Prince Harry every wish of happiness in their future.”
Meghan also wore a pair of shoes by Givenchy, made with silk duchess satin, and earrings and a bracelet by Cartier.
Her makeup was done by Daniel Martin, Meghan’s long-time friend and make-up artist, and her glamorous low bun was courtesy of Serge Normant.
Her mother, Doria Ragland, wore a custom Oscar de la Renta suit designed by Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim with a bespoke hat by Stephen Jones and shoes by Aquazurra, whilst the bridesmaid’s dresses were also designed by Claire Waight Keller.
Prince Harry and Prince William both wore the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals.
