Royal Wedding Rules Meghan Markle (and Prince Harry) Might Have to Follow

Far beyond a casual conversation, Prince Harry would have needed the Queen’s official permission in writing before proposing to Meghan Markle. You can thank The Royal Marriage Act 1772 for this one. Clearly, we know this one went over well, since Meghan and Harry are now well on their way to the altar, but it’s also a true sign of the times, given that historically, a royal wishing to marry a commoner who had been previously married would likely never have gotten the Queen’s blessing.

Owing to the 1701 Act of Settlement, Catholics are not permitted to join the royal family. There have been some situations where a royal has wished to marry someone of the Roman Catholic faith; Peter Phillips, for example, eleventh in line to the throne, whose bride converted to the Anglican faith to be eligible to marry him. So what religion is Meghan Markle? Her religious affiliation is not known, though she reportedly attended a private Catholic high school and had some Jewish elements in her last wedding. (Moving from her ex to Prince Harry, she's just one star who broke up with their partner, and totally traded up!). Some speculate she may need to be baptized and confirmed in the Church of England before she marries Prince Harry to avoid threatening Harry's place in the line of succession.

Followed by an official interview. Clearly, Meghan can check this off her to-do list, as the couples’ royal engagement announcement and interview have already taken place, but it’s a good indicator that so far, both Meghan and Harry are on track with the traditions and procedures expected of them.

This was just one moment where Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were style twins and we're sure it won't be the last.

In fact, this responsibility falls to the Queen, who sent out just under 2,000 for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s big day. Interestingly enough, the thank you notes, which will be sent to guests after the wedding, will each include a small piece of the wedding cake in a decorative tin as a memento of the day.

While Meghan seems to be getting plenty of practice at being photographed with the rest of the royal family, there’s no doubt the happy couple is looking forward to their first official portrait. This traditional portrait will include select members of the royal family as well as Meghan’s family, the bridal party, and based on timing, possibly feature William and Kate’s newest addition to their growing family – cue the “awww’s” now!

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Following tradition, the newlyweds will make a stop at Buckingham Palace, and if older brother William’s wedding is any indication, will also likely serve as the backdrop for their first official family portrait.

On arguably the most important – and highly televised – day of her life, Kate worked with Sarah Burton on creating her iconic Alexander McQueen gown. A long-time fan of the design house, it was a surprise to few that this was her pick for perhaps the most memorable dress she would ever wear.

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Part of the bride’s dress code for the wedding includes a tiara. But who’s going to argue with the chance to wear something sparkly and beautiful from the Crown Jewels? On the day of her wedding, Princess Diana was gifted her own tiara, named “The Cambridge Knot Tiara,” which has since been passed down to Kate, who has been spotted donning the jewels for formal engagements more than once. Speaking of which, see all of the times Kate has channelled Princess Diana’s style.

During the ceremony, as royal brides have done since the late Queen Mother, Meghan will leave her bouquet at the grave of the “Unknown Warrior” at Westminster Abbey.

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No royal bouquet is complete without a sprig of myrtle. Known affectionately as the “herb of love,” this tradition dates back to Queen Victoria.

Meghan’s wedding band will consist of Welsh gold, which is more valuable – and costly – than gold originating from places like South Africa and Australia. This tradition traces back to the Queen’s mother in 1923. We're sure it'll be stunning (just check out Meghan Markle's engagement ring!).

Another custom being that men of aristocratic background do not typically wear their wedding rings; a tradition Prince William has followed and one we are curious to see Prince Harry’s position on after the wedding.

Through their marriage, Prince Harry’s new official title will be shared by his bride, and the buzz is that the pair will become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – it has a nice ring to it, no?

We’re sure Meghan herself is still getting used to the idea of becoming royalty as her very own fairytale comes to life! When it comes to love, you just never know… Read on for our full list of celebrity couples you never saw coming!

While this does make for an adorable walk to the altar, we suspect Meghan might take some notes from sister-in-law-to-be Kate when choosing her maid of honour. Kate chose her sister Pippa to be by her side, breaking tradition not only by having her sister in place of a child family-member, but by choosing to have a maid of honour at all.

You might also recall that Prince William skipped tradition on this one as well, electing his brother to be his “best man” in place of a “sponsor” – a sweet gesture we are betting Harry will be repeating at his own wedding come May.

And while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle didn't rush down the aisle, see the celebrities who married young.

They’ll be no confusion for guests on this one, as wedding protocol has it set in stone that the royal family sits on the right side of the church for the ceremony. At least it’s one less detail Meghan will have to mull over before the big day!

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Meghan will be required to wear white for her wedding, and of course ensure she is dressed appropriately for the church portion of the day, with her groom in military regalia, as per the tradition of royal males participating in military service.

Hats, namely fascinators, will be in full effect at the couples’ spring wedding, and we for one, cannot wait to see them!

Besides forgetting their hats, here are some more of the worst things a wedding guest can do!

Most often, there are two receptions – one being a breakfast or luncheon, and the other being an evening reception. Also, two cakes is not outside of the norm, either. Prince William, at his wedding to Kate Middleton, kept with tradition in having a fruitcake but also included a chocolate-biscuit cake to satisfy his own sweet tooth!

No surprise here! The royal family will pay for the wedding – and we’re certain no one in the bride’s camp is complaining on this one, given that William and Kate’s wedding (one of the world's most extravagant royal weddings) cost them $32 million for the security alone!

We’re happy to report this won’t be an issue, as Meghan and Harry have settled on St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle as the venue for their May 19, 2018 nuptials.

Once Meghan and Harry tie the knot, that’s it for any possible future in politics for the former actress. This is because the royal family must maintain a public role, and not appear to be endorsing or taking an active position in political affairs.

One last thing you may be wondering: Will Harry and Meghan need to sign a prenup? Though there have been no reports of one in the media yet, check out the celebrity couples with the wildest prenups.