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

Posted by Susy Alexandre on January 17, 2018

A royal wedding is anything but a simple affair, and Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry will be no exception. To start, there are the traditions that must come long before the wedding day, and the strict protocols and traditions the pair will have to adhere to on the day-of, and all the rules and responsibilities that will come immediately after the pair say “I do.” To get you prepped for the wedding of the year, we’re bringing you 20 non-negotiable rules Meghan, her royal groom, and their guests will have to follow on the big day!

  •  Getty Images
    1 of 20

    The Queen must give her permission

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    2 of 20

    Marrying a royal means you can follow any religion except this one…

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    3 of 20

    The couple must make an engagement announcement

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    4 of 20

    Meghan won’t be sending out any wedding invitations

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    5 of 20

    A traditional wedding portrait is expected

    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!

    You may also like: Kate Middleton's best hair looks of all time.
  •  Getty Images
    6 of 20

    The royal portrait will likely take place at Buckingham Palace

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    7 of 20

    Royal brides must wear white

    A wedding tradition that most brides, royal or not, tend to stick to, is donning a white gown on the wedding day. Kate Middleton's will go down in history as one of her top 10 style-defining looks. Like her almost sister-in-law Kate, the royal family sees this one as another non-negotiable rule Meghan will have to follow on the big day, too. We can't wait to see her wedding dress!
  •  Getty Images
    8 of 20

    Royal brides must wear a tiara

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    9 of 20

    There’s tradition behind the bouquet

    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.

    You may also like: 12 modern items to replace your something old, new borrowed, and blue.
  •  Getty Images
    10 of 20

    The royal bouquet must include one special element

    No royal bouquet is complete without a sprig of myrtle. Known affectionately as the “herb of love,” this tradition dates back to Queen Victoria.
  •  Getty Images
    11 of 20

    Meghan’s ring will follow tradition – but don’t expect to see Prince Harry wearing his after the wedding day

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    12 of 20

    Meghan must take on the accompanying title to her groom

    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!
  •  Getty Images
    13 of 20

    The wedding party traditionally consists of children

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    14 of 20

    Ceremonial seating arrangements are pre-determined

    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!

    You may also like: 20 rules for a happy marriage.
  •  Getty Images
    15 of 20

    Meghan and Harry must each follow the expected dress code

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    16 of 20

    Female guests of the couple better not leave home without this…

    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!
  •  Getty Images
    17 of 20

    The couple will likely have two receptions, and two cakes

    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!
  •  Getty Images
    18 of 20

    Meghan’s royal in-laws will be footing the bill

    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!
  •  Getty Images
    19 of 20

    The wedding venue must be traditional

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    20 of 20

    Once married, Meghan must not get involved in politics

    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.
  • start over
    Next Gallery

    52 Celebrity Couples Who Called it Quits Recently

    More Galleries

Latest Love Photos

More Galleries