Within the last several years, we’ve been lucky enough to experience two weddings of the British royal family. Kate Middleton and Prince William said “I do” in 2011. Then Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became husband and wife in 2018. The weddings celebrating their unions had some key similarities but overall were quite different. After all, William and Kate will likely become King and Queen Consort one day, while Harry and Meghan have a less “royally traditional” relationship. Here are some differences you may have missed between the two lavish weddings. Did any of these differences give a clue that Harry and Meghan might step away from their official duties as royals? You decide.
It’s hard to fathom the amount of pressure on Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle as they each walked down the aisle on their big days with the entire world watching. The Duchess of Cambridge was accompanied by her father, Michael Middleton, on her big day.
Unfortunately, the Duchess of Sussex’s father was experiencing health issues during the month of her wedding date, preventing him from traveling to London for the big event. Meghan walked down the aisle solo before being met by Prince Charles halfway.
Prince William and Kate’s wedding cake was made by Fiona Cairns and featured an incredible eight tiers. The couple selected fruitcake as their flavor and had a second cake made that was chocolate, for guests who didn’t like fruitcake, costing a total of $160,000.
Prince Harry and Meghan opted for a lemon sponge cake with elderflower syrup and Amalfi lemon curd for their big day. Made by Claire Ptak, the cake reportedly cost between $60,000 and $75,000.
Millions of viewers tuned in to witness the first kiss of the newlywed royal couples. Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge had their first kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the wedding ceremony at Westminister Abbey.
Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex displayed their first wedded kiss right outside of St. George’s Chapel following the wedding ceremony. Both couples beamed with happiness as the crowds cheered them on
Star soccer player David Beckham and his wife, fashion designer and former pop star Victoria Beckham, attended both royal weddings. David wore a grey morning suit and top hat for Prince William and Kate’s wedding while Victoria wore a sleek navy dress and hat. For Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding, the couple wore similar colors with David sporting a close haircut and beard instead of a top hat. The famous couple reportedly donated their outfits from the wedding to raise money for charity.
