Our Favourite Moments From The Royal Wedding

Windsor is one of our favourite places to explore. Steeped with British history, a base for the Coldstream Guards, a weekly changing of the guard, incredible shops and the mighty fine Windsor Castle – it was the perfect choice for the wedding of Harry and Meghan. Grand enough to make an impression on the world, yet devoid of too much pomp, just like our favourite royal couple.

As soon as we heard that Philippa Craddock had been appointed to do the flowers, we knew it would be truly spectacular. We’ve been a big fan of Philippa’s for some time, and she took our breath away with the stunning church displays both inside and outside St George’s chapel.

However, there was so much more to the flowers than we first realised. Philippa used locally sourced foliage, all taken from the gardens of the Crown Estate and Windsor Great Park. The self-taught florist made a point to use flowers and plants that are in season, including white garden roses, foxgloves, peonies, beech and birch. All florals were chosen particularly for their pollinator-friendly properties. Aisles, pews, tables and halls were lined with plants from wildflower meadows, picked to “provide a great habitat for bees”.

Meghan’s bouquet included flowers handpicked by Harry from their private garden in Kensington Palace. Full of stunning blooms such as scented sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine, astrantia and sprigs of myrtle – the most touching aspect of the bouquet was the inclusion of forget-me-knots – Princess Diana’s favourite flower.

Following royal tradition, Meghan’s bouquet was placed on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey on Sunday. The tradition dates back nearly a century, starting with Queen Elizabeth’s mother, when she married the future King George VI in 1923.

It has been reported this morning that all the flowers used have been crafted into hand-tied bouquets and delivered to a hospice in Hackney. 

Where we do begin. Both SO perfect. Both so relevant. Both so well considered.

We’ve heard a few grumbles that Meghan’s Givenchy dress by Claire Waight Keller wasn’t ‘wow enough’. We couldn’t disagree more. It was so beautifully cut and so appropriate for the occasion. When their engagement was announced, we were slightly worried that her dress could be a bit ‘Hollywood’ – showy and flashy and not very ‘British’, but Meghan proved that she is both aware and grounded, and chose the perfect dress for the moment. She looked so effortlessly elegant and stylish with her natural beauty beaming through (hello freckles). It certainly wasn’t a coincidence that she chose a fashion house with its first female creative director at the helm…

Meghan's 16ft silk tulle veil gave us all the ‘wow’ factor we needed. With 53 flowers from each Commonwealth country hand stitched in, it’s rumoured that this concept came from Meghan herself, hinting at her dedication to her role ahead as a young Royal. And don’t get us started on that magical moment where Harry lifted her veil…

Meghan’s evening reception dress by Stella McCartney was another inspired choice. Effortlessly elegant, yet incredibly stylish and just sexy enough. The way the beautiful lily-white silk crepe hung was inspiring, and the high neck and low back was everything we could have hoped for. Accessorised with Princess Diana’s aquamarine ring, it was enough to bring tears to our eyes!

Although we would have loved to have seen a Maid of Honour to help Meghan navigate her veil and train, we were transfixed by the glorious troop of bridesmaids and page boys. Dressed to perfection in traditional outfits, we love that Harry and Meghan had a mix of royals and friend’s children.

Princess Charlotte showed how she is blossoming into a beautiful little girl, full of cheek and character.

The week leading up the wedding was clearly an emotional rollercoaster for Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland. With world press reporting on the every move of their extended family, no bride and mother of the bride should have to deal with that before such a special day. Sitting in the ceremony on her own, Doria’s grace and dignity was inspiring. Full of pride for her daughter, her emotions were a clear sign of an unbreakable mother-daughter bond and it filled our hearts with joy! Meghan credits Doria with instilling her social conscience and interest in charity work – taking her to visit disadvantaged children in Rwanda, see the slums of Jamaica and experience poverty in Mexico when she was just ten.

We all rejoiced when we saw William and Kate embrace at the 2012 Olympics. It was such a treat to see our favourite Royal Couple show some emotion together. So when we saw Harry and Meghan’s engagement interview we knew we were in for a real treat when it comes to PDA’s.

It was impossible to miss the fact that they held hands throughout the entire ceremony and Harry’s message to Meghan as she arrived at the altar will go down in history “You look amazing. I’m so lucky. I love you.”

Good on this loved up couple for ignoring a dated royal tradition of not showing love and affection towards one another.

Strong, dignified and elegant – Meghan’s entrance was everything. We’re all painfully aware of the antics of her father in the run up to the wedding, it would be enough to tip any bride over the edge, let alone one who was marrying into one of the most famous families in the world, with billions watching. Meghan literally took it in her stride, walking down the aisle with poise and elegance – a vision of confidence and strength – a very strong message to the world and her father! 

We were touched to hear that the Prince of Wales would greet her and walk her down the last few moments to her very own Prince. It showed a real bond and true acceptance. Harry’s ‘Thanks Pa” meant we needed that tissue box in close proximity.

Despite Bishop Michael Curry getting a bit lost in his own message “we gotta get you married” – the underlying message was powerful and emotional. “We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love. And when we do that, we will be able to make of this old world a new world. Love is the only way.” It was rousing and moving and most definitely entertaining. Did anyone else spend all afternoon watching gifs of the Royals’ reactions?! Yes, Camilla and Kate – you were caught on camera!

We love her. She represents a breath of fresh air to our Royal Family. She’s elegant, dignified and approachable. She stands for her beliefs, but doesn’t force them upon you. This wedding was the perfect example of this – references to things that are important to her, from the gospel choir to the tiny details. Everything was so perfectly considered.

You then take into account how blissfully happy she looked. A ridiculously overwhelming situation, she stood there and smiled her million-dollar smile throughout as if her and Harry were the only ones in the room.

For us, this is one of our favourite Royal Weddings thanks to the sheer levels of glamour. Harry’s American actress didn’t disappoint with her Hollywood A-list guest list, and he did pretty well with his list of British A-list and Royals. The outfits were sublime (cue Amal Clooney and Lady Kitty Spencer, well done Stella and Dolce & Gabbana).

Add this to the fact that no one throws an official occasion quite like us Brits, it was a feast for the eyes! From the precision of the military, to the thousands of union jacks, to the perfect sunshine and blue sky and perfectly manicured grounds…. Yes. Just Yes.