Meghan and Harry's subtle tributes to Princess Diana on their royal wedding day

(Image credit: Tim Graham/Getty Images)

Over the weekend, the world watched in amazement at the wedding of the year - as the stunning Meghan Markle and Prince Harry said their vows in front of the Nation.

Of course, one key person was missing though – Harry’s beloved mother, Princess Diana.

However, the couple were keen to ensure that she wasn't forgotten, with three of her siblings invited – and her sister Jane, giving a poignant reading in Diana’s absence.

In a previous statement, the palace revealed, 'In addition to having the support of The Queen, his father The Prince of Wales, and his brother Prince William as Best Man, Prince Harry is also keen to involve his mother’s family in his wedding.'

MORE: The significance behind Meghan's wedding dress

And that's not the only way Diana's memory was marked on the day. The newest member of the family, Meghan Markle - now the Duchess of Sussex - paid a poignant tribute to her late mother-in-law, with her choice of her 'something blue'.

At around 7pm on their big day, the new Duke and Duchess departed Windsor Castle for their evening reception at Frogmore House. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Meghan was also wearing a rather large ring on her right hand, pairing it with her stunning Stella McCartney gown.

And it turns out, the giant, aquamarine ring actually belonged to the late Princess of Wales.

Reportedly, the ring was a gift from Prince Harry, who, along with William, was given possession of Diana's private jewellery collection when she died.

Princess Diana often wore the ring out to events - and it seems Meghan was keen to remember the mother-in-law she never met, as she and Harry continued their wedding celebrations into the night.

But there were also many more touching tributes to the late Princess during the day, and the ceremony.

When guests walked into St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, they did so under an elaborate archway made up of Diana's favourite flowers. Adorning the organ loft and entry way were hundreds peonies and white garden roses as a stunning tribute to Harry's mother.

Reportedly, Prince Harry handpicked the flowers himself for Meghan's bouquet from Kensington Palace, including forget-me-nots, a preferred flower of Princess Diana.

The couple also included the hymn, Guide Me Oh Thy Great Redeemer, which was sung at Princess Diana's funeral in 1997.

More: Duchess of Cambridge looks radiant in first outing since birth of Prince Louis

To honour their mother's legacy, and her tireless charity work, the couple asked wedding guests to donate money to one of Diana's chosen charities - The Children's HIV Association - as well numerous other charities Diana was involved in.

Many Royal Wedding fans also think that the couple gave another gesture to the late Princess of Wales after a chair placed next to Prince William was left open. However, it has since been revealed that it's royal protocol for the seat in front of the Queen to always be left empty.

(Image credit: REX/Shutterstock)

On Sunday, the new husband and wife headed back to their home at Kensington Palace, after spending their wedding night at Windsor Castle.

We'll see Meghan and Harry once again as soon as Tuesday, when they attend Prince Charles' 70th birthday garden party, at Buckingham Palace.

Lauren Hughes

Lauren is the former Deputy Digital Editor at woman&home and became a journalist mainly because she enjoys being nosy. With a background in features journalism, Lauren worked on the woman&home brand for four years before going freelance. Before woman&home Lauren worked across a variety of women's lifestyle titles, including GoodTo, Woman's Own, and Woman magazine.