Why Meghan Markle’s wedding gown choice ‘surprised’ the Queen

The Duchess of Sussex wore a beautiful Givenchy dress by Clare Waight Keller on her wedding day

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex begins her carriage procession with Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex in the Ascot Landau Carriage after their wedding ceremony at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018
(Image credit: CHRIS JACKSON via Getty Images)

The Queen was surprised by Meghan Markle’s choice of wedding dress for her big day in 2018, according to reports.

Royal fans will remember that Harry and Meghan, now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were married almost three years ago at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, in a televised ceremony watched by millions around the world. 

They have since gone on to welcome their first child, Archie, who is almost two, and are expecting a daughter later this year. Time really does fly!

However, ahead of the big day, the Queen was reportedly surprised by Meghan Markle’s wedding dress choice. 

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and The Duchess of Sussex leave St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day in 2018

(Image credit: WPA Pool / Pool via Getty Images)

Why was the Queen surprised by Meghan Markle's choice of wedding dress?

According to the Daily Mail, the monarch “expressed surprise” that Meghan chose a white gown for her wedding day, as she had been married before. As she was a divorcée, the Queen may have expected the bride to wear another neutral color instead of the traditional white.

Meghan Markle's first marriage to producer Trevor Engelson in 2011 lasted two years after they tied the knot. The ex-couple dated for six years before their nuptials. 

For her wedding to Prince Harry the Duchess wore an elegant, white sleeved gown by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, later changing into a halterneck number by Stella McCartney for her evening reception.

While the color of the dress may have been a surprise initially, it clearly wasn't too much of an issue as the Queen is said to have the final say all royal wedding dresses.

We're sure you'll agree that the Duchess of Sussex looked stunning either way!

Lucy Abbersteen

Lucy is a UK-based beauty journalist who has written for the likes of Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, OK!, Women's Health and more, as well as contributing to woman&home. Her work covers everything from expert skin and haircare tips to the latest product launches and the show-stopping beauty looks spotted backstage at London Fashion Week. During her career she's interviewed some seriously famous faces, from Little Mix to Drag Race royalty The Vivienne, as well as chatting to the industry's leading hairdressers, dermatologists and make-up artists.