Reflections on Harry and Meghan's Royal Wedding: Upholding Tradition or Blazing a New Path?

In the aftermath of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, there has been much discussion and debate over whether their choices were in line with established royal customs. Some have criticized them for breaking traditional norms, while others defend their decisions as evidence of a modern and inclusive royal family. This article delves into the specific customs in question and offers a balanced perspective.

Was it Time for a Few Custom Traditions to Be Broken, or Was it Ill-Advised?

One of the most discussed aspects of the couple's wedding was the choice of May as the wedding month, a rarity in the annals of British royal weddings. The decision to hold their wedding in May was made for practical reasons; the ceremony took place indoors in Windsor Castle, protecting the newlyweds from the unpredictable British May weather. This choice aligns with other royal weddings that have been held in May, such as Prince Charles and Princess Diana's 1981 nuptials in St. George's Chapel, Windsor.

Unique Choices and Criticisms

Let's break down the "crimes" that some have leveled against Prince Harry and Meghan:

Marriage in May

While some might question the choice of May, royal weddings are often held indoors to avoid the weather, as the Trooping of the Colour, a ceremonial parade, is exclusively held in June due to the outdoor setting. It's noteworthy that almost all early 20th-century royal weddings were held in May, emphasizing the flexibility and seasonal appropriateness of the month.

Choosing a Saturday

Competing the marriage took place on a Saturday, which some have criticized as unusual, as most royal weddings occur on weekdays. However, Harry and Meghan's wedding was a private family event, and the specific day was chosen for the intimates and close family members to attend. William and Catherine's wedding in 2011 also took place on a Saturday, further demonstrating flexible choices within the royal family.

Hand Holding During Ceremony

The couple's physical gestures during the ceremony, such as hand holding, were met with surprise and often judgment. In reality, William and Catherine were also photographed holding hands during their 2011 wedding, showing that this is a normal and cherished moment between partners. Furthermore, the Queen and Prince Philip were even captured sharing a kiss, presenting a stark contrast to the rigid critiques leveled at Harry and Meghan.

No Balcony Kiss

The absence of a balcony kiss has been criticized, but it's been pointed out that the couple opted for a kiss outside the chapel steps, a more traditional and meaningful gesture. The balcony kiss, a staple of royal ceremonies, was actually initiated by Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981, which was initially seen as an audacious break from convention.

Hotels vs. Family Homes

Another notable choice was that both the bride and groom stayed in hotels rather than at family homes. While this was unusual, Prince William and Kate Middleton chose to stay in a hotel for their 2011 wedding, as it provided more space for guests and catered to the needs of a large wedding party. Similarly, the logistics of hosting a large gathering often necessitate the use of hotels, highlighting practical considerations over strict tradition.

No Traditional Weddings Cake

The decision to forgo a traditional fruitcake in favor of a different flavor or design was solely a matter of personal preference. Prince William and Catherine chose a chocolate and strawberry cake for their wedding, and Princess Eugenie opted for a red velvet and chocolate cake, further proving that tradition is not strictly enforced.

Including Non-Royal Children in Wedding Party

The inclusion of non-royal children in the wedding party was seen as unusual. However, William and Catherine's 2011 wedding also included a non-royal child, and the choice of children to be part of the wedding party reflects the couple's personal relationships and values, akin to how most couples would choose friends and family members to be part of their special day.

Brides' Father Walking the Bride

One of the most contentious issues was the bride walking down the aisle alone as her father did not attend the wedding due to health reasons. Alternative arrangements were made, with Harry and Meghan walking together under the guidance of the Prince of Wales, who welcomed the bride into his family. This solution was a testament to the couple's resilience and to the flexibility within royal weddings.

Guest List of Celebrities

Inviting celebrities, many of whom were acquaintances and friends, was another point of contention. The monarch and royal family members often invite friends and acquaintances, as do many couples on their wedding day. This choice underscores the modern and inclusive nature of Prince Harry and Meghan's union.

No Wedding Ring for Harry

Lastly, Harry's choice to wear a wedding band set a precedent, but for good reason. Whether wearing a ring or not is a personal decision that has no bearing on royal custom. This choice highlights the unique and flexible nature of modern royal unions.

Ultimately, Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding demonstrated a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting their individual choices and values. As Prince Harry and Meghan stepped into a more modern and inclusive royal family, they were able to make choices that resonated with them personally, while still maintaining a connection to the rich tapestry of royal tradition.

Despite the criticisms, their wedding was a beautiful and harmonious event that celebrated their love and future together, with elements that were both modern and respectful of royal customs.

Key Takeaways and Reflection

Practical Reasons: Many of the so-called "custom breaking" aspects of the wedding were based on practical considerations, such as weather, personal preference, and family dynamics. Inclusivity: The choices made by Prince Harry and Meghan reflected a desire to be inclusive and reflect their modern values, drawing from both royal and personal traditions. Flexibility: The couple was granted more flexibility due to the nature of their wedding as a private family event, allowing them to make choices that felt true to their relationship and preferences.

Related Articles and Resources

For further reading on royal weddings and traditions, consider the following articles: Historical Royal Weddings: Modern Royal Weddings: Insider Views on Royal Weddings: