Harry and Meghan's official wedding portraits have been released and they are nothing short of perfect! The photo of the newlyweds below was taken on the steps of the East Terrace of Windsor Castle. I think you'll agree it's absolutely breathtaking - the epitome of romance and joy - depicting two people in love. The couple selected well-known fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski, who took their engagement portraits, to take the photos and he did an outstanding job.
Harry and Meghan with a very happy looking bridal party (I imagine the photographer asked them to say "cheese" moments before this was taken). In the back row: Brian Mulroney, Remi Litt, Rylan Litt, Jasper Dyer, Prince George, Ivy Mulroney and John Mulroney. In the front row it's Zalie Warren, Princess Charlotte and Florence van Cutsem.
The Palace said:
A delightful image of Harry and Meghan with the Queen, Prince Philip, Doria Ragland, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Cambridges and the page boys and bridesmaids. The white, green and black colour scheme works wonderfully against the backdrop of the room.
In 1992 the fire at Windsor Castle severely damaged the Semi-State Rooms, including the Green Drawing Room. By good fortune however, the contents of the rooms had been removed at the time. Each room was subsequently restored to its nineteenth-century appearance using the original designs supplied to George IV. This watercolour shows the Green Drawing Room after restoration.
The Green Drawing Room in 1848.
In recent times, the Queen's official 90th birthday portrait with her two youngest grandchildren and five great-grandchildren was shot by Annie Leibovitz in the Green Drawing Room.
Alexi Lubomirski described the commission as an "honour":
It's been quite a journey for the pair from the newly engaged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to TRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Royal Wedding Updates
We also have several royal wedding updates to share. For those wondering what happened to Meghan's bouquet - it was sent to Westminster Abbey and place on the grave of the Unknown Warrior. This is a tradition which was begun by HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, at her marriage to King George VI in memory of her brother Fergus who was killed in 1915 at the Battle of Loos during the First World War. The bouquet was designed by florist Philippa Craddock and comprises sweet pea forget-me-not, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine, astrantia and myrtle. The Warrior’s Grave stands as a remarkable tribute both to the fallen of the First World War and to all those who have died since in international military conflict. In 1920, the Reverend David Railton, a First World War army padre, suggested that an unknown soldier from the battlefield should be brought back to Britain for burial as a representative for all who had died. The grave remains a focus for pilgrimage and a powerful symbol, known across the world, of the sacrifice, suffering and bravery brought by war. It is the only grave or memorial in the Abbey which is never walked over.
The couple sent the majority of the flowers from St George's Chapel to St Joseph's Hospice in London. Hello! reports "The Hackney-based health care facility took to their Facebook page on Sunday to share pictures of their "very special delivery". St Joseph's wrote in the caption: "A big thank you to Harry and Meghan and florist Philippa Craddock. Our hospice smells and looks gorgeous. Such a lovely gesture."
It was a treat to see sketches of Meghan's gown and to hear from designer Clare Waight Keller on the creative process.
The Telegraph reports:
Meanwhile, Stella McCartney described Meghan choosing her design for the evening reception as "the most humbling moment" of her career. “I am so proud and honored to have been chosen by the Duchess of Sussex to make her evening gown and represent British design,” McCartney told Women’s Wear Daily in an interview published Sunday. It has truly been one of the most humbling moments of my career, and I am so proud of all the team on this stunning royal day.”
Meghan's hairstylist Serge Normant revealed it took just 45 minutes to style Meghan's hair for the wedding. More from the Mail Online:
The Telegraph revealed details from inside the Frogmore House reception:
The Mirror reports George Clooney danced with both the bride and the Duchess of Cambridge. Meghan gave a speech thanking the royal family for welcoming her in with a special mention to Prince Charles. She reportedly concluded with "I have found my Prince".
A fantastic time-lapse video from the BBC.
Shortly after the wedding, The Duchess of Sussex page went live on the royal website. The background information focuses on Meghan's charitable work to date.
Meghan has been officially added to the social media pages covering the Kensington Palace royals.
Meghan plans to fight for women's rights and throw herself into her new role.
Hannah Furness elaborated on what we can expect from the Duchess during her "incredibly busy" first year:
I'm very excited to see the remainder of the year unfold.
Tomorrow, Harry and Meghan will attend the Prince of Wales' 70th birthday patronage celebration in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.
Harry and Meghan with a very happy looking bridal party (I imagine the photographer asked them to say "cheese" moments before this was taken). In the back row: Brian Mulroney, Remi Litt, Rylan Litt, Jasper Dyer, Prince George, Ivy Mulroney and John Mulroney. In the front row it's Zalie Warren, Princess Charlotte and Florence van Cutsem.
The Palace said:
'The images were taken by photographer Alexi Lubomirski in The Green Drawing Room of Windsor Castle, following the carriage procession. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would like to thank everyone who took part in the celebrations of their wedding on Saturday. They feel so lucky to have been able to share their day with all those gathered in Windsor and also all those who watched the wedding on television across the UK, Commonwealth, and around the world. Their Royal Highnesses are delighted with these official portraits taken by Alexi Lubomirski and are happy to be able to share them today. They would also like to say thank you for all of the generous messages of support they have received.'
A delightful image of Harry and Meghan with the Queen, Prince Philip, Doria Ragland, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Cambridges and the page boys and bridesmaids. The white, green and black colour scheme works wonderfully against the backdrop of the room.
In 1992 the fire at Windsor Castle severely damaged the Semi-State Rooms, including the Green Drawing Room. By good fortune however, the contents of the rooms had been removed at the time. Each room was subsequently restored to its nineteenth-century appearance using the original designs supplied to George IV. This watercolour shows the Green Drawing Room after restoration.
The Green Drawing Room in 1848.
In recent times, the Queen's official 90th birthday portrait with her two youngest grandchildren and five great-grandchildren was shot by Annie Leibovitz in the Green Drawing Room.
Alexi Lubomirski described the commission as an "honour":
“It has been an incredible honour and privilege to document The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's inspiring journey of love, hope and family; from the engagement photos, all the way through to the official wedding and family portraits on Saturday. This has been a beautiful chapter in my career and life, that I will happily never forget."
It's been quite a journey for the pair from the newly engaged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to TRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Following the release of the photos, the Duke and Duchess were photographed arriving back at Kensington Palace. You can view more at the Daily Mirror.
The couple sent the majority of the flowers from St George's Chapel to St Joseph's Hospice in London. Hello! reports "The Hackney-based health care facility took to their Facebook page on Sunday to share pictures of their "very special delivery". St Joseph's wrote in the caption: "A big thank you to Harry and Meghan and florist Philippa Craddock. Our hospice smells and looks gorgeous. Such a lovely gesture."
It was a treat to see sketches of Meghan's gown and to hear from designer Clare Waight Keller on the creative process.
The Telegraph reports:
'Birmingham-born Clare Waight Keller - the first female Artistic Director at French fashion house Givenchy - revealed the new Duke of Sussex spoke to her after the ceremony in St George's Chapel, Windsor, on Sunday. "He came straight up to me and he said 'oh my God, thank you, she looks absolutely stunning'," she said. "So I think for the both of them, they were just radiant at that time," she said. The designer added: "Well I think everybody saw on television - he was absolutely in awe, I think. She looked just incredible and it showed."
Ms Waight Keller also revealed she was told by the Duchess in early January that she was the chosen designer. She said: "It was an extraordinary moment when she told me. Of course it's an incredible thing to be part of such a historic moment." Ms Waight Keller said the process was collaborative, adding: "I think she had very much seen my work and knew what I did.
"I think she loved the fact that I was a British designer, and working in a house such as Givenchy which has its roots in a very classical, beautiful style. Ms Waight Keller said over time they quickly got to a point where the Duchess felt she knew exactly what she wanted after various meetings and trials.
This meant that the designer got to know her, and she said of the new Duchess of Sussex: "She's exactly what you see on TV. She's just so genuine and warm and radiant. She's just glowing. "She's a strong woman. She knows what she wants, and it was really an absolute joy working with her."
Meanwhile, Stella McCartney described Meghan choosing her design for the evening reception as "the most humbling moment" of her career. “I am so proud and honored to have been chosen by the Duchess of Sussex to make her evening gown and represent British design,” McCartney told Women’s Wear Daily in an interview published Sunday. It has truly been one of the most humbling moments of my career, and I am so proud of all the team on this stunning royal day.”
Meghan's hairstylist Serge Normant revealed it took just 45 minutes to style Meghan's hair for the wedding. More from the Mail Online:
'Describing how long it took him to style Meghan's hair, the French-born hair stylist, 52, explained: 'You know not that long, believe it or not. 'We had to blow dry it from wet, I would say 45 minutes to an hour. Then they did the make-up and then you fiddle around with it a little bit. But it's not that long.'I always tend to try and go as fast as I can at these events. Nobody wants to sit around.'
The hairdresser described the look as a 'messy bun', a style that Meghan has frequently sported in the past. 'It's a messy bun, we call it. Messy in a controlled way,' he said. 'Making sure it doesn't become a whole mess after a few hours! I don't overload the hair with products in general and certainly not on this day.'
The Telegraph revealed details from inside the Frogmore House reception:
'The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex partied into the small hours after their wedding ceremony with fireworks, a playlist of soul classics and a DJ slot from Idris Elba, the Telegraph can reveal. The newlyweds, who had woken that morning as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are said to have eschewed a slow first dance for livelier tunes, from 1960s R&B to the dance hits of the 1980s.
They are said to have chosen "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" as an opening number, with guests treated to a sit-down dinner after a long day in front of the cameras at Windsor Castle. James Corden, one of the guests, was reported to have acted as compere for the evening, with a “surprise” some speculated may have seen Harry Styles, the former One Direction singer, perform after he was spotted in the area the next morning.
Late into the evening, a dramatic firework display was seen over the house, with guests finally leaving around 2am to go back to their hotels or nearby. Older guests, including the Prince of Wales, Earl and Countess of Wessex, Duke of York and Doria Ragland, the bride’s mother, were able to retire earlier if they wished.
Speeches, including from Meghan herself, were also expected at the evening reception where the couple were to take their first dance. The bride, now a fully-fledged Duchess, sweetly complimented her new husband and expressing her joy at being welcomed into his family. The Prince reportedly earlier moved some guests to tears when he described his new bride as having "navigated everything with such grace", adding: "We make such a great team."
The groom and his brother, best man the Duke of Cambridge, made moving references to their late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, who Prince Harry has previously said would have adored his new wife. Charlie van Straubenzee, a friend of the family, is reported to have joined the best man in teasing the groom mercilessly.'
The Mirror reports George Clooney danced with both the bride and the Duchess of Cambridge. Meghan gave a speech thanking the royal family for welcoming her in with a special mention to Prince Charles. She reportedly concluded with "I have found my Prince".
A fantastic time-lapse video from the BBC.
From the @BBC: The #RoyalWedding in 43 seconds ⏱— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 21, 2018
Thank you to the members of the public that came to join the celebrations at Windsor Castle! pic.twitter.com/80uuGu6DXE
The Duchess of Sussex
'The Duchess of Sussex, born Meghan Markle, married Prince Harry at St George's Chapel, Windsor in May 2018. The couple's official residence is Kensington Palace. As well as undertaking royal duties in support of The Queen, both in the UK and overseas, The Duchess devotes her time to supporting a number of charities and organisations.
From a young age, The Duchess had a keen awareness of social issues and actively participated in charitable work. Aged 11 she successfully campaigned for a company to alter their television advert that had used sexist language to sell washing-up liquid. Her Royal Highness also volunteered at a soup kitchen in Skid Row, Los Angeles from the age of 13-17. She continued to volunteer at the soup kitchen when she would return home to Los Angeles until the age of 22.
These early experiences helped to shape her lifelong commitment to causes such as social justice and women's empowerment.
While filming in Toronto, The Duchess actively volunteered at a Canadian soup kitchen from 2011-2013. She also established the program at her place of work to ensure that leftover meals from the set were donated to local homeless shelters.'
Meghan has been officially added to the social media pages covering the Kensington Palace royals.
Meghan plans to fight for women's rights and throw herself into her new role.
'The newlywed Duchess of Sussex has been given the blessing of the palace to use her position to fight for feminism, as she plans her life as the newest member of the Royal family. The Duchess, known as Meghan Markle until her wedding to Prince Harry on Saturday, is expected to announce which charities and campaigns she will support when she returns from honeymoon in the coming weeks.
The Duchess will immediately join her new husband, and in-laws the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at their Royal Foundation. The prominent inclusion of such causes on the official Royal Family website indicates the direction the new Duchess plans to take with her charitable endeavors.
A source said: "As you will have seen with this generation of the Royal family, and in particular their Royal Foundation, they have a very modern and exciting outlook about how they are going to approach their philanthropic and charitable work. Meghan is going to be a brilliant addition."
The Duchess has been working behind-the-scenes for months to create a blueprint for her focus as a working member of the Royal family, which could also involve her promoting the work of the Diana Award for youngsters who champion social change. She told guests at her wedding reception, including the chief executive of the Diana Award, that she would “love” to get involved in their campaign work, saying: “That’s why I am here, bring it on.”
They are expected to slip away on honeymoon privately later this month, before returning to a full schedule of overseas tours, including trips to the Netherlands and Australia, and charity work closer to home. The Duke, who appeared emotional throughout the wedding ceremony, paid moving tribute to his wife at their reception, praising her “grace” and telling her: "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."
I'm very excited to see the remainder of the year unfold.
Tomorrow, Harry and Meghan will attend the Prince of Wales' 70th birthday patronage celebration in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.