What did the Queen say about Meghan Markle's wedding dress?

Queen Elizabeth’s Thoughts on Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress

When Meghan Markle walked down the aisle at St George’s Chapel in 2018, her sleek Givenchy gown was widely praised for its modern elegance. But behind palace doors, not everyone was entirely convinced. According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly found the dress’s bright white hue a bit too traditional—especially given the circumstances.

The Queen, known for her deep respect for royal customs, supposedly felt that such a starkly white dress was more suited to a first marriage rather than a union involving a divorcée. In her view, white has long carried connotations of purity and new beginnings, ideals that some in the royal circle believed should be approached with nuance in modern times—particularly for someone marrying for the second time.

Meghan, of course, embraced a contemporary style that reflected her personal taste, choosing minimalism over opulence. The dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller, was a far cry from the voluminous gowns of royal brides past. Yet for the Queen, whose own wedding dress was a symbol of post-war hope and tradition, the choice may have seemed at odds with protocol.

It’s worth noting that these insights come from Seward’s biography, drawing on long-standing court observations rather than direct quotes from the late monarch. Still, they offer a glimpse into the quiet tensions between tradition and change that have shaped the modern monarchy.

Ultimately, Meghan’s wedding was a moment of personal joy and public spectacle, blending old customs with new voices. And while the Queen may have had reservations about the dress, her commitment to duty meant she honored the occasion with grace—just as she did so many times before.