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Kate Middleton and her husband, Prince William, married on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey. From the marriage, Middleton assumed the title “Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge.” This year marks the couple’s 13th wedding anniversary as it remains one of the most iconic and highly publicized ceremonies throughout British history.
In honor of her husband, she upheld many common British traditions, including a bouquet including myrtle, which was reintroduced in 16th century England.
Kate Breaks Tradition
There were, however, some traditions that she upheld to honor her American heritage. Kate decided to include a Maid of Honor, which was her sister Pippa Middleton. But this tradition, typical of American weddings, was not repeated by Meghan Markle in 2018.
Wedding expert Lavinia Stewart-Brown told Express.co.uk that having a Maid of Honor was viewed as more of an American tradition. Typically, as is common with the Royal Family, bridesmaids are usually all children and all of them are viewed equally.
“It’s becoming more and more popular to stray from traditional wedding conventions, with a number of couples choosing to break the rules to make their big day their own,” Stewart-Brown said. “The Princess of Wales, for example, chose to break royal convention by introducing an American tradition by having her sister, Pippa Middleton, as her maid of honor.”
Meghan Doesn’t Follow
British weddings have slowly introduced Maid of Honors in the past decade or so, though Stewart-Brown credits Middleton as the trendsetter for such a revolution. Despite Meghan Markle being born in California, she did not have a singular Maid of Honor and instead kept in line with British traditions by introducing all-child bridesmaids.
That isn’t to say Markle didn’t break tradition in some ways. It’s common for the father of the bride and the best man to deliver speeches, but Markle felt compelled to address friends and family herself. This wedding speech featured in Netflix’s Harry & Meghan documentary series.
“I appreciate, respect and honour you, my treasure, for the family we will create. And our love story that will last forever. So I ask you to raise a glass to the astounding assurance that now life begins. And the everlasting knowing that, above all, love wins.”
