A week ago, Kensington Palace unveiled the official invitations for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding on May 19. The fancy cards noticeably feature elegant calligraphy and the Prince of Wales' three-feathered badge in gold ink, but at a closer look, they also include a small allusion to Markle's previous marriage. (As Meghan's fans are well aware, the former actress was previously married to film producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013.)
In the text, the Suits star is referenced as "Ms. Meghan Markle." But for Kate Middleton and Prince William's invites in 2011, the bride-to-be was referred to as "Miss. Catherine Middleton." That's because brides are only titled "Miss" for their first marriage, and receive the title "Mrs." or "Ms." if it's their second marriage," Ruth Baxter, bespoke stationery manager for royal stationery brand Smythson, told Town & Country.
Though it's uncommon for a divorcée to marry into the royal family, the fact that Markle's previous marriage was publicly (albeit subtly) recognized in the formal invitations is sign that the monarchy is modernizing.
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)
A photo posted by on
"The wording referring to Meghan on the wedding invitations is a first but this is a unique wedding," royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Independent. "Ms. is the correct way to refer to a divorced woman before either her birth name or married name."
In addition to being a previously married, Markle is biracial, an American actress, and a vocal activist—she's changing what it means to be a royal in more ways than one.
"The use of Ms. is a contemporary way of avoiding using Mrs. or Miss. and I think it's certain that this is also something Meghan would have approved of," Fitzwilliams added. "This is another sign of the royal family moving with the times."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Erica Gonzales is the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. There is a 75 percent chance she's listening to Lorde right now.
-
Prince William Likely Feels "Guilty" for Not "Protecting" Princess Kate Amid Royal Drama, Expert Claims
Jennie Bond says William wants to avoid repeating history.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
I Work Out 5 Days a Week—These Are the Brands I Wear on Repeat
Sponsor Content Created With Nordstrom
By Emma Walsh Published
-
Princess Kate Will Be "Ready to Talk" About Her Absence When She Gets Back to Work, Source Claims
The Palace has released very few details about her illness and recovery.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
If You Want to Buy Jellies and Jams, Napkin Rings, and Recipe Books from Meghan Markle, You're In Luck
Here’s what we know about Meghan’s new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard—including the poignant reason why she likely chose to hard launch it yesterday.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Despite Being 5,000 Miles Apart, Prince William and Prince Harry Still Couldn’t Bear to Attend an Event at the Same Time—Even One That Honored Their Mother Princess Diana
Their separate appearances at the Diana Awards were carefully timed so that William, onsite in London, had zero opportunity to interact with Harry, calling in from California.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Would Have Been "Annihilated" Over William and Kate Photo "Mistake," Source Says
She's a perfectionist.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
‘Deal or No Deal’ Host Howie Mandel Admits, for the Life of Him, He Can’t Remember Meghan Markle or This Fellow A-Lister Being on the Show
For her part, Meghan will tell you it wasn't her favorite gig.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Have a "Golden Opportunity" to Reconcile With the Royals Amid Wales Drama, Publicist Says
They're sadly used to dealing with negative press.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
If Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Were Still Working Royals, They’d Basically Be Leading the Show Right Now
“They desperately need him, and nobody could have foreseen the set of circumstances that would expose that so dramatically.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Harry Made the Effort to See Older Brother Prince William While in the U.K. Last Month, But William Apparently Wasn’t Interested
“It isn’t normal. It’s terribly sad.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Princess Kate Wants "Nothing to Do" With Prince Harry Amid Surgery Recovery, Expert Claims
:(
By Iris Goldsztajn Published