Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dresses Differ in One Key Detail
It’s a fashion risk one was able to take, while the other had to toe a more traditional line.
![Meghan Markle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A6tpUTPoo9jVP35Sav7Whj-415-80.jpg)
Just a couple of weeks ago, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge marked their eleventh wedding anniversary, and this week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary. For many royal watchers, one of the highlights of both days were Kate and Meghan’s choice in wedding dresses—Kate in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Meghan in Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. Both dresses were knockouts, and both inspired countless brides.
There’s no way you forgot this dress, but, just in case, a refresh: On April 29, 2011, the then Kate Middleton wore a lace-covered ivory gown with a corseted bodice—a gown inspired by classic Victorian styles, according to The Daily Express.
Meghan’s May 19, 2018, stunner was pure white with a looser fit and a bateau neckline, revealing part of the bride’s shoulders. Though many brides break this rule, traditionally for royal weddings, shoulders are covered inside the church, making Meghan’s gown more risqué than Kate’s. It’s a risk Meghan was able to take because she wasn’t marrying the heir to the throne; Kate had to adhere to all royal rules, says Harriet Castle of Public Desire, who spoke to the Express about both gowns.
“Both of their wedding dresses were stunning and really reflected both of their styles and positions in the family perfectly,” she says. “The neckline is one major differing point. Kate went for a v-neck, which kickstarted a trend among brides at the time. Her look overall was cleaner, whereas Meghan took more risks. Meghan’s boatneck design was seen as a bit more risqué for a royal wedding, but it suited her perfectly.”
And, though both wedding dresses remain two of the most popular of the modern era, it’s Meghan’s that is the most popular, according to research looking at global monthly Google searches for wedding dresses from 15 of the most popular royal weddings.
“Meghan’s wedding dress is officially the most searched for…with more Google searches than any other royal bride in the world,” the Express says. “Kate has the world’s second favorite royal wedding dress.”
And not to be totally outdone, despite her wedding taking place over 74 years ago, the Queen’s 1947 wedding dress ranks fifth, with over 7,700 searches on average per month. Princess Diana’s 1981 dress is the third most searched behind her daughters-in-law, with an average of 30,000 searches each month.
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.
Rachel Burchfield is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose primary interests are fashion and beauty, society and culture, and, most especially, the British Royal Family and other royal families around the world. She serves as Marie Claire’s Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor and has also contributed to publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, People, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and W, among others. Before taking on her current role with Marie Claire, Rachel served as its Weekend Editor and later Royals Editor. She is the cohost of Podcast Royal, a show that was named a top five royal podcast by The New York Times. A voracious reader and lover of books, Rachel also hosts I’d Rather Be Reading, which spotlights the best current nonfiction books hitting the market and interviews the authors of them. Rachel frequently appears as a media commentator, and she or her work has appeared on outlets like NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and more.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Critics Claim Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Tried to "Upstage" Prince George
"He wants to steal the thunder with his Invictus Games announcement."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Put “Her Own Neck On the Line” to Support Embattled Prince Harry at the ESPYs Earlier This Month
“She chose to be there for her husband.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle “Really Enjoyed Being Back In Front of the Camera” While Filming Her Forthcoming Netflix Cookery Show
“She was totally in her element.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
It’s Not In King Charles’ Nature to Upstage Daughter-in-Law Meghan Markle and Her Lifestyle Brand American Riviera Orchard with Competing Retail Products, Royal Commentator Says
Lest we forget the so-called “royal jam rivalries” earlier this year…
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle “Feels Very Much Under Siege” As She Prepares to Launch Her Lifestyle Brand American Riviera Orchard, Royal Author Says
“She thinks that anything and everything she does will be unfairly criticized.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are “Drowning Out the Outside Noise” Surrounding Harry’s ESPY Award Backlash
The Sussexes are “very used to the criticism, given everything that’s gone on over the last few years.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle Is Reportedly "Very Pleased" With American Riviera Orchard's "Strong Start"
The brand is already thriving, says a source.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Meghan Markle Is Apparently Planning a Summer of “Relaxation and Enjoyment” with Her Family Before a “Busy Autumn Coming Up”
The agenda sounds fantastic, actually.
By Rachel Burchfield Published