Royal weddings have kept many traditions throughout the years—the tiara, the flowers, the cake, the father walking the bride down the aisle, the kiss—and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding is no exception. But there's something eerily striking between Princess Diana and Meghan Markle's wedding day pictures. Diana's wedding, of course, took place 37 years ago in 1981, but witnessing her daughter-in-law go through the same motions as Diana did when she married Prince Charles is heartbreaking yet bittersweet.
Below, a side-by-side comparison of the late Princess and her newest daughter-in-law on their wedding days.
Meghan wore a classic boatneck dress created by British designer Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. The French fashion house called it, via Twitter, a "Haute Couture wedding gown." Meghan's clean cut look was dramatically different than Princess Diana's extravagantly voluminous dress, though both featured high necklines covering their shoulders, with simple fabric—unlike Kate Middleton's, which was covered in lace. Both also had incredible trains. Diana's was attached to her dress, and Meghan used her veil to make a dramatic statement.
According to MarieClaire.com's exclusive royal wedding correspondent, Caroline Castigliano, "The veil is five meters long and made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza. In addition to the flora of the Commonwealth, Meghan also selected two personal favorites: Wintersweet, which grows in the grounds of Kensington Palace in front of Nottingham Cottage, and the California Poppy the State flower of California. Symmetrically placed at the very front of the veil, crops of wheat are delicately embroidered and blend into the flora, to symbolize love and charity."
The piece was also designed by Keller and it was held in place by Queen Mary's Diamond Bandeau Tiara, lent to Meghan by The Queen.
Princess Diana's wedding day look:
Meghan's wedding day look:
Follow along here as we report on the royal wedding in real-time—from the dress to the tiara to Harry and Meghan's most adorable moments
RELATED STORIES
-
Selena Gomez Has a New Style Hyper-FixationThe Rare Beauty mogul won't stop wearing this classic dress style.
-
Hailey Bieber Styles the Barn Jacket Trend the Most Hailey Bieber WayNothing comes between the Rhode Beauty founder and this divisive styling choice.
-
Does TikTok's Favorite Hair Growth Serum Actually Make Hair Fall Out?Dermatologists weigh in on the controversy.
-
Meghan Markle Says Wearing a Cap and Keeping Her Head Down While Sneaking Around New York in 2019 Was a "Really Big Deal"“I was still so uncomfortable being out in the world."
-
Prince Harry Kept U.K. Trip Secret to Avoid Distracting from His Uncle's Funeral"Many people close to the family were totally unaware."
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry "Invited" to Spend Christmas With Princess Diana's FamilyDiana's brother has reportedly extended an invitation to the Sussexes and their children.
-
Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey Made a Surprise Appearance at a Bookstore Near Their California HomesJust some casual neighborly bonding.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Neighbors Reveal Rare Details About Their Life in CaliforniaPicture Harry, like every other dad in America doing school drop-off—except with a security detail following him in a Range Rover.
-
Princess Diana Had a "Very Naughty" Sense of Humor and Loved TV Show 'Dynasty'"She always had plastic vomit or plastic dog poop in her bag to place on people’s seats."
-
Why Queen Elizabeth Once Called a Photographer "One Horrible Little Man""At that very moment, I wished there was a big hole I could disappear into."
-
Princess Kate Is "Slowly Preparing" Prince George to Be the Future KingThe Princess of Wales doesn't want him to be "weighed down with responsibility."
