
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had quite the week—but it's ending in a happily ever moment, as they've now made their lifelong promises to each other at the altar in Windsor Castle. While they've been breaking a lot of royal wedding-day protocols, they did decide to exchange the traditional wedding vows, like Kate Middleton and Prince William did in 2011.
They started by saying their "I dos," or rather "I wills" before the sermon. And then they exchanged rings. Harry opted for a Welsh gold band for Meghan (keeping with tradition). And Harry will also wear a ring, which was not required of him. Harry's ring is a platinum band with a textured finish.
Like Kate, Meghan—who had been reportedly practicing her vows repeatedly so she wouldn't mess up—omitted the words "to obey." Princess Diana was the first to leave out those words when she married Prince Charles, and it was the biggest moment from their wedding.
But one thing we noticed was that Meghan was much louder than Kate during her portion of the vows. "Meghan was much more confident," says body language expert Patti Wood. "She was louder in her delivery from Kate. Kate was softer in hers, much more shy—but she was only doing it for William. Kate was making those vows to just to William."
Wood notes that Meghan was much more aware of the audience, which is why she held a tight lock on her eye contact with Harry throughout the exchanging of vows. She says Meghan needed Harry to continue to look at her throughout in order to keep calm and try to tune everyone else out. Meghan and Harry also, noticeably stood with their bodies facing one another, whereas Kate and Will were facing toward the archbishop.
She says facing one another during their vows is "a strong choice, but it's a choice to say what matters the most is we are making these vows to each other." It should be noted that because William will one day take the throne, he must follow more formal protocols, and not facing each other during the vows could be one of those.
When it comes to the brothers, Wood says William and Harry had very similar body language during their vows—they were both swaying back and forth, a sign of nervousness. Wood loves to see this movement because she says even though they are at this very formal, royal event, it shows they can still be vulnerable, and are very much in love.
"It really shows how important the events were to them. They felt a certain vulnerability in the presence of being wedded, and in the presence of their bride," Woods says. Watch both royal couples exchange vows, below, for comparison.
Meghan and Harry's Vows
Kate and Will's Vows
So, there you have it! Kate and Meghan were definitely very different when it came to the delivery of their vows, but Will and Harry were pretty similar—which makes sense, since they are brothers!
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.
I’m currently working at Dotdash Meredith as the Celeb & Entertainment E-Commerce Lead contributing affiliate content for People.com and InStyle.com. I’m basically like your personal shopper, from writing about that cozy loungewear set you didn’t know you needed to keeping tabs on the best sales and deals on the internet. I’m also a pro at finding affordable dupes for celebrity looks and I love to dig into the data to strategize content opportunities.
-
Supermodel Elsa Hosk Just Wore the Most Bananas Optical Illusion Dress in Cannes
I LOVE IT SO MUCH.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
I'm a Professional Shopper—Here's What's Worth Your Money from Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale
Thousands of items from Nordstrom's best-selling brands are on sale—think Madewell, Vince, Dolce Vita, and many more.
By Emma Childs
-
Kim Kardashian Admitted to Having an "Anxiety Attack" Over Kanye West Drama
This is awful.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Blames 'Daily Mirror' Publishers for Chelsy Davy Breakup in Court Documents
The court case began this week.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Tabloid Stories About Prince Harry Came From Members of the Royal Family, 'Daily Mirror' Publisher Claims
These claims could corroborate previous statements from Harry.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Hugged a Little Girl Who Burst Into Tears During Windsor Walkabout, And Told Her Mom to Get Her an Ice Cream
So cute!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Here's How Princess Kate Kept an Eye on Prince Louis During the Coronation, According to a Body Language Expert
Smart.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Louis Was Filmed Eating a S'more So Delicious It Literally Made Him "Weak at the Knees"
Oh, Louis.
By Iris Goldsztajn