The Unbelievable Story Behind the Most Popular Photo From Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding
It’s impossible to judge just how many pictures people took of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the royal wedding. Including professional photos and fan snaps, there are probably thousands — or more. But one photo of the royal couple stands out among the others. Take a look at some gorgeous photographs here and make sure you click to page 5 for the most amazing one of all — and page 6 for the story behind it.
1. The bouquet
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave from the West Door of St George’s Chapel. | Ben Stansall – WPA Pool/Getty Images
This close-up photo of Markle’s bouquet was particularly poignant. The bouquet was a nod to Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, according to Harper’s Bazaar. Forget-me-nots were Diana’s favorite flower, so wedding florist Philippa Craddock used them liberally in Markle’s bouquet.
Next: Another classic shot
2. Markle and her mom
Meghan Markle (R) and her mother, Doria Ragland, arrive for her wedding ceremony. | Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images
Every wedding book has a picture of the bride with her mother in it, and the royal one will be no exception. This lovely photo of Markle and her mom, Doria Ragland, was taken through the window of the car they traveled in on their way to the event. Ragland escorted her daughter from Cliveden House Hotel to St George’s Chapel, and they waved to the crowd along the way.
Next: Shhhhsh!
3. Prince William and Kate chatting it up in church
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Andrew, Duke of York attend the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. | Jonathan Brady – WPA Pool/Getty Images
This photo shows another royal couple, Prince William and Kate, having a conversation in church — over Camilla Bowles. What were they talking about? Maybe about one-month-old Prince Louis, who couldn’t attend? Instead, he stayed home with a sitter while the rest of the family went to the wedding.
Next: Walkin’ the walk
4. Markle walked solo halfway down the aisle
Meghan Markle (C) walks down the aisle in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. | Danny Lawson/AFP/Getty Images
At the last minute, Markle’s father was unable to attend the wedding, so she had no one to walk her down the aisle. In this situation, the bride typically walks on her own, which Markle did. But she walked alone only halfway down — Prince Charles met her and walked her the rest of the way to the altar.
Next: Tears of joy
5. Prince Harry cried at the altar
Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (L) and US fiancee of Britain’s Prince Harry Meghan Markle stand together at the High Altar. | Dominic Lipinski/AFP/Getty Images
Yes, even royals cry. And Prince Harry shed a tear at the altar before he said “I do.” It was one of the sweetest moments from the entire ceremony. Luckily, a photographer caught it on camera.
Next: Here’s what you’ve been waiting for.
6. The standout shot
Aerial shot of Harry and Meghan | WPA Pool/Getty Images
This aerial shot of Harry and Meghan was snapped as their carriage began the procession around Windsor, according to SouthernLiving. It went viral for a number of reasons:
- It’s truly an intimate picture of the royal newlyweds.
- Their hands look like they are shaping a heart.
- It provides a lovely view of the delicate, off-the-shoulder feature of the Givenchy dress Markle wore.
Next: The story behind the photo.
7. The photographer
It took perfect timing to get the shot. | Yui Mok via Twitter
So who took this iconic photo? According to SouthernLiving, it was Yui Mok, a staff photographer for Press Association. But how did he get the shot? Mok revealed all on Twitter — and no, he didn’t have a drone.
“I was positioned on the roof of George IV Gateway of Windsor Castle, and they passed directly beneath me during their carriage procession,” said Mok. “I had less than a one-second window to take that particular shot – whilst having to focus through a metal grill I was standing over — so was happy to get anything really!”
Next: An important guest
8. The queen arrives
Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrive for the wedding ceremony of Britain’s Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle. | Victoria Jones – WPA Pool/Getty Images
This photo of the queen — who arrives last at these events — shows she made a bold fashion statement. Her lime green coat perhaps signaled new growth, which is exactly what the royal family is going through. Her matching hat featured the de rigueur royal purple trim.
Next: A very special touch
9. The veil
Meghan Markle arrives for the wedding ceremony to marry Prince Harry at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. | Ben Stansall – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Markle’s veil was spectacular. What made it so special? The hand-stitched embroidery on its trim included a flower from every county in the Commonwealth, according to Harper’s Bazaar.
Next: Royal PDAs
10. The carriage kiss
Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex kisses his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, as they pass through the Cambridge Gate. | Yui Mok/AFP/Getty Images
When the couple locked lips in their horse-drawn carriage, someone caught it on film. Although not typically “royal,” this public display of affection was touching.
Next: After ‘I do’
11. Husband and wife
Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave from the West Door of St George’s Chapel. | Ben Stansall – WPA Pool/Getty Images
This pic of the newlyweds leaving St. George’s Chapel after they said “I do” is nothing short of beautiful. The looks on their faces pretty much say it all. May the couple have a long and happy union.
Next: The whole fam
12. The traditional portrait
Traditional portrait of the family | Kensington Palace via Instagram
No wedding photo session would be complete without a traditional portrait of the entire family. Here, photographer Alexi Lubomirski did a fantastic job of shooting them in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.
Read more: Here’s What’s in Store for the Royal Family in 2018
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