Meghan opens up private wedding album, sharing unseen photos to mark anniversary with Prince Harry
The Duchess of Sussex has shared 24 unseen photos from her royal wedding to Prince Harry to mark their eighth anniversary.
Despite leaving the royal family in a pursuit for privacy six years ago, Meghan has given her Instagram followers a behind-the-scenes look at her and Prince Harry's special day.
The 44-year-old also shared a video of the Duke of Sussex surprising her with a cake while singing 'happy anniversary' with their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and a gift that has a special link to their secret engagement party in 2017.
The Duchess of Sussex has shared private photos from her wedding album. Chris Allerton
On May 19, 2018, Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex when she married Prince Harry inside St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in front of 600 guests including A-list celebrities and senior royals.
She was walked down the aisle by then-Prince Charles as her own father, Thomas, was recovering from heart surgery and was too ill to travel.
One of the photos shared by Meghan shows the now-King standing near her just after the wedding ceremony in the chapel's cloisters. Prince Harry is seen admiring Meghan's bridal bouquet in another.
Among the other personal photos include one of Elton John singing at a piano during the daytime reception inside St George's Hall at Windsor Castle.
READ MORE: Why William is selling off part of $2b property empire
READ MORE: Princess living in Sydney attends first public event
READ MORE: Threat facing royal children as they near high school
The now King Charles with Meghan inside the cloisters of St George's Chapel. Chris Allerton
In another, Prince Harry is giving a speech at the reception while Meghan looks on, holding a glass of champagne.
Prince Harry is making a toast in another of the photos.
In another, the duke is seen embracing Izzy May, a close friend of the couple who is rumoured to be one of Prince Archie's godparents.
Meghan and Prince Harry, as seen during their daytime wedding reception inside Windsor Castle. Chris Allerton
Meghan's mother Doria Ragland can be seen in the background of some of the photos. She was the only member of the duchess's family who attended the wedding.
Two of the images shared by Meghan were taken inside Windsor Castle's Green Room where the wedding party sat for the official portraits an hour after the ceremony.
Meghan's wedding gown – a pure white, boat neck design – was made by British designer Clare Waight Keller, the first female artistic director of French fashion house Givenchy.
Prince Harry gives a speech at the wedding reception. Chris Allerton
She wore a five metre-long white silk veil which included embroidered floral detail representing all 53 countries of the Commonwealth.
On her head was Queen Mary's diamond encrusted bandeau tiara, loaned to her by Queen Elizabeth II.
Elton John played at the daytime wedding reception held inside St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. Chris Allerton
A second drop from Meghan's wedding album included 12 photos of their first dance taken during their evening reception at Frogmore House.
Just 200 of the couple's closest friends and family were invited to the private evening event.
The Duchess of Sussex changed into a lily white, silk crepe halter-neck dress by Stella McCartney for the reception.
She famously wore the emerald-cut aquamarine ring once owned by Prince Harry's late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, as her 'something blue'.
None of the photos shared by the duchess show the rest of the royal family, such as the Prince and Princess of Wales who have had little contact with Prince Harry and Meghan since their exit from official duties in 2020.
Prince William and Catherine's son, Prince George, was one of the page boys while Princess Charlotte was a bridesmaid. Prince William was Prince Harry's best man.
Prince Harry and Meghan during their first dance at the evening reception. Chris Allerton
The royal wedding saw more than 110,000 people fill the the streets around Windsor Castle. The newlyweds rode in a carriage procession from St George's Chapel following the ceremony.
A global audience of hundreds of millions of people tuned in to watch Prince Harry and his American bride tie the knot in their fairy tale wedding.
Meghan's anniversary post on Instagram also revealed unknown details about her and Prince Harry's engagement party from 2017.
The couple seen at their evening reception held inside Frogmore House at Windsor. Chris Allerton
Prince Harry can be seen carrying cake into their kitchen while singing 'happy anniversary'. The cake was lemon and elderflower, the same served at the couple's wedding.
The duke's anniversary gift to his wife was a bronze sculpture of two penguins nestled closely together. Bronze is traditionally given to mark eight years of marriage.
In the clip Meghan is heard saying to Archie, who is off camera: "When mama and papa got engaged, we had a party with all of our friends, and we said, 'Everyone wear an animal onesie'."
The couple ate lemon and elderflower cake, like the one served at their royal wedding eight years ago. Instagram/Meghan
Prince Harry gave Meghan a bronze sculpture of two penguins as they dressed as the animals for their secret engagement party in 2017. Instagram/Meghan
"We were penguins," she says, holding up a printed photo of herself and Harry dressed in matching penguin costumes from the party.
"Because we're together for life."
Prince Harry and Meghan's engagement was announced to the world soon after their private party in Norfolk.
Harry and Meghan chose penguins because they mate for life. Instagram/Meghan
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Most viewed in Royals
King Charles III popularity plummets to lowest levels since ascension
Met Police refers itself to watchdog over handling of Thomas Markle allegations
Auction of royal jewels ‘inappropriate’ and ‘against everything the king stands for’
Harry and Meghan taking break from public life so they don’t ‘overshadow the royal family’
