How Sophie and Edward's big day wasn't like other royal weddings

When Sophie Rhys-Jones married into the Windsors, she was determined to do things a little differently from previous royal brides.

Before her marriage, Sophie was the head of her own public relations firm, RJH Public Relations. She was criticised for being "the girl next door".

Much like Meghan Markle's treatment by some of the tabloid media – prompting Prince Harry to issue a public statement condemning the attacks – the future Countess of Wessex was also heavily criticised. Prince Edward wrote to editors asking them to stop "destroying our private life and, more importantly, Sophie’s life".

When it came to their nuptials at Windsor Castle – where Prince Harry and Meghan also tied the knot – Sophie and Edward kept things much smaller and more private than typical royal weddings.

This week, the couple celebrated 20 years of marriage. They were given the titles of Earl and Countess of Wessex by Queen Elizabeth.

Their wedding, on June 19, 1999, was watched on television by an estimated 200 million viewers around the world. It was relatively simple in comparison with other royal events, with no ceremonial state or military involvement.

Unlike other royal newlyweds, Sophie and Edwards decided against kissing in front of the cameras as they left St George's Chapel. Instead, they happily waved to well-wishers.

A friend told the media Sophie and Edward later shared a kiss at their reception, adding that it was a "great private moment".

Similarly, when Prince Charles and Camilla held a wedding blessing at the chapel in 2005, they also declined photographers’ requests for a smooch.

The act of kissing in front of adoring crowds has become a royal ritual. Prince Charles famously kissed Diana, Princess of Wales, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following their 1981 wedding, while Prince William and Kate shared not one, but two kisses there in 2011.

Last year the Duke and Duchess of Sussex kissed on the steps of St George's Chapel, before taking part in a carriage procession through the streets of Windsor.

Sophie and Edward's wedding also featured a carriage ride, but it was much smaller than Harry and Meghan's. The route Sophie and Edward's carriage took was shorter and didn't go down the Long Walk. In 2018, Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank took a similar path following their wedding at St George's Chapel.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex have two children, Lady Louise, 15, and James, Viscount Severn, 11, and live at Bagshot Park, a royal residence within the grounds of Windsor Great Park.