On May 19, 2018, #RoyalWedding fever took the world by storm. While I wasn't among the early-morning viewers, I made it my mission to watch coverage complete with snacks, comfy pants, my cat (the real princess of my household), and Kleenex (because, truth talk: I’m a cryer during weddings).
The wedding of actress, activist, UN women’s advocate, and now Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle to Prince Harry of Wales did not disappoint, and I was pleasantly surprised by the subtle (and some gloriously not-so-subtle) feminist undertones during the ceremony and into the rest of the joyful day.
We all know by now Meghan is an ardent feminist, so when I heard she and Harry were tying the knot… I was nervous. What if Meghan’s new life as a member of the Royal Family meant she would no longer be her badass, gender roles-challenging, ripped jeans-wearing self?
Well, after Saturday’s ceremony, I can say my fears have been assuaged. Friends, I do believe we have a feminist princess. Here are our favorite badass moments from the Royal Wedding:
1. The Guest List
Serena Williams. Amal Clooney (just ROCKING that mustard ensemble, by the way). OPRAH.
Through her hard work and dedication, Meghan was making waves long before she met Harry, so it’s no surprise the guest list was star-studded. But to have so many badass women who use their platforms to disrupt conventionality and help those who are marginalized and in need in one place, that was truly remarkable.
2. Meghan Walked Herself Down the Aisle
Yes, Meghan’s father was originally slated to walk his daughter down the aisle of St. George’s Chapel. Complications arose, however, and Meghan decided (in true Meghan Markle form) to walk herself down the aisle (or at least half of the aisle).
Meghan was met halfway by Prince Charles, her now father-in-law, but let’s be clear: Meghan was not “given away.” Meghan gave herself (as she and Harry both stated in their vows) because she is a bold, independent woman.
3. The Dress
Meghan made a statement by selecting Clare Waight Keller, the first female artistic director of the historic French fashion house Givenchy, to design her wedding dress. The two collaborated in secrecy (even Keller's husband was kept in the dark until the day of the wedding!) to design what is sure to be remembered as one of the most iconic bridal gowns (and just regular gowns) of all time. Simple yet utterly elegant, the dress played up Meghan's outer beauty while allowing her inner beauty to shine through to the world.
4. The Vows
Notably, Meghan and Harry’s wedding vows were identical. Word-for-word. What was missing? “Obey.”
Like Princess Diana and Duchess of Cambridge Kate before her, Meghan chose to nix “obey” from her wedding vows in favor of a statement of equality. After all, marriage is a partnership, right? I teared up because, goddamn, aren’t equality and mutual respect beautiful?
5. The Reception Speech
The cameras may not have been permitted at the reception, but we know Meghan gave a speech to the guests after the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, it’s the men giving the speeches at the reception, but our girl Meghan’s got something to say. Reportedly, Meghan thanked the Royal Family for the gracious welcome she received, but we don’t know much more. Based on what we know of Meghan, her speech was probably moving, eloquent, and badass -- much like her speech about gender equality at the UN.
Cheers!
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