Listen up, folks! It's official—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are tying the knot, and they've got the Queen's royal blessing to make it happen. The couple, who became engaged back in November 2017, is all set to walk down the aisle on Saturday, May 19, in a grand royal wedding. But before they could say "I do," they needed something pretty important: the Queen's formal nod of approval under the Succession to the Crown Act.
Queen Elizabeth Gives Her Royal Consent
On Sunday, May 13, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, signed the Instrument of Consent, a beautifully handwritten letter granting her permission for Harry and Meghan to marry. Kensington Palace shared the news alongside a stunning photograph of the colorful document, stating, "The Queen has signed the Instrument of Consent, the hand-written document which records Her Majesty’s consent to the Marriage of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle." It’s a momentous occasion for the royal family and their fans worldwide.
View this post on InstagramThe Queen has signed the Instrument of Consent, the hand-written document which records Her Majesty’s consent to the Marriage of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle. Follow our Instagram story to take a closer look.
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The Intricate Details of the Instrument of Consent
Now, let’s dive into the details of this remarkable document. The royal family’s official website explains that the Instrument of Consent is crafted by the Crown Office. In the case of Prince Harry’s marriage, it’s not only handwritten but also illuminated on vellum, a material reserved exclusively for significant State documents. Vellum gives the letter a timeless and majestic touch, reflecting the gravity of the occasion.
But the document doesn’t stop there—it’s rich with symbolism. On the left side of the text, you’ll find a red dragon, the heraldic emblem of Wales, alongside the UK's floral emblems: the rose, thistle, and shamrock. It also includes Prince Harry’s Label, featuring three tiny red escallops from the Spencer family Arms. On the right side, the rose makes another appearance, symbolizing the national flower of the United States, where Meghan was born. Flanking the rose are two golden poppies, the state flower of California, paying tribute to Meghan's roots. Nestled between the flowers is the Welsh leek, alongside Prince Harry’s Label. Beneath it all, olive branches from the Great Seal of the United States are a nod to peace and unity.
Additional Symbolism and the Queen’s Signature
Further down, you’ll notice the coronet for Prince Harry, and on the lower right side of the document, the Commonwealth symbol. The Instrument of Consent is sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm, which is attached to the foot of the document by woven cords sealed within the Great Seal itself. And let’s not forget the Queen’s signature, "Elizabeth R," which graces the top right of the document. After the wedding, this document will be presented to Prince Harry and Meghan as a cherished keepsake.
Back on March 15, Queen Elizabeth also granted her grandson Harry permission to marry Meghan in a letter released by Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty wrote, "My Lords, I declare My Consent to a Contract of Matrimony between My Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales and Rachel Meghan Markle." This letter marked the first time Elizabeth publicly declared her support for their union.
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While it might have been assumed that the Queen supported Harry and Meghan’s relationship, that initial letter marked the first time Elizabeth publicly voiced her approval. In the past, such unions might have been met with resistance, especially considering Meghan’s status as a divorcée. The Suits star was previously married to Hollywood producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013.
A Lesson from History: Princess Margaret's Story
Interestingly, Queen Elizabeth once prevented her late younger sister, Princess Margaret, from marrying her true love, Peter Townsend, because he was divorced. Margaret eventually married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in May 1960, but it’s been reported that she never fully forgave her sister or the crown for disallowing her to marry Peter. Unfortunately, Margaret’s marriage to Antony didn’t last, and they divorced in 1978. Some say Margaret paved the way for acceptance of divorce within the British royal family. Indeed, three of the Queen and Prince Philip’s four children—Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew—have all experienced high-profile royal divorces.
