Rhiannon Hendricks
Meghan Markle's dress during Pippa Middleton's wedding to James Matthews in May 2017 was a simple, unflashy long black gown. Markle's attendance at the wedding was the subject of much speculation, as she was in a relatively new relationship with Prince Harry at the time. Markle did not attend the church ceremony, reportedly due to concerns that her presence would overshadow the bride and groom. However, she did attend the reception at the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, England, where she made a grand entrance in her black dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 20 May 2017 |
| Markle's attendance | Markle was not present at the ceremony but attended the reception with Prince Harry |
| Dress colour | Black |
| Dress style | Long and unflashy |
| Reason for absence at the ceremony | To avoid attracting too much attention and distracting from Pippa's moment |
| Reason for attending reception | Pippa's controversial seating plan that separated every couple |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Markle wore a simple, unflashy black dress to the reception
- Prince Harry drove 3 hours to ensure Markle could attend
- Markle's absence from the ceremony was due to concerns about overshadowing the bride
- Pippa's controversial seating plan separated all couples
- Markle stayed in an Airbnb and did her own hair and makeup
Markle wore a simple, unflashy black dress to the reception
Meghan Markle wore a simple, unflashy black dress to the reception of Pippa Middleton's wedding. Markle notably did not attend the ceremony, which took place on 20 May 2017 at St. Mark's Church in Englefield, West Berkshire. The bride's sister, Kate Middleton, had previously worn a sleek dress at her own wedding in 2011, and Pippa dazzled guests with a similar classy lace wedding dress. Markle's black dress was a stark contrast to the bride's white gown.
Markle's absence from the ceremony was reportedly due to concerns from Pippa and her mother, Carole Middleton, that the new royal couple might overshadow the big day. Markle stayed in an Airbnb and did her own hair and makeup while Prince Harry attended the ceremony with his brother, Prince William. The prince then returned to pick up Markle, his girlfriend at the time, for the reception.
The reception was held at the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, England, under a large glass greenhouse rumoured to have cost over £100,000. Pippa's wedding to hedge fund manager James Matthews was considered the wedding of 2017. The guest list included Roger Federer and his wife Mirka, as well as ITV News presenter Tom Bradby.
Markle's choice of a simple black dress for the reception may have been influenced by the desire to keep the focus on the bride and not attract too much attention. It is also possible that she wanted to respect the traditional wedding colours of white and avoid any colour clashing with the bridal party. Overall, Markle's outfit choice was a subtle and elegant way to celebrate Pippa's special day.
Lace A-Line Wedding Dresses: A Guide to Finding Your Dream Gown
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prince Harry drove 3 hours to ensure Markle could attend
On 20 May 2017, Pippa Middleton, the sister of Kate Middleton, married hedge fund manager James Matthews. The wedding took place in a countryside church near her parents' home, where the reception was also held.
Prince Harry was in attendance at the wedding ceremony, but his girlfriend at the time, Meghan Markle, was not. Markle reportedly arrived in London three days before the wedding, staying at Kensington Palace. However, she was not spotted at the wedding ceremony, which was held at St Mark's Church on a private estate.
Prince Harry later made a 100-mile round trip to bring Markle to the wedding reception. He drove an hour and a half back to London to pick her up, and then another hour and a half to the Middleton estate for the reception. Markle's arrival at the reception, wearing a simple black dress, marked the first event she had attended with Prince Harry's family.
The couple's relationship was relatively new, and there were concerns that their appearance at the ceremony together would distract from Pippa's special day and overshadow the event. However, their attendance at the reception fuelled speculation among fans that an engagement was imminent.
How Cap Sleeves Can Enhance Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$57.99
Markle's absence from the ceremony was due to concerns about overshadowing the bride
Meghan Markle's absence from Pippa Middleton's wedding ceremony fuelled much speculation. Markle was invited to the wedding, but there was a caveat: she couldn't sit next to her then-boyfriend, Prince Harry, during the reception. This was due to Pippa's strict seating plan, which separated couples to encourage guests to get to know each other. Markle and Harry decided at the last minute that she would not attend the ceremony, with the reasoning being that they did not want to attract too much attention or distract from the bride. There were also concerns that their relatively new relationship might overshadow the bride's big day.
Markle reportedly arrived in London three days before the wedding, driving straight to Kensington Palace. The day before the wedding, she indulged in a $325 facial at a spa in Covent Garden. On the day of the wedding, Prince Harry drove an hour and a half back to London to pick up Markle, and then another hour and a half to the Middleton estate for the reception. Markle stayed at an Airbnb during the ceremony and did her own hair and makeup.
The couple's decision for Markle to skip the ceremony may have also been influenced by a cover story published by The Sun on the day of the wedding, which featured a paparazzi photo of Markle in yoga pants alongside a similar photo of Pippa from Kate Middleton's 2011 wedding ceremony. The story pitched the two women against each other, and it is reported that Markle and Harry agreed that she could not possibly attend the church, which was just fifty meters away from a specially arranged media pen, after such negative press.
Markle's arrival at the reception was highly anticipated, and she made a grand entrance at the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, England. She wore a ""decidedly unflashy long black gown" and did her own makeup. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reunited at the reception and spent most of their time chatting about their evening apart. They called it a night close to 2:00 AM, with a protection officer driving them back to Kensington Palace.
Enhance Your Wedding Dress with These Shape-Adding Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$55.99
Pippa's controversial seating plan separated all couples
Pippa Middleton, sister of Kate Middleton, married hedge fund manager James Matthews on May 20, 2017. The wedding was a gorgeous, storybook wedding with an itty-bitty bridal party featuring Princess Charlotte and Prince George.
Pippa's wedding was not without its controversies. One of the most talked-about aspects was her strict seating plan, which separated all couples. This meant that Kate Middleton and Prince William, as well as Prince Harry and his then-girlfriend Meghan Markle, did not sit together during the midday reception.
The couple-separating seating plan was reportedly implemented to encourage guests who weren't already acquainted to get to know each other. As a result, Meghan Markle spent the occasion with Roger Federer's wife, Mirka, while Harry was seated with ITV News presenter Tom Bradby.
Despite the controversy surrounding the seating arrangement, Meghan Markle still made a grand entrance at the reception, arriving with Prince Harry, who drove three hours to pick her up from London. Markle wore a simple black dress and did her own hair and makeup for the occasion.
The Magic of Wedding Dress Designers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Markle stayed in an Airbnb and did her own hair and makeup
Meghan Markle's attendance at Pippa Middleton's wedding was one of the most talked-about aspects of the event. Markle was dating Prince Harry at the time, and there were concerns that their relatively new relationship would overshadow the ceremony. As a result, Markle did not attend the church service and instead stayed in an Airbnb, where she did her own hair and makeup.
Markle's decision to stay in an Airbnb and get ready on her own may have been a strategic move to avoid causing any distractions on Pippa's big day. By the time she arrived at the reception, all eyes were on her. Markle made a grand entrance at the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, England, alongside Prince Harry, who had driven an hour and a half to London to pick her up and then another hour and a half to the reception venue.
Markle's choice to stay in an Airbnb reflects her desire to maintain a low profile during the wedding. It allowed her the privacy and comfort to get ready at her own pace and ensure she looked her very best. Markle reportedly splurged on a $325 facial at a luxury spa in London ahead of the wedding, indicating her commitment to looking flawless for the occasion.
The simple black dress Markle wore to the reception was a departure from the flashy styles often associated with royal weddings. Her choice of a "decidedly unflashy long black gown" coordinated with Prince Harry's classic black-tie attire. It sent a message of elegance and respect for the happy couple, Pippa Middleton and James Matthews.
Markle's absence from the church service and her stay in an Airbnb demonstrate her awareness of the potential media frenzy surrounding her attendance. By laying low and then making a grand entrance at the reception, Markle successfully navigated the tricky terrain of attending a high-profile wedding while dating a royal family member.
Choosing the Perfect Underwear for Your Chiffon Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Pippa Middleton wore a high-necked lace gown with short sleeves, and a full, floor-length skirt by British designer Giles Deacon.
No, Meghan Markle was not in attendance at the ceremony. She and Prince Harry did not want to attract too much attention or distract from Pippa's moment.
Yes, Meghan Markle attended the wedding reception at the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, England.
Meghan Markle wore a decidedly unflashy long black gown to the wedding reception.
Pippa Middleton had a strict seating plan that separated every couple, with no exceptions. Markle sat with Roger Federer's wife Mirka, while Harry was sat with ITV News presenter Tom Bradby.
