Queen Elizabeth's Seat At Harry's Wedding

Queen Elizabeth II attended the wedding of her grandson Prince Harry to Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in May 2018. As the most senior member of the royal family, the Queen was the last to arrive before the bride, accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip. The Queen sat in her favourite spot, with the seat in front of her left empty, so that she could have a nice view.

Queen Elizabeth's seat at Harry's wedding

Queen Elizabeth II attended her grandson Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on 19 May 2018. As the most senior member of the royal family, protocol dictates that the Queen arrives last at events and engagements. However, an exception is made in the case of weddings, and the Queen arrived just before the bride at her grandson's wedding.

The Queen sat in a seat with an empty seat in front of her, which is always left vacant, presumably to provide her with a good view. This seat is also said to be the Queen's favourite.

After the wedding, the Queen hosted a luncheon reception for 600 guests at Windsor Castle's St. George's Hall.

The Queen's arrival at the wedding

The Queen arrived at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle by car, exiting the vehicle just before Meghan drove up to the chapel. She was accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip, and, as is customary, wore a vibrant shade of colour, in this case, bright green. The Queen's seat in the chapel was in the front row, and the seat in front of her was left empty, as is usual, so that she could have a nice view of the ceremony.

The colour of the Queen's outfit

The Queen stood out at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in a bright lemon and lime silk outfit. The lime silk tweed coat was designed by Stuart Parvin, and was worn over a delicately flared dress in lime, lemon, purple and grey printed silk. The matching hat was designed by Angela Kelly, and was made from the same lime silk tweed as the coat, adorned with handmade lace crystals and pearls by Lucy Price.

The Queen's choice to wear bright colours is no accident. Her daughter-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, explained in the documentary 'The Queen at 90' that the monarch chooses rainbow shades so that she stands out from the crowd. "She needs to stand out for people to be able to say 'I saw the Queen,'" Sophie said. The Queen herself has been quoted as saying, "I can never wear beige because nobody will know who I am."

According to colour consultant and author of 'Color Psychology Today', June McLeod, the Queen's choice of colour may have had a hidden meaning. "Green is the colour of growth and rebirth," McLeod told Good Housekeeping. "A person who wears green is the regulator and open-hearted. Green is a highly significant colour worn as a sign of respect and intention for the future." As for the purple accents, McLeod said, "Purple is a proud colour. It also symbolises cleansing and indicates a passion for creativity."

The Queen's view of the ceremony

Queen Elizabeth II had a front-row view of her grandson Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. The Queen, who was the last to arrive before the bride, sat in the front row with her husband, Prince Philip. The seat in front of her was left empty, as is customary, presumably to afford her a clear view of the ceremony.

The Queen, dressed in a vibrant shade of green, was seated near Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their two older children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The Queen's seat was her favourite, and it allowed her to witness the wedding ceremony and the couple's first kiss as husband and wife.

The wedding ceremony combined British pageantry with modern style. The American bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, passionately spoke about the power of love, departing from the usually conservative tone of British royal weddings. Meghan Markle's wedding vows were also contemporary, as she pledged to "love, comfort, honour and protect" Prince Harry, notably omitting the word "obey."

After the ceremony, the Queen hosted a luncheon reception for 600 guests at Windsor Castle's St. George's Hall.

The Queen's behaviour at the reception

Queen Elizabeth II's behaviour at Prince Harry's wedding reception was in keeping with her status as the most senior member of the royal family. As per royal protocol, she was the last to arrive before the bride, Meghan Markle, and she wore a vibrant shade of green, standing out from the crowd. The Queen's seat at the ceremony was also carefully chosen, with the seat in front of her left empty, ensuring she had the best view.

At the reception, the Queen hosted 600 guests at Windsor Castle's St. George's Hall for a luncheon. It is likely that, as per royal dining etiquette, no one finished their meal before the Queen had finished hers.

The Queen's attendance at the wedding was a notable aspect of the day, with her iconic appearance and vibrant outfit choice drawing attention. She arrived with her husband, Prince Philip, and took her seat before the ceremony began. The Queen's seat was carefully chosen, ensuring she had an unobstructed view of the proceedings.

The wedding ceremony combined British pageantry with modern style, and the Queen's presence added to the sense of occasion. The newlyweds, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, rode through the town of Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage, greeting well-wishers along a two-mile procession. The day concluded with two receptions: one hosted by the Queen in the afternoon, and another in the evening hosted by Prince Harry's father, Prince Charles.

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