Oprah Winfrey's attendance at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding came as a surprise to many, as she did not appear to have a clear connection to the couple or the royal family. However, it was speculated that she was invited because she had spent time with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, prior to the wedding. Winfrey and Ragland reportedly bonded over yoga and kumquat desserts at Winfrey's California home. Winfrey also expressed her admiration for Meghan, stating that the wedding was more than a wedding and a cultural moment. She further reflected on the significance of the union, highlighting its impact on our understanding of what is possible when we choose love.
Characteristics | Values |
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Reason for invitation | Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, is said to have spent six hours with Winfrey, in preparation for a tell-all interview. |
Winfrey's connection to Markle, Prince Harry, or the royal family | Winfrey does not have any clear connection to Markle, Prince Harry, or the royal family. |
What You'll Learn
Oprah's connection to Meghan Markle
Many were surprised to see Oprah at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, as her connection to the couple was unclear. However, there were a reported 600 people in attendance, and not all of them were close friends or family.
In the months leading up to the wedding, Oprah had spent time with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland. The two struck up a friendship, doing yoga, eating meals together, and even picking fruit from Oprah's garden. It was through this connection to Meghan's mother that Oprah received her invitation to the wedding.
Meghan contacted Oprah when she knew the talk show host was in London, and invited her to Kensington Palace. It was at this meeting that Oprah received her invitation to the wedding.
Since the wedding, Oprah has remained close to the couple. She sent gifts after the birth of Archie and has spoken out in defence of the couple's decision to step down as senior royals. She also conducted an interview with the couple in 2021, which caused an intense royal rift.
A source close to the couple has said that Meghan and Oprah are now "close friends", and that Meghan spends "a fair amount of time" at Oprah's house.
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Oprah's relationship with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland
Oprah Winfrey's presence at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a surprise to many, as she did not have any clear connection to the couple or the royal family. However, one possible explanation for her invitation could be her relationship with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.
Oprah and Doria reportedly spent a lot of time chatting and got on very well. They are said to have discussed issues of race and the racist media coverage of Meghan, who is biracial. Both Oprah and Doria have experienced racism and share this common ground.
It was rumoured that Doria was planning a "groundbreaking" interview with Oprah to address the racist media portrayal of Meghan. While these reports were not confirmed, it indicates that Oprah and Doria had a close enough relationship to consider such an important and personal conversation.
The fact that Oprah was invited to the royal wedding suggests that she was indeed part of the inner circle, which could have been facilitated by her relationship with Doria. Oprah's presence at the wedding may have been a show of support for Meghan and Doria, especially in light of the racist backlash they had experienced.
While the exact nature of their relationship is not publicly known, it appears that Oprah and Doria shared a connection and supported each other on issues of racial justice. This bond may have contributed to Oprah's presence at the royal wedding, standing as a united front against racism and celebrating Meghan and Harry's union.
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Oprah's thoughts on the wedding
Oprah Winfrey's presence at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 was a complete surprise, as she did not have any clear connection to the couple or the royal family. However, it was speculated that Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, had spent six hours with Winfrey in preparation for a tell-all interview, indicating that Winfrey was indeed part of the couple's inner circle.
I was honoured to be invited to the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It was a beautiful ceremony that celebrated their love and commitment to each other. I could feel the excitement and joy in the air as I arrived at St. George's Chapel, wearing a pale lilac dress and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with feathers and flowers. I even rode the bus to make sure I arrived on time!
I have known Meghan for a while now, and I am so proud of the woman she has become. She is kind, compassionate, and a force to be reckoned with. Seeing her walk down the aisle, radiant and confident, I knew that Harry was making the right choice. Their love for each other was evident in the way they looked at each other, and I could not be happier for them.
The wedding was a fairytale come true. From the exquisite floral arrangements to the elegant guests, everything was perfect. I was particularly touched by the inclusion of Meghan's culture and heritage in the ceremony. It showed how much the couple valued diversity and wanted their special day to reflect their values.
I remember thinking that this wedding was not just a union of two people but also a celebration of family and love. It warmed my heart to see how Meghan's mother, Doria, and Harry's family came together to support the couple. Despite the challenges they faced, including negative media attention and racial issues, Harry and Meghan remained strong and focused on their love.
The reception that followed the wedding was also a delightful affair. It was wonderful to see the couple surrounded by their loved ones, dancing, laughing, and creating memories. I had the pleasure of chatting with Doria, and we discussed the importance of family and the impact of racism. We connected on a deep level, and I could see why Meghan turned out to be such an incredible woman.
In conclusion, I am grateful to have been a part of Harry and Meghan's special day. It was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family. I wish them all the best in their married life and hope that they continue to inspire and bring positive change to the world.
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Oprah's outfit choice
Oprah Winfrey's outfit for the royal wedding was a bespoke blush double-tiered dress with lace trim, designed by Stella McCartney. The dress was made of sustainable viscose, and was created overnight after Winfrey realised her first outfit choice was "too white". She paired the dress with a matching hat with feather plumage, pink strap heels, and a beige leather handbag by designer Gabriela Hearst.
Winfrey's outfit choice was in keeping with her signature style, which often includes neutral colours and classic silhouettes. She is known to favour a blend of plain and fancy, such as pairing a glitzy gold skirt with a simple black sweater. Winfrey also prioritises comfort, opting for outfits that feel like "pajamas" even while looking elegant.
Winfrey's stylist, Kelly Hurliman, has created hundreds of looks for the media mogul over the years. Some of Hurliman's favourite outfits include a Mad Men-inspired pink dress, an Alexander McQueen dress, and a Carolina Herrera tweed dress. Winfrey's wardrobe also includes pieces from designers such as Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, and Naeem Kahn.
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Oprah's arrival
Oprah Winfrey's arrival at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle came as a surprise to many, as she did not appear to have a clear connection to the couple or the royal family. However, in the lead-up to the wedding, it was reported that she had spent time with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, at her California home. They enjoyed an afternoon of yoga and snacking on kumquat desserts.
Winfrey was one of the first guests to arrive at St. George's Chapel, wearing a pale lilac dress and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with feathers and flowers. She even rode the bus to ensure she arrived on time, according to her best friend, Gayle King.
The talk show icon's presence at the wedding sparked confusion, but it did not detract from her infectious positive energy. Despite the mystery surrounding her invitation, Winfrey's attendance at the wedding was a significant moment, reflecting the power of love and the possibilities it can bring.
Winfrey's choice of attire for the wedding also caused a bit of a stir. She initially planned to wear a cream-coloured Stella McCartney dress but changed her mind at the last minute, fearing it might be too close to white. She contacted McCartney's team, who worked through the night to create a rose-coloured variation. This story was later shared in the August 2018 issue of British Vogue.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear why Oprah was invited to the royal wedding as she does not have any clear connection to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, or the royal family.
Oprah and Meghan had only met once before the wedding. In the run-up to the wedding, Oprah spent time with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, at her California home.
Oprah wore a pale lilac dress and a wide-brimmed hat topped with feathers and flowers. She initially planned to wear a cream-colored Stella McCartney dress but changed her outfit at the last minute because it looked too white.
Oprah described the wedding as "more than a wedding" and "a cultural moment". She said it left her feeling that "anything is possible through the power of love".
Other celebrity guests at the wedding included Idris Elba, Kate Middleton's sister Pippa, Amal and George Clooney, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian, and Tom Hardy.