We’re already too excited about the new documentary about the Queen set to air on ITV this week and now there’s even more reason to look forward to it. For we’ve just found out that the Duchess of Sussex will be answering one of the questions still being asked about her wedding outfit. In the programme, Meghan reveals just how she gave a nod to the tradition of brides wearing ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.’
While that bandeau tiara donned by the duchess as she said ‘I do’ ticked all the old and borrowed boxes and her couture gown and veil by Claire Waight Keller at Givenchy was all about new, the something blue remained elusive. In the programme ‘Queen of the World’, screened this Tuesday, the Duchess of Sussex lets us all on in her secret. Meghan reveals that a tiny fragment of blue material was sewn on to her outfit. And it came from the dress she wore on her first date with the handsome prince who would go on to become her husband.
The fragment of fabric wasn’t visible to the millions watching the wedding on May 19th 2018 or even to the friends and family celebrating with the couple at their ceremony at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor and then at their reception in the Great Hall of Windsor Castle afterwards. But it will no doubt be hunted down by those who get the chance to see Meghan’s wedding dress when it goes on display at the castle from October 26th this year.
It’s another romantic aspect to a wedding outfit that we already know had plenty of special touches about it. That famous veil was trimmed with representations of the flowers of all the Commonwealth countries, with the organisation a major focus of Harry and Meghan’s future work together. And the duchess tells the programme that it was important to her that symbols of all the Commonwealth countries were included in her wedding outfit.
The Duchess of Sussex adds that ”I knew that it would be a fun surprise for my now husband, who didn’t know, and he was really over the moon to find out that I would make this choice for our day together. And I think other members of the family had a similar reaction and just appreciation for the fact that we understand how important this is for us and the role that we play and the work that we’re going to continue to do within the Commonwealth countries”.
Amidst all those blooms, created in silk and organza on the tulle veil, there is also a depiction of the California poppy, the flower of Meghan’s home state. The veil also featured wintersweet, a favourite flower of Meghan’s that grows outside Nottingham Cottage, the home at Kensington Palace that she shares with Harry. That garden was where the Duke of Sussex picked some fresh flowers in the days before his wedding which he asked Philippa Craddock to include in the bouquet she was creating for the bride.
The significance of the veil and the Commonwealth will be discussed by the Duchess of Sussex in the two part programme. The Duke of Sussex is also interviewed as are the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal and the Countess of Wessex. They are all contributing to a two part programme which focuses on the Queen as a figure on the global stage and which will also feature private cine films belonging to the Royal Family.
Queen of the World is broadcast in the UK on ITV on Tuesday 25th September 2018 at 9.15pm.
