Prince Harry, Meghan Markle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had the chance to wed even if she's a divorcee because of a 2002 rule. Pictured: Prince Harry, Markle visit Trinity College on the second day of their official two day royal visit to Ireland on July 11, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. Getty Images/Charles McQuillan

Princess Margaret may have paved the way for Meghan Markle to wed Prince Harry.

Years ago, Queen Elizabeth II’s sister was forbidden by the Church of England from marrying Peter Townsend. However, Markle, who is a divorcee, was granted permission to tie the knot with Prince Harry on May 19.

Princess Margaret and Townsend’s relationship was fictionalized on Netflix’s “The Crown,” and Vanessa Kirby, the actress who plays the role of Princess Margaret, said that the late princess set the precedent for Prince Harry and Markle to wed.

While speaking with Marie Claire, Kirby said, “It’s interesting, isn’t it. I can’t help but think that she did. Margaret knew when she got involved with Peter Townsend that her family wouldn’t approve, and yet she wasn’t going up. I think she was trying to modernize the royal family from the inside and make it better for people later on.”

Years ago, Princess Margaret would have only married Townsend if she gave up her right to the throne. She, later on, said that she will not marry Townsend.

“I would like to be known that I have decided not to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend. I have been aware that, subject to my renouncing my rights of succession, it might have been possible for me to contract a civil marriage. But mindful of the Church’s teachings that Christian marriage is indissoluble and conscious of my duty to the Commonwealth, I have resolved to put these considerations before others. I have reached this decision entirely alone, and in doing so I have been strengthened by the unfailing support and devotion of Group Captain Townsend,” Princess Margaret said in a statement (via Express).

In 2002, the rule about marrying a divorcee was changed, and it became part of the General Synod of 2002, which modernized the Church laws.

“The Church of England teaches that marriage is for life. It also recognizes that some marriages sadly do fail and, if this should happen, it seeks to be available for all involved,” the new rule stated.

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