Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s Royal Wedding Invitations Subtly Acknowledged Duchess’ Divorce, Expert Says

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s royal wedding invitation subtly acknowledged duchess’ divorce.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex tied the knot in a luxurious royal wedding on May 19, 2018. Many were initially hesitant with Markle for Prince Harry because the former “Suits” star was a divorcee.

Markle was first married to producer Trevor Engelson. However, their marriage only lasted for 23 months. Markle reportedly ended her marriage with Engelson out of the blue. Markle’s divorce status was reflected on the royal wedding invitation, an expert noted.

“His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT requests the pleasure of the company of (name) at the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales with Ms Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on Saturday 19th May 2018 at 12 noon followed by a reception at Windsor Castle,” the invitations printed by Barnard & Westwood read.

When Prince William and Kate Middleton got married in 2011, in their wedding invitation the Duchess of Cambridge was referred to as “Miss Catherine Middleton” unlike “Ms Meghan Markle.”

According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, the use of “Ms” for Prince Harry and Markle’s wedding was the first for the royal family. According to etiquette, it is the proper way to refer to a divorcee.

“The wording referring to Meghan on the wedding invitations is a first but this is a unique wedding. Ms is the correct way to refer to a divorced woman before either her birth name or married name,” Fitzwilliams told Independent.

The title suggested that the royal family welcomed Markle as a modern woman and as a divorcee.

“It is also appropriate as Meghan is a feminist. The use of Ms is a contemporary way of avoiding using Mrs or Miss and I think it certain that this is also something Meghan would have approved of. This is another sign of the royal family moving with the times,” Fitzwilliams added.

Last month, Prince Harry and Markle announced that they were stepping down as senior members of the royal family. The couple also said that they would be working to be financially independent. Following their bombshell announcement, the Sussexes flew to Canada.