How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Official Wedding Photos Compare to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s
Just two days after the wedding of the year took place in a star-studded ceremony at St George’s Chapel, three official photos - taken immediately after the ceremony - have been released by Kensington Palace.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would like to thank everyone who took part in the celebrations of their wedding on Saturday,” a Palace spokesperson said. “They feel so lucky to have been able to share their day with all those gathered in Windsor and also all those who watched the wedding on television across the UK, Commonwealth, and around the world.
“Their Royal Highnesses are delighted with these official portraits taken by Alexi Lubomirski and are happy to be able to share them today. They would also like to say thank you for all of the generous messages of support they have received.”
Just seven years after the last royal wedding was held in the UK, how different - or similar - are these official photographs compared to those from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in 2011?
THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Prince William and Kate Middleton stuck closely to tradition when it came to the photographer for their nuptials, selecting Hugo Burnand.
The native Londoner is a wellknown royal photographer having taken the official portrait of Prince Charles on his 60th birthday and the official photos of Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall on their wedding day. According to his Instagram page, he is also the only British photographer to hold a royal warrant - meaning he is officially approved by the royal family.
Meghan and Harry chose to go with the a photographer they are already familiar with. Lubomirski, who is a regular contributor to Harper’s Bazaar, has shot Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, and also took the official engagement portraits of the couple at their wedding reception venue of Frogmore House late last year. Lubormirski said of taking the wedding photos: “It has been an incredible honour and privilege to document The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s inspiring journey of love, hope and family; from the engagement photos, all the way through to the official wedding and family portraits on Saturday. This has been a beautiful chapter in my career and life, that I will happily never forget.”
THE LOCATION
The location of the two photos differs mainly because of where their weddings were held. As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding was at Westminster Abbey, their photos were then taken where the reception was held: Buckingham Palace.
It’s worth noting, of course, that Prince William’s wedding was a state occasion as he is an heir to the throne, hence the location of both his wedding and reception and where the family were photographed.
In comparison, following the carriage procession through the streets of Windsor, Prince Harry and Markle returned inside to Windsor Castle, where they were photographed in the Green Drawing Room with their family and bridesmaids. Unlike the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the newlyweds then ventured outside to have a candid portrait on the East Terrace of Windsor Castle. Echoing their engagement photo, the couple sat on the steps in their wedding attire and were captured laughing with each other.
THE PEOPLE IN THE PHOTO
Both couples opted for the traditional selection of photos of just themselves, their families and their bridesmaids and page boys.
In the 2011 royal wedding photo family portrait, there was a clear divide between Prince William’s family on his side and Kate Middleton’s family on her side as is often the case for family wedding photos. Next to the Duke of Cambridge was Prince Harry, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and then in front the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Next to the Duchess of Cambridge was her father Michael Middleton, mother Carole, brother James and sister and Maid of Honour Pippa.
For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding photos, the positioning and layout of the family photo was considerably different. This is understandable given the fact that Meghan’s only close relative to attend was her mother, Doria Ragland.
Next to Harry was his father, then the Duchess of Cornwall and in front of them the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen. Meghan had her mother Doria leaning in to close to her on her left.
Next to Ms Ragland was the Duke of Cambridge and in front of him the Duchess with their daughter Princess Charlotte on her knee. Their son Prince George was sat down next to them. Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj