Buckingham Palace reveals Queen’s consent for wedding

London: Britain got a glimpse on Saturday at Queen Elizabeth II’s elaborate formal consent for her grandson Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle, a week ahead of the wedding ceremony.

The Instrument of Consent, intricately handwritten on vellum and illuminated with decorations, sets out the monarch’s approval for the union, which is required in law. Harry is sixth in line to the throne and the first six need the sovereign’s permission to marry, otherwise they and their descendants are disqualified from inheriting the crown.

Buckingham Palace released pictures of the document, which Queen Elizabeth signed in March. In her Elizabeth R signature at the top, the the R stands for regina, the Latin for queen. The instrument is written using the “royal we”, or majestic plural. It states: “Now know ye that we have consented and do by these presents signify our consent to the contracting of matrimony between our most dearly beloved grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales KCVO and Rachel Meghan Markle.”

KCVO refers to Harry’s status as a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, which recognises distinguished personal service to the monarch. The document, which will be presented to the couple after the wedding, is flanked with artwork representing the bride and groom.

Text and marginalia of the Instrument of Consent, an official State document with the Queen’s formal consent to Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle The Queen’s signature, ‘ Elizabeth R,’ can be seen at the top right, which will be presented to Harry and Meghan post wedding

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