One week out from the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the most pressing question on everybody’s (my) lips is… what will the wedding dress be like?
To distract myself from the anticipation – and possibly gain insight onto what she might wear – I’ve put together a list of my favourite royal wedding dresses.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, 2011
The obvious place to start is with Meghan’s sis-in-law, Catherine, who is pictured with her new hubby and a bored-looking kid.
Princess Diana, 1981
Further proof that even royal weddings aren’t immune to bored-looking kids, here is Princess Di wearing this lovely silk and lace creation.
Princess Margaret, 1960
This beautiful gown worn by the Queen’s sister was the epitome of understated elegance.
Princess Grace of Monaco, 1956
Meghan and Harry’s wedding is definitely not the first wedding between a prince and a Hollywood star. Grace Kelly wore a divine silk and lace masterpiece for her wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
Princess Caroline, 1978
Princess Caroline looked just as stunning as her mother, Princess Grace, demonstrating that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Princess Mary of Denmark
‘Our Mary’ wore a beautiful scoop-neck, ivory satin gown for her wedding to Prince Frederik of Denmark.
Mabel, Princess of Orange-Nassau, 2004
Mabel Wisse Smit married Prince Johan Friso of the Netherlands in this 248-bowed extravaganza fit for a princess.
Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, 1937
Had Prince Harry’s great-great-Uncle Edward not abdicated the throne in favour of this American divorcee, the title would not have passed to Harry’s great granddad, and Harry and Meghan’s upcoming nuptials would not garner the huge fuss it does today. Harry would simply be a relatively anonymous member of minor royalty getting hitched to a TV star.
The controversy surrounding Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson meant that their wedding had to be a simple affair, with none of the groom’s family attended the wedding. She wore a classy yet simple light blue silk dress.
Sayako Kuroda (formerly Princess Nori), 2005
Her Imperial Highness Princess Nori also sacrificed her title and official membership in the Japanese Imperial Family to marry commoner Yoshiki Kuroda.
The wedding was a low-key event, held in a hotel with 30 people from both families in attendance. The 35 year old bride wore a simple white silk dress.
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Lady Charlotte Wellesley
Distant relative of the British royal family, Lady Charlotte Wellesley, married financier and philanthropist Alejandro Santo Domingo wearing this stunning off-the-shoulder design with a long train and a polka dot veil.
Queen Rania of Jordan, 1993
With gold detailing, exaggerated lapels and a large belt, this extravagant dress worn by Queen Rania has a jumped-up 80s power suit vibe which appeals greatly to this retrophile (me).
Sarah, Crown Princess of Brunei, 2004
Gorgeous 17 year old schoolgirl Sarah married the Crown Prince of Brunei in 2004. She wore a diamond tiara, diamond-studded shoes and a headscarf and dress adorned in gemstones.
By the way, if you’ve ever had a grumble about having to change your name after marriage, spare a thought for poor Sarah whose official full title is now Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Salleh Abdul Rahaman.
Cover image courtesy of Europa Press/Getty Images