Finding Freedom: New book reveals hidden details from Harry and Meghan’s wedding
Long before ‘Megxit’ plagued the royal family, Harry and Meghan’s wedding was all we could talk about. Here’s what we missed, according to new book.
Royals
Don't miss out on the headlines from Royals. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Finding Freedom has shed light on never-before-heard details of Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding in 2018, a distant time before feud rumours and “Megxit” were all that dominated headlines about the pair.
The biography, written by royal reporters Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand via interviews with close sources of the couple, has aired a number of bombshells about their initial courtship, their relationship with the Cambridges, and their reasons for stepping down as senior royals in January.
So detailed is the biography, it’s left readers scratching their heads as to how Scobie and Durand were blessed with such private information without interviews with Harry and Meghan themselves.
RELATED: New book reveals details about Meghan and Harry’s royal life
RELATED: Meghan’s shock final statement revealed
In one of the many romantically-charged chapters about the couple’s beginnings — Durand and Scobie discuss the secret details couple’s nuptials — which feel a lifetime longer ago than a mere two years considering how drastically things have changed for the royals.
Of course, the lead-up to the wedding was dotted with drama, with Meghan’s father Thomas Markle sensationally dropping out at the last minute due to health concerns after his paparazzi photo scandal, whispers of tears from Kate Middleton at a bridesmaid dress fitting (which the book refutes ever happened) and scathing interviews from other members of Meghan’s family.
But there were many aspects of the day we missed.
Here’s what happened behind the scenes after the St George’s Chapel ceremony was beamed to the world stage:
It was a long day for the mother-of-the-bride
Meghan Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland — who looked as though she was sitting alone at the ceremony, was actually sitting with two of Meghan’s childhood school friends Benita and Genevieve — took a nap in the back of a Range Rover, according to the book.
It sounded as though a disco nap was necessary, given after the ceremony and afternoon reception, there was a three-hour gap.
Harry’s sweet comment
When Meghan met Harry at the altar, he said: “You look amazing. I missed you,” to which Meghan replied: “Thank you.”
Later, in the carriage, he commented that his trousers were “too tight”.
Dress detail we all missed
Meghan’s Givenchy wedding gown included a piece of blue fabric sewn into it, taken from the outfit she wore on her first blind date with Harry.
Bishop Michael Curry’s inclusion was Prince Charles’ idea
The reverend’s powerful sermon stole the show thanks to a passionate and captivating delivery.
But according to Finding Freedom, Bishop Michael Curry had never actually met the couple before, and it was Prince Charles’ idea to have him feature.
It was also Prince Charles’ idea to have the Gospel Kingdom Choir sing during the ceremony.
The choir, along with Karen Gibson, performed Ben E. King’s version of Stand By Me, as it was the only song Harry and Meghan could agree on.
Elton John performed at the reception
During the evening reception, Harry asked if anyone “knew their way around a piano” with none other than Elton John — who is a close friend of the couple and has defended them publicly — stepping up to the plate.
He played Your Song and Circle of Life because The Lion King is one of Harry’s favourite movies.
When he launched into Tiny Dancer, he nodded at Meghan while singing the first line:
“Blue Jean Baby, LA lady.”
Oprah was moved to tears by the performance, and afterwards, Idris Elba DJ’d.
Charles made a classic dad joke
Prince Charles footed the bill for the day, and joked at the reception that the budget had “long gone out the window”.
Clooney kept the booze flowing
George Clooney was free pouring his own brand Casamigos Tequila, with ‘When Harry met Meghan’ cocktails also on offer for guests.
Harry’s close mate snubbed
Of course, the wedding day – like any – wasn’t without its guestlist dramas.
According to the book, Harry’s childhood friend Tom “Skippy” Inskip was invited to Harry and Meghan’s wedding ceremony and their official afternoon reception, but was purposefully left off the list for the star-studded evening wedding party after offending the groom.
It comes after he confronted Harry in April 2017, saying he believed Harry was “rushing into things” with Meghan and advising him to “be careful.”
Harry was reportedly hurt by his friend’s words and the pair’s friendship suffered.
The wedding tiara row did happen
According to the tell-all book, the disagreement over Meghan’s choice of tiara did happen, but Prince Harry blamed it on the Queen’s dresser, leading to a tense discussion.
Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand said Harry felt the Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly deliberately dragged her feet in helping Meghan choose a tiara for their wedding day.
Meghan initially wanted a tiara that featured emeralds, according to royal sources, but the future Duke and Duchess of Sussex were unhappy when told her first choice was impossible, as no one knew exactly where the tiara came from.
An insider said at the time: “There was a very heated exchange that prompted the Queen to speak to Harry.
“She said, ‘Meghan cannot have whatever she wants. She gets what tiara she’s given by me.’”
In the end, Meghan wore Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau made in 1932.
Originally published as Finding Freedom: New book reveals hidden details from Harry and Meghan’s wedding