How much did Meghan Markle pay for her wedding dress?
Royal weddings have always captured the world’s attention. From the grandeur of the ceremonies to the stunning attire, these events set trends and inspire millions. Meghan Markle’s marriage to Prince Harry on 19 May 2018 was no exception. As a former actress and humanitarian, Meghan brought a fresh, modern perspective to the British Royal Family. Her wedding dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, became an iconic piece in bridal fashion history.
Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress
The gown was noted for its minimalist design, featuring a boat neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves. It was crafted from double-bonded silk cady, with an underskirt made of triple silk organza. The simplicity of the dress was complemented by a 16-foot cathedral veil, which was embroidered with flowers representing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth, as well as the California poppy, honoring Meghan’s home state.
Cost Breakdown
Meghan Markle’s wedding dress is estimated to have cost between £110,000 and £387,000. The exact amount remains undisclosed. Meghan Markle personally paid for her wedding dress. This practice aligns with royal tradition; for instance, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, also paid for her own wedding dress.
Several factors contributed to the gown’s substantial cost:
- High-Quality Materials: The use of premium fabrics, such as double-bonded silk cady and triple silk organza, increased the expense.
- Handcrafted Details: The extensive hand-embroidered veil required 3,900 hours of work, adding to the overall cost.
- Bespoke Design: The custom nature of the gown, tailored specifically for Meghan, involved multiple fittings and personalized design elements.
Comparison to Other Royal Wedding Dresses
In comparison, other royal wedding dresses have varied significantly in cost:
- Princess Diana (1981): Her ivory silk taffeta gown, adorned with lace, hand embroidery, sequins, and 10,000 pearls, was valued at £9,000 at the time. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximatfbely £34,750 today.
- Kate Middleton (2011): Designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, her dress featured hand-cut English Cluny and French Chantilly lace. Estimates place the cost at £250,000.
- Princess Eugenie (2018): Her gown, crafted by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos, included meaningful symbols in the fabric. The dress is estimated to have cost around £200,000.
- Queen Letizia of Spain (2004): Designed by Manuel Pertegaz, her gown featured a high collar, deep V-neck, and a 15-foot train embroidered with real gold. It is one of the most expensive royal wedding gowns, costing nearly £6 million.
Honouring Traditions
Following royal tradition, Meghan’s bouquet was placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey. For the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” custom, her dress incorporated fabric from Diana’s wedding gown (old), her bracelet and earrings (new), the Queen’s tiara (borrowed), and fabric from the dress she wore on her first date with Harry (blue).
Where Is Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress Now?
Following their wedding, Meghan Markle’s wedding dress and accompanying accessories were displayed in a special exhibition titled “A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.” Since the conclusion of these exhibitions, the dress has been returned to the care of the British royal family. While its exact current location has not been publicly disclosed, it is likely preserved within the Royal Collection.
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