Shortly after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement to the world, the couple gave us some brief hints as to what we can expect from their May 19 ceremony, promising that the occasion will be a moment of “fun and joy” which will “reflect their characters and personalities.”
So, given that Meghan has long been a committed advocate for gender equality, it seems only appropriate that the royal-to-be will be re-dressing the male bias of one particular wedding tradition: by giving a speech at the reception that will follow the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor.
According to the Sunday Times, Meghan is planning an “affectionate tribute to her new husband and will offer thanks to Queen Elizabeth, her family, and friends.” There may, according to the Times source, “even be a couple of jokes.”
While Meghan’s father Thomas Markle is now expected to walk the former Suits star down the aisle — contrary to previous reports, which suggested that her mother, Doria Radlan, would take on this duty — he is unlikely to give a speech after the ceremony.
“The feeling is if Meghan’s father doesn’t speak for her, she wants to have the chance to thank her husband and everyone who has supported them. Harry thinks it’s a great idea,” the source told the Times.
At the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, speeches were given by Harry (in his capacity as best man), Prince Charles, and Michael Middleton, the father of the bride.
Meghan and Harry will wed at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor on May 19.
We can barely wait to see the duo in all their wedding glory!
Details of Harry’s wedding party have not yet been confirmed by Kensington Palace, though he is expected to return the favor by asking his older brother to be his best man (despite the fact that last month, the Duke of Cambridge claimed that he’d not yet been asked to do so).
Meghan’s bridal party, meanwhile, is thought to include her close friend and unofficial stylist Jessica Mulroney, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte serving as page boy and flower girl.
This post was written by Katie Rosseinsky. It originally appeared on our sister site, Grazia Daily.
