On May 19, more than 1 billion across the globe tuned in to watch Prince Harry marry the woman of his dreams, former Suits actress Meghan Markle.
And while our gaze was firmly fixed on Meghan’s stunning dress, we totally forgot about what may or may not have gone down at the couple’s private reception at Frogmore House in Windsor Great Park.
Meghan and Harry leaving for their second, more intimate reception.
Up until this moment, Meghan hadn’t broken any Royal rules…
Following a ‘naughty’ speech from Prince William and an ‘unknown’ surprise from James Corden, it is believed that Meghan then stepped up to address the room.
It might not sound like much (in fact, it sounds kind of Meghan to thank hers and Harry’s loved ones for joining them on their special day), but this in itself breaks Royal tradition.
Harry and Meghan are now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
According to The Daily Mail, Meghan, in place of her father, Thomas Markle, is believed to have thanked the Royal family, including the Queen, for welcoming her, in front of the 200 guests who attended the nighttime reception.
However, historically, it is not Royal protocol for a bride to give a speech at her own wedding – that is left to the father of the bride.
Take Duchess Catherine, for example. In 2011, after wedding Prince William, Duchess Catherine did not give a speech at her reception, rather, that was left to Prince William.
Duchess Catherine and Prince William’s first kiss as man and wife at Buckingham Palace.
Not only that, but according to OK! in the UK, the newly wedded Duchess of Sussex appears to have muttered a swear word while riding in the Ascot Landau carriage alongside Prince Harry.
You be the judge…
But it’s not like Meghan hadn’t already bent the Royal rules when it came to falling in love with Prince Harry. American. Divorced. An actress… Meghan’s path to becoming the Duchess of Sussex hasn’t necessarily been a typically linear one. But Harry’s rise to rule hasn’t been, either.
One thing’s for certain, Her Royal Highness Meghan is doing things the modern-feminism way – and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
