The royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is finally here, and seeing Meghan Markle's wedding dress is what the fashion world has been waiting for since their engagement was announced back in November. Meghan Markle looked breathtaking as she was seen in her vintage Rolls Royce Phanton IV car - the Queen’s first Rolls Royce - wearing an exquisite white wedding dress.
The dress
The focus of the dress is the graphic open bateau neckline which gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasizes the slender sculpted waist. The slim, three quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity. It is reminiscent of Carolyn Besette Kennedy's famous 1996 gown. The contemporary dress made the former Suits actress look nothing less than a fairy-tale princess. It has been confirmed Meghan will wear a second wedding dress, and we eagerly await to see the second design.
Meghan Markle dress featuring a five metre long veil
Clare Waight Keller said: "It is truly an honour to have been given the opportunity to closely collaborate with Meghan Markle on such a remarkable occasion. We wanted to create a timeless piece that would emphasize the iconic codes of Givenchy throughout its history, as well as convey modernity through sleek lines and sharp cuts. In contrast, the delicate floral beauty of the veil was a vision Meghan and I shared, a special gesture embracing the commonwealth flora, ascending the circumference of the silk tulle.
SEE PICS: Meghan Markle in her evening reception wedding dress
Watch the couple's first kiss as man and wife
Meghan Markle entering St George's Chapel
"As a British designer at a Parisian Haute Couture house, and on behalf of all us at Givenchy who have been able to experience such an extraordinary process of creativity, I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and grateful to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Kensington Palace for allowing us to be part of this historical chapter.
"It has been an immensely rewarding experience to get to know Meghan on a personal level, one I will forever carry with me. The House of Givenchy joins me in wishing her and Prince Harry every wish of happiness in their future."
The designer
Luxury French fashion brand Givenchy is the designer of choice for Meghan Markle’s wedding dress. After meeting Keller in early 2018, Meghan Markle chose to work with her for the "timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour." Meghan also wanted to highlight the success of a leading British talent who has served as the creative head of three globally influential fashion houses - Pringle of Scotland, Chloe and now Givenchy.
Synonymous with style and grace, the fashion label is adored by the most exclusive A list glitterat; from the late Audrey Hepburn to Kim Kardashian-West. The brand is known for designing the most incredible haute couture wedding gowns, which embody modern day romance with sleek styles. The chic designs always have a classic edge – which completely personifies the Meghan’s personal taste.
Photo: © PA
Meghan Markle is all smiles as she travels to the wedding venue
Riccardo Tisci, who has recently departed the brand, now heads up British powerhouse Burberry, while Clare Waight Keller is in the position of creative director.
The last Givenchy wedding dress we’ve seen is for the Queen of reality TV - Kim Kardashian-West. Back in 2014, when she married rapper Kanye West in Italy, her stunning creation featured traditional lace sleeves and a high neckline, but still had a contemporary touch with cut-out waist detail at the sleeves and a slim-line belt.
The cost of Meghan Markle's wedding dress
It's believed Meghan's hand stitched wedding dress costs around £100,000 - and Meghan will pay for it herself, just like Duchess Kate paid did.
Meghan Markle's wedding day jewellery
Meghan is a long-term lover of delicate jewellery and on her wedding day, she didn't disappoint. She decorated her ears with beautiful diamond Cartier studs - elegant and refined, just like the bride. Meghan's wedding band is made of rare Welsh gold. Royal brides have historically been given wedding rings made from the golden nuggets of Clogau St David's mine at Bontddu, North Wales – a royal wedding tradition which goes back 88 years. The Duchess of Cambridge's wedding ring - a plain, slim gold band - was made by royal warrant holders Wartski and fashioned from a piece of Welsh gold given to William by his grandmother the Queen as a gift to mark his 2011 wedding.
Meghan also added a diamond bracelet into the mix, and looked absolutely stunning.
Meghan Markle's tiara
The 36-year-old accessorised her stunning creation with a dazzling, glittering Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau tiara, loaned by the Queen. This diamond bandeau tiara, with geometric lozenge motifs belonged to Queen Mary and was also worn by Princess Margaret. Almost every royal bride in history has worn a tiara on her wedding day, so it comes as no surprise that Meghan opted for the glamorous headgear.
REVEALED: The very special meaning behind Meghan Markle’s tiara on her wedding day
Meghan sporting a Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau tiara
Meghan Markle's wedding veil
Meghan also added the standout item in any bride's wardrobe – a stunning silke tulle veil - which had a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza. which was pinned onto her tiara and framed her face beautifully. At five meters long, it wasn't as long as Princess Diana's, who made history with her unforgettable train which was 153 yards long.
Watch the moment Meghan Markle enters St George's chapel
Hundreds of hours were spent sewing the flowers on the veil and ensured they eashed their hands every thirty minutes to keep the tulle and threads pristine.
Meghan Markle's veil on full show
Meghan Markle wanted 53 countries of the Commonwealth with her on her journey through the ceremony, so the veil was designed representing the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country united in one spectacular floral composition.
Meghan Markle's wedding shoes
Meghan's wedding shoes were high heel pointy heels which boosted her height slightly. Meghan is 5ft 6 inches - five inches shorter than Prince Harry - and her glamorous shoes were spotted as she emerged from her car when she had her princess moment in front of royal well wishers.
A glimpse of Meghan Markle's shoes
The wedding shoes are based on the Givenchy refined pointed SS18 Haute Couture design made of a silk duchess satin. Meghan is a pro at walking in high heels, and has a penchant for pointed toe shoes from brands like Aquazzura, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik. All of her favourite shoe brands offer bridal collections, so she had plenty to choose from.
The look of love!
Meghan Markle's bridal hair and makeup
You have Nichola Joss to thank for Meghan's incredible skin - the facialist visited Meghan hours before her wedding day to give her skin a real treat. The Decleor ambassador revealed: "On your wedding day, make sure you take time to treat your skin with facial massage. It will de-stress muscles removing tension and toxins … skin will look refreshed, toned and lifted."
Meghan's makeup was impossibly fresh and glowing, thanks to makeup artist Daniel Martin. He gave her that illusive, lit-from-within look. A light, subtle base was added to her already flawless skin, and chestnut brown eyeshadow and a smattering of mascara accentuated her doll-like eyes. A sheer, pink lip-gloss was added to her lips and there was no doubt about it, she had the most radiant of glows.
The hairstylist was Serge Normant who is known for tending to Sarah Jessica Parker's hair.
Watch the Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave for their reception at Frogmore House...
