Meghan Markle has decided against having a maid of honour by her side at the royal wedding on May 19, and there’s a very relatable reason behind the seemingly out-of-the-box choice.
Despite speculation she might choose one of her friends, Kensington Palace confirmed Friday that she’ll just have bridesmaids.
Why? Well, she simply couldn’t decide between her group of friends.
“She has a very close-knit circle of friends and she didn’t want to choose one over another,” a palace spokesman said. “All have been actively involved in helping her prepare for the day and will be there in the days beforehand. She’s very happy to have their support.”
It was originally thought Meghan might pick Jessica Mulroney, her longtime BFF from Toronto (and one of the people who helped keep Meghan and Harry’s relationship a secret) for the top job. However, we’re guessing the socialite and bridal stylist doesn’t feel too hard done by the decision having been involved every step of the wedding planning process.
Other women who were thought to be in the running included Serena Williams, Priyanka Chopra, or one of her Suits costars, Sarah Rafferty or Gina Torres. Her future sister-in-law, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was also once speculated to take on the role.
Meghan and Jessica, who could pass as sisters, are reportedly inseparable.
But alas, there will be no so-called “Pippa Middleton Moment” at this royal wedding!
Of course, Pippa Middleton became a celebrity in her own right after captivating the public in her custom Alexander McQueen maid of honour dress at her sister Kate’s lavish wedding back in 2011.
Who could forget this priceless moment shared between the sister duo?
Instead, Meghan — a former actress — will follow royal tradition with a bridal party made up of children as page boys, bridesmaids and flower girls.
The names of those special little people will be announced the week of the wedding. But the youngsters tipped to take starring roles in the day’s proceedings are Ivy, the daughter of Jessica Mulroney, Jasper, the son of Prince Harry’s mentor Mark Dyer, and Harry’s niece and nephew George and Charlotte.
It’s expected young George will be a ring bearer, while Charlotte will be a bridesmaid.
Of course, all eyes were on the royal tots at their aunt Pippa’s wedding to financier James Matthews last year. The brother-sister duo joined the bridal party as a page boy and bridesmaid — and they very nearly stole the show with their adorable antics.
And before you start to get your hopes up… it’s unlikely the royal family’s latest addition will attend the royal wedding. Prince Louis will only be just under one-month-old on the big day, making him too young for such a big affair.
The Duchess of Cambridge wrangles the little ones involved in her sister Pippa Middleton’s wedding.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte, of course, stole the show!
George, four, and Charlotte, three, are expected to reprise their roles for their Uncle Harry’s wedding.
Harry announced last week that he asked his brother, Prince William, to be his best man. It’s a lovely gesture considering Harry served as William’s best man at his 2011 nuptials.
“Prince Harry has asked his brother The Duke of Cambridge to be his Best Man at his wedding to Ms. Meghan Markle,” Kensington Palace confirmed in a tweet Thursday. “The Duke of Cambridge is honored to have been asked, and is very much looking forward to supporting his brother at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor on May 19th.”
We’ll never forget the moment everybody’s favourite ginger-haired royal told his nervous older brother, “You are alright; she is here now,” as his bride-to-be made her way up the hallowed aisle of Westminster Abbey — and we can’t wait to watch similar scenes play out once again.
