Royals

The tributes to Princess Diana that we’re likely to see at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding

Prince Harry will feel keenly the absence of his mum at his wedding.

Your wedding day is one of the happiest days of your life, but the absence of loved ones adds a tinge of sadness to the occasion.

On Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding day, it will be the absence of the late Princess Diana that will weigh most heavily on the congregation’s minds – in particular Prince Harry, who will feel keenly the absence of his mum at his own wedding.

But there are ways to make a person’s presence felt, rather than their absence.

Prince William touchingly told Vogue he believed his mother was with him the entire time in Westminster Abbey during his 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton.

“There were times where you looked at someone or something for strength, and I very much felt she was there for me,” he said.

Princess Diana’s memory will be honoured in a number of fitting and touching ways at Prince Harry’s May 19 wedding. Here are some of the tributes we might see.

Meghan’s bouquet

London-based florist Philippa Craddock will create the bridal bouquet made up of seasonal plants including branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, as well as white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves. The white garden roses are thought to be in memory of Princess Diana.

The tiara

Meghan may honour the late Princess by wearing a Spencer Tiara. Meghan has a number of tiaras to choose from, but royal commentators are suggesting that the Spencer Tiara, which was worn by Diana on her wedding day in 1981, is the front-runner.

The exchange of vows

There are points during the ceremony where an officiating minister can acknowledge deceased family members – after welcoming the guests or just before the vows are exchanged for example. Guests are asked to “take a moment to remember those family members who can be with them today solely in spirit”.

The jewellery

Meghan’s engagement ring features two diamonds that nestle either side of the central diamond that belonged to Princess Diana, and are from her private jewellery collection. At William and Kate’s wedding, Kate wore Diana’s engagement ring.

The music

The choice of music at a wedding can be a strong reflection of the couple’s personalities and tastes. Songs are often selected that remind them of happy times or positive influences in their lives.

At Prince William’s wedding, a hymn from his late mother’s funeral was sung at the service. Harry and Meghan may well choose to do something similar.

The family friends

There has been much speculation as to who is on Prince Harry and Meghan’s 600-strong guest list. But among them are sure to be special friends of Diana’s. Guests at William’s wedding included Elton John — who sang Candle in the Wind at Diana’s funeral.

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