Princess Eugenie, eighth in line to the British throne, is either the world's most confident bride or completely blinded by love. The princess, first cousin to Princes William and Harry, recently announced she is planning a fall wedding to Jack Brooksbank at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle—the same place Harry will marry Meghan Markle on May 19th.
Founded by Edward III in 1348, the historic 14th-century chapel is located in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle. It's been the venue of choice for many royal weddings including the nuputials of Harry's uncle Prince Edward to Sophie Rhys-Jones. Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles received a blessing from The Archbishop of Canterbury in 2005 in the chapel following a civil ceremony at Windsor Castle.
But having another royal wedding at the same location a mere few months after one of the most historic weddings of all time is a bold move to say the least and will surely invite inevitable comparisons between the two royal unions. We decided to get a jump on things and explore the five key ways Meghan and Eugenie compare as royal brides to be. And for more about royal nuptials, check out the 30 Most Fascinating Facts About Royal Weddings.
1 | The wedding dresses will be decidedly different
Meghan has already earned style icon status in certain circles for her chic, minimalist "less-is-more" approach to fashion, while Eugenie is better known for some spectacular fashion faux pas, most notably for the ghastly, ill-fitting Vivienne Westwood dress and Pied Piper hat she wore to William and Kate Middleton's wedding which made her look as if she was auditioning for the role of one of the stepsisters in Cinderella.
Meghan, of course, has had the benefit of having learned how to dress for the red carpet during her days in Hollywood and there is little doubt she will dazzle when she walks down the most important carpet of her life. We're betting she'll go with a classically elegant dress with clean lines and just a touch of embellishment while Eugenie, given her sartorial history, will likely gravitate to a more elaborate design with lots of lace.
Eugenie did show some improvement in choosing the feminine, floral Erdem dress she wore for her first photocall with her fiancé. No doubt both brides will have people talking long after the ceremony. For more about gowns on the day of, don't miss the 10 Things We Know About Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress.
Photo via @kensingtonroyal Instagram
2 | One ceremony will break boundaries; the other will be very traditional
Meghan and Harry have made it quite clear that their wedding will have some aspects that reflect the couple's unique status. There will undoubtedly be a nod to the history-making union being between an American and a British royal which will be an instantly iconic moment in royal weddings. Eugenie and Jack's wedding will likely be a traditional affair and follow royal protocol to the letter. For why one wedding might be nontraditional, learn The 10 Reasons Why Harry and Meghan Will Break All the Rules.
Photo via @kensingtonroyal Twitter account
3 | The fathers of the brides are worlds apart
There has been conflicting reports about just who will be walking Meghan down the aisle. Several outlets have reported Meghan wants her mother, Doria Ragland, to do the honors while half-sister Samantha Grant is adamant that their father, Thomas Markle, will be there for the big day. Considering Harry has not even met Meghan's father, who is currently living in Mexico, that seems unlikely to happen. Either way, it's one of the dramatic aspects of the couple's wedding that will keep all eyes on the chapel on the big day.
Eugenie will be accompanied down the aisle by her father, Prince Andrew (pictured above with Eugenie's sister, Princess Beatrice). Her mother, Sarah, the Duchess of York, will be in attendance despite being a long time royal outcast. Royal watchers will be looking for any gesture to see if Fergie's relationship with the Queen has been at all mended. We're not holding our breath.
4 | Which bride will be wearing a tiara?
The Queen has loaned tiaras to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Zara Phillips and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, for their weddings. Her Majesty could offer to do the same for both brides. It's very likely Eugenie will wear something which belongs to the Queen for her wedding. Princess Diana wore the Spencer family tiara when she married Prince Charles and there is a good chance that Meghan would wear it as well in tribute to Harry's late mother. How could she possibly turn that down if offered? Either way, it will be the first time either woman will be photographed in a tiara which makes us royally excited.
5 | Both weddings will be star studded affairs
Both nuptials will have plenty of A-listers in attendance as both Meghan and Eugenie have moved in celebrity circles for years. Meghan's close friends include Serena Williams and actress Priyanka Chopra as well as her former castmates that she starred opposite on Suits. Harry has become quite close with former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, who are almost certain to attend despite the potential upset it would cause Donald Trump (who will definitely not be invited).
Eugenie, who lived in New York for several years, has many friends in the fashion community and art world. A-listers who could score an invite to the wedding include singer Ellie Goulding and model Cara Delevingne. She is also friendly with Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend actress Cressida Bonas and Holly Branson, daughter of Richard Branson, who could also be on the guest list. Perhaps Harry will introduce his new bride to ex at the reception.
Diane Clehane is a New York-based journalist and the author of Imagining Diana: A Novel
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