Why Meghan Markle probably won’t have bridesmaids

Announcement Of Prince Harry's Engagement To Meghan Markle
Getty Images | Chris Jackson

To say Prince Harry and Megan Markle won’t have an ordinary wedding is the understatement of the year. Their nuptials will take place in a chapel at Windsor Castle and will be televised for millions to watch. Whichever wedding gown (and makeup, and veil) Markle chooses will instantly become hugely popular with brides-to-be all over the world.

The couple are doing other things differently as well—as royal tradition dictates. For example, Markle is unlikely to have bridesmaids or a maid of honor.

No Bridesmaids For Meghan Markle?

Town & Country spoke with Marlene Koenig, a British and European royalty expert, who explained that royal brides typically don’t have adult bridesmaids.

“It would be unusual for a royal bride to have a woman in her late 30s as a maid or matron of honor,” Koenig said. “The Duchess of Cambridge having her sister, Pippa, was unusual.”

Pippa Middleton maid of honor photo
Getty Images | Pascal Le Segretain

Like in the United States, a British maid of honor traditionally helps keep the bride sane throughout the wedding-planning process. She also helps throw the bachelorette party, which the Brits call a “hen night.”

Pippa Middleton carried out her bridal duties alongside little girls—mostly children of Prince William and Middleton’s friends—who were acting as bridesmaids or flower girls. You may remember young Grace Van Cutsem, who drew worldwide attention for putting her hands over her ears during the famous balcony kiss!

Grace Van Cutsem photo
Getty Images | Peter Macdiarmid

If they’re looking for young’uns to serve in the bridal party, Prince Harry and Markle can surely poach a few kiddos from their own family. Four-year-old Prince George, and Princess Charlotte, who will be 3 in May, are the perfect ages to serve as a pageboy and a flower girl.

Who Might Play A Role In Markle’s Wedding?

Koenig explained that Markle’s friends or family could be asked to share in her special day in other ways, such as reading at the ceremony. The royal-to-be has a full-on #squad to choose from, as she frequently posts photos of herself having fun with famous friends.

She’s close to “Quantico” star Priyanka Chopra:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKPVuG2Al3o/?taken-by=meghanmarkle

Here she is with pal Serena Williams:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKRS4tiAzI_/?taken-by=meghanmarkle

She’s very close to publicist and bridal style consultant Jessica Mulroney. US Weekly recently reported that Mulroney’s young daughter Ivy will serve as a bridesmaid or flower girl in the upcoming royal wedding:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKCLoRAgD2p/?taken-by=meghanmarkle

And Markle is also close to designer Misha Nonoo:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJBGyMxACvp/?taken-by=meghanmarkle

As for family, Markle has one elder half-sister named Samantha Grant, from whom she is estranged. The actress has not spoken with her half-sister since 2008. The fact that Grant is writing a book called “The Diary Of Princess Pushy’s Sister” probably isn’t helping to mend their relationship.

What About Prince Harry?

Royal wedding tradition also does not recognize a “best man” role, instead calling the groom’s closest friend or relative a “supporter.” When Prince William wed in 2011, he asked his younger brother to serve as his supporter. Prince Harry has reportedly asked his brother to be his supporter, although the information has not yet been confirmed by Kensington Palace.

The Royal Family Attend Christmas Day Service At Sandringham
Getty Images | Chris Jackson

Like a best man, a supporter helps plan the bachelor party, which the Brits call a “stag do” or “stag party.” Something tells us that Prince Harry’s stag do will be epic… even without the tens of thousands of young Brits who have RSVP’d to a fake event for the prince on Facebook!

See more about the pair’s engagement here:

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