Is royal protocol throwing shade at Prince Harry's bride-to-be again?
The invitations for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding have been sent, but eagle-eyed fans have noticed a few interesting details.
The first comes from Markle being referred to as "Ms." while Kate Middleton was referred to as "Miss" on her wedding invites. Is this another instance of royal protocol potentially throwing shade, ala the drama over Kate being called "Trusty and Well-Beloved Catherine" in the Queen's royal decree of consent, while Meghan received no such love?
Thankfully, no, it's simply another unfamiliar etiquette rule. Markle is divorced, and according to the ultimate in etiquette, The Emily Post Institute, "Ms." is the correct way to address her (as in Ms. Meghan Markle).
The invitations are slightly less formal than the Queen's decree of consent when it comes to the names being used. While in the decree, Markle's full given name, Rachel Meghan Markle, was used, on the invitation she is simply "Meghan." On the other hand, Prince Harry's given name, Henry, appears on the invitation, with his full name being Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales -- better known to us all as Harry.
Kensington Palace announced on Thursday that the invites, issued in the name of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, have been mailed to approximately 600 people.
And the invitations are just as regal as one would expect! They were hand-crafted by Barnard and Westwood on a machine from the '30s, and feature the three-feathered badge of the Prince of Wales printed in American gold ink on English card.
"The wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle will be a truly special occasion and we are thrilled to be able to create equally special invitations for their guests," Barnard and Westwood's managing director, Austen Kopley, said in a statement. "We are incredibly honoured to continue our longstanding work for The Royal Family, and to be involved in such an important moment for the couple and their family and friends."
Along with the invites being settled, the couple also selected pastry chef Claire Ptak, founder of Violet Bakery, to create their lemon elderflower wedding cake. The dessert will also feature the "bright flavours" of spring and will be covered with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers.
Keep up with all of ET's Coverage of the Royal Wedding right here as we count down to May 19! And for more on that cake, watch the video below!
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