Search interest in the relationship between the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remains high years after the 2018 royal wedding. Much of that attention centers on a reported disagreement involving Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress in the days leading up to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.
The most detailed public account of the episode comes from Prince Harry’s memoir Spare, published in January 2023 by Penguin Random House. Additional commentary was later provided by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during her March 2021 televised interview with Oprah Winfrey on CBS. This article summarizes what has been stated publicly in those sources while avoiding speculation or unverified claims.
The 2018 Royal Wedding Timeline
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married on May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The wedding was broadcast globally and watched by millions. In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, media coverage was intense, particularly after Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, confirmed he would not attend following health concerns and media scrutiny. These events are well documented by major news organizations including the BBC and Reuters.
Princess Charlotte, daughter of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, served as one of the bridesmaids.
What Prince Harry Wrote in Spare
In Spare, Prince Harry described a disagreement between Meghan and Catherine concerning the fit of Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress. According to his account, Catherine contacted Meghan to say that Charlotte’s dress required adjustments. Harry wrote that a tailor was available to make alterations and that the situation escalated through text exchanges.
He described Meghan as being under significant stress due to family circumstances and wedding preparations. In his version of events, he said Meghan became upset following the exchange.
Importantly, this account reflects Harry’s perspective as presented in his memoir. Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have not issued detailed public responses to the specific claims in the book. When Spare was released, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace declined to comment on its contents, a position widely reported by the BBC and other outlets.
The Media Narrative in 2018
Shortly before the wedding, several British tabloids reported that Meghan had made Catherine cry during a disagreement about bridesmaid dresses. At the time, no official clarification was issued by the Palace.
In her March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan addressed the incident directly. She stated that the reverse had occurred and that she had been the one who felt hurt. She also said that Catherine later apologized and that she had forgiven her.
During the interview, Meghan said: “I don’t think it’s fair to her to get into the details of that because she apologized. And I’ve forgiven her.” She added that what was difficult for her was being blamed publicly for something she said did not happen in the way it was reported.
CBS confirmed that the interview was watched by millions of viewers in the United States and internationally.
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Palace Communications Policy
It is established practice for Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace to refrain from commenting on private family matters. Royal communications are typically limited to official engagements, charitable work, and constitutional responsibilities.
Following the Oprah interview in 2021, Buckingham Palace issued a brief statement on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. The statement said that the issues raised, particularly those relating to race, were concerning and would be addressed privately by the family. The statement did not reference the bridesmaid dress disagreement specifically.
The December 2018 Meeting
In Spare, Prince Harry also described a private meeting between himself, Meghan, Prince William, and Catherine in late 2018 at Nottingham Cottage. He characterized the discussion as an attempt to address tensions between the couples.
Because this account comes solely from Harry’s memoir, there is no independent confirmation of the exact dialogue described. Neither Prince William nor Catherine has publicly detailed their version of that meeting.
When evaluating such claims, it is important to distinguish between firsthand published accounts and independently verified documentation. Memoirs represent personal recollections, which may differ from the perspectives of others involved.
Broader Context: The Sussexes’ Departure
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back as senior working members of the royal family. Buckingham Palace later confirmed that they would no longer carry out official duties or use the “Royal Highness” style in a working capacity.
The couple relocated to California and established Archewell, a nonprofit organization focused on media production and philanthropic initiatives. They have since produced documentaries and podcasts and continued advocacy work, particularly related to mental health.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Catherine have taken on increased public responsibilities, especially following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and the accession of King Charles III. William became Prince of Wales shortly thereafter, a title confirmed by the King in an official statement.
Public Perception and Polling
Public opinion polling conducted by organizations such as YouGov has consistently tracked the popularity of senior royal figures. Results have fluctuated over time, with differing levels of support for both the Waleses and the Sussexes in the United Kingdom and abroad.
While commentary often frames the disagreement as symbolic of broader tensions within the monarchy, historians and constitutional experts generally emphasize that personal disputes do not alter the legal structure of the institution. Succession and royal roles are determined by constitutional law, including the Act of Settlement (1701) and the Succession to the Crown Act (2013).
The Role of Media Coverage
Media narratives can shape public understanding of events, especially when official comment is limited. The 2018 headlines about the bridesmaid dress were widely circulated before any direct public response from the individuals involved.
In interviews and written accounts, Harry and Meghan have expressed concern about media portrayal and the impact it had on their well-being. Mental health advocacy has since become a central theme in their public work, as well as in Prince William and Catherine’s initiatives through the Royal Foundation.
Where Things Stand Today
Public appearances at major national events — including Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022 and King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023 — showed both couples participating in official ceremonies. While media analysis often speculates about personal dynamics, no official statements describe the current nature of their private relationship.
What is confirmed is that both couples continue to pursue their respective paths:
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The Prince and Princess of Wales remain senior working royals based in the United Kingdom.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reside in California and operate independently of royal duties.
Conclusion
The disagreement over Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress became one of the most discussed royal stories of recent years. Verified information comes primarily from Prince Harry’s memoir and Meghan’s televised interview. Palace representatives have not provided detailed public rebuttals or confirmations regarding the specific claims.
As with many high-profile family disputes, perspectives differ, and official silence has limited independent verification. What can be stated with certainty is that the episode contributed to broader public conversations about media narratives, institutional communication, and the evolving role of the British monarchy in the modern era.