Prince Harry and Meghan Markle broke tradition on their wedding day – but so did Charles and Camilla

Historically, royal weddings have been held on weekdays, a pattern followed by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, as well as Prince William and Princess Catherine. 

William and Kate wed on Friday, April 29, 2011, which was declared a public holiday. Charles and Diana were married on Wednesday, July 29, 1981 at St Paul’s Cathedral, while Elizabeth and Philip tied the knot on Thursday, November 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey.

But Prince Harry and Meghan Markle broke with this convention when they were married on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. 

Harry and Meghan’s wedding also broke with tradition in other ways. 

When Meghan’s father was unable to attend the wedding, Charles stepped in to walk her down the aisle, an unusual yet deeply moving moment that resonated with many. 

The ceremony also featured a gospel choir and an African American bishop, Reverend Michael Curry, reflecting the couple’s multicultural backgrounds. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle broke with royal convention when they were married on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle 

Although Saturday is the most popular day for weddings in general, the British royal family has typically chosen weekdays

Harry and Meghan’s bridal party included a number of bridesmaids and page boys who weren’t part of the Royal Family – and their star-studded guest list saw Oprah Winfrey secure a prime seat. 

Instead of a traditional fruitcake, the couple opted for a lemon and elderflower cake, decorated with fresh flowers, by East London baker Claire Ptak.

Meghan later surprised guests with an unconventional wedding speech, detailing how she and Harry met. She called it a ‘modern fairytale’.

The Sussexes weren’t the only royals to marry on a Saturday – Charles and Camilla did too, for understandable reasons.

Initially scheduled for Friday, April 8, 2005 at Windsor Guildhall, the ceremony was postponed when the Vatican announced the funeral of Pope John Paul II would take place that same day. 

With global leaders and religious figures attending the funeral – including Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams – many key figures would be in Rome. 

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the Pope’s funeral must take priority and insisted Charles was very keen to be sensitive. 

Out of respect, Charles attended the Requiem Mass on behalf of the Queen and delayed the wedding by a day.

Harry and Meghan’s wedding also broke with tradition in other ways. The ceremony featured a gospel choir and an African American bishop, Reverend Michael Curry, reflecting the couple’s multicultural backgrounds

Meghan later surprised her guests with an unconventional wedding speech, detailing how she and Harry met. She called it a ‘modern fairytale’

Prince William and Princess Kate wed on Friday, April 29, 2011, which was declared a public holiday

Historically, royal weddings have been held on weekdays, a pattern followed by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who tied the knot on Thursday, November 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey

Initially scheduled for Friday, April 8, 2005 at Windsor Guildhall, the ceremony of Charles and Camilla was postponed by 24 hours when the Vatican announced the funeral of Pope John Paul II would take place that same day

Charles and Camilla ultimately wed in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, followed by a Church of England Service of Prayer and Dedication at St George’s Chapel

The late Queen and Prince Philip did not attend the civil ceremony but were present at the dedication and held a reception for the couple in Windsor Castle afterwards

This gesture was historically significant, considering the complex history between the British monarchy and the Vatican. 

The Requiem Mass set global records for attendance and the number of world leaders present.

Charles and Camilla ultimately wed in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, followed by a Church of England Service of Prayer and Dedication at St George’s Chapel.

The late Queen and Prince Philip did not attend the civil ceremony but were present at the dedication and held a reception for the couple in Windsor Castle afterwards. 

There is no strict rule requiring royal weddings to be held on weekdays and no official explanation for the trend. 

However, it may be influenced by practical considerations – Westminster Abbey and St George’s Chapel hold regular services on weekends, and royals may aim to avoid disrupting these schedules.