Everyone has something to say about the royal family. But no one is quite sure what to make of the newest addition to the family. After all, this is the first time in a very long time that a member of the royal family has wed an ordinary person. And it’s not like any previous occasion.
If you’re hoping for a repeat of the fairy-tale ending that saw Prince Harry wed longtime girlfriend Meghan Markle, you’d better start saving your pennies. Because this time around, the heir to the throne has chosen a Hollywood starlet as his bride. And while her choice of engagement ring has certainly generated headlines, it’s her choice of surname that is truly baffling some people.
The Daily Mail reports that Princess Katy’s decision to take on the surname of her new husband was a last-ditch attempt to keep his identity secret. According to the publication, the couple are now going by the name Robert Pattinson after applying for an American passport in the name of Rob Pattinson. Apparently, they were worried that with her surname, the media would find her sooner than they could before the wedding day. It’s an odd choice to hide your identity from the press, especially since the couple chose to tie the knot far from home in London. But then, maybe she just likes the way that her first name sounds when said aloud.
Katy Perry and Robert Pattinson have been dating for some time now. And it seems like everyone has had something to say about their engagement. From the celebrity couple’s whirlwind wedding day to their joint appearance on the 2019 Kids’ Wearable Fashion Expo. They are frequently featured in the media, and they even earned a shout-out from none other than the queen herself. During a recent visit to Australia, Her Majesty presented Perry with a bouquet of flowers and said: “Good luck to you both. You’re a very, very brave girl to do what you did.”
The pair were certainly brave. And they proved to the world that even celebrities can have a grounded lifestyle. After getting engaged in the singer’s hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, the pair wed at a beautiful church in London. The bride wore a custom-made gown that was created by the designer Stephen Burks. And the designer had this to say about his royal client:
“It was a real honor and a unique experience to dress the beautiful bride. As a designer, I always want to be associated with a happy event, and this was an extraordinary moment for me. I would like to think that I contributed something to this storybook wedding by making her a dress that she will wear for the rest of her life. I hope that I can create a look that will be popular in both Australia and the UK.”
Why Is Everyone Freaked Out About Harry and Meghan’s Wedding?
The sudden and unexpected nuptials of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched a nerve with millions of people. Even now, more than a month later, the world is still talking about Harry and Meghan’s wedding. But many of those talking heads are journalists who have labeled this event as a “mega-wedding.” And while it’s true that the guest list was massive, it wasn’t like any other royal wedding that has come before it.
Unlike previous occasions where members of the royal family have wed individuals outside of the clan, this time around, the groom’s family didn’t stand in the way of the couple’s union. In fact, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the rest of the royal family gave the newlyweds their full support. And it was the couple’s choice to wed in a non-traditional location. As a result, many people feel as if they were “surprised” by this turn of events. As if Harry and Meghan had snuck off and got hitched without telling anyone. And that wasn’t the case. In fact, the couple announced their engagement in 2016 and began dating while the world was still reeling from Brexit. So, while the wedding may have been a shock to many, it wasn’t a complete secret. And that, in itself, made this moment even more special.
Another topic that has been covered ad nauseam is Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s commitment to each other. Dubbed the “Royal Wedlock” by some, the news that the Suits actor was willing to walk down the aisle for a second time broke just about every royal wedding rule that has ever been established. Especially since the last time that Harry was married, he walked out of the church as a single man. Since then, he has been dogged by rumors that he might be secretly gay. But as Meghan put it in her 2018 debut book, The Princess Diaries, “I believe that if you’re going to fall in love, fall in love with the right person. And I think that if you open up your heart and your mind to the right person, it’ll make you a better person.”
So while some may still be curious about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship, it’s safe to say that this time around, it was love at first sight. And it seems that their fans agree. As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. So let’s take a look at some of the wedding gifts that Harry and Meghan received.
Everything From Baby Basket To Throwing Jars
For as long as anyone can remember, members of the royal family have been associated with extravagant wedding gifts. And it usually involves something that isfit for a king or queen. From golden thrones to giant jewel-encrusted saucers, these gifts are always the height of vulgarity. But while many of these gifts were given in the past, the modern equivalent isn’t as over-the-top. Instead, celebrities are choosing to outdo one another in crafting thoughtful gifts for newlyweds.
Here, we’ll highlight some of the unique wedding presents that Harry and Meghan have received. And as you’ll see, many of these items were chosen because they represent something personal to the newlyweds.
A Throne For The Royal Wedding
If you happen to be a Harry Potter fan, then you might remember that the “Throne of Gryffindor” was one of the many gifts that the master of the Potions School bestowed upon the couple. It’s fitting, then, that Harry and Meghan would choose to use this item as a symbol of their commitment to one another. According to The New York Times, Potter fans gathered in London to see this historic moment with great interest.
“It made my heart smile,” said Ruth Wilson, who traveled all the way from Wrexham, Wales, to witness this very special event. “I love the idea of them having a little piece of Hogwarts with them forever. It’s wonderful.”
A Suits-Inspired Wedding Dress
Speaking of Hogwarts, it seems as if Meghan Markle had other ideas in mind when she chose to wed her beloved American actor. While many traditionalists might argue that a “maid of honor” is still the ideal choice for the best woman, Meghan’s choice for a dress doesn’t exactly fit the norm. In fact, she opted for an outfit that is more suitable for a superhero movie than a wedding. Or, at least, it would be if that superhero had gotten married. Unfortunately, this will never be a reality. But, as Hollywood weddings go, Meghan’s choice was unique and completely fitting.
Perry herself has been vocal about her admiration for the hit television series. In fact, she named her second studio album After Dark, after the story arc that centers around, you guessed it, Harry’s dark side.
“I have always admired the way Meghan embodies Suits character Donna Paulsen,” said Perry in a statement. “I feel as if I’ve gotten to know her a little bit through this character. And I’m sure that she will make an extraordinary Duchess.”
A Jar Of Honey
The New York Times reports that Prince Charles presented Harry and Meghan with a bag filled with gifts, including a jar of honey. Though it seems like a harmless enough gift, the English newspaper notes that the jar is actually filled with ball bearings. According to a palace aide, the present was “in reference to the couple’s enthusiasm for a sport called cricket.” For as long as anyone can remember, the members of the royal family have been known to have a keen interest in sports. And, apparently, so do Harry and Meghan. The couple are such fans of the game that they named their dog after one of the players. In a nod to the couple’s affinity for cricket, Prince Charles’ gift also included a specially designed cup and ball set.