OREight years later can change an empire, but not the memory of a memorable night. The 19 May 2018 the whole world looked at St George’s Chapel in Windsor; today, to celebrate their anniversary, Harry and Meghan they choose to show what official cameras have never been able to capture. With the simple caption «Eight years ago today…» accompanied by the emoji of one moon, the Duchess of Sussex has shared twenty-four private shots signed by photographer Chris Allerton. A ritual that is not just a romantic celebration, but a true re-appropriation of one’s visual history.
Harry and Meghan, the whispers at the altar before the royal storm
In the images dedicated to the first part of the day, the lens lingers on the solemnity of the moment, but above all captures the spontaneity of the two spouses. The details of the clean-cut Givenchy dress re-emerge hey whispers that broke the rigidity of court protocol. When Meghan reached the aisle – accompanied by the then Prince Charles due to the absence of her father – Harry did not hold back his emotion, whispering to her an intimate “You are gorgeous” followed by an emblematic lip: “I missed you”. Fragments of an era in which the dukes were still at the center of the dynastic plan of Buckingham Palace.
Harry and Meghan on their wedding day. (Photo: Instagram/meghan)
The rock soul of Harry and Meghan’s wedding at Frogmore House
The real editorial twist, however, is captured in the shots of the evening party at Frogmore House, where the atmosphere becomes decidedly electric and glamorous. The new frames show the couple completely uninhibited on the dance floor: Meghan, splendid in her second white dress with a halter neckline which it left the back totally exposedlaughs out loud as she goes wild shaking her husband’s hand. Harry, wearing a dark corduroy tuxedo jacket, throws his arms in the air to the beat of the music. The social carousels, not surprisingly, were accompanied in the stories by the overwhelming notes of Land of 1000 Dances by Wilson Pickett, testifying to a party with a rhythm that was anything but institutional.
Elton John’s notes for the royal wedding
The private album also reveals precious fragments about the evening’s soundtrack. Among the images an intense black and white shot portraying Sir Elton John stands outa historic family friend, sitting at the piano while enchanting the audience. As told at the time by some guests present at the magazine Peoplethe singer’s performance, which included iconic songs such as Tiny Dancer, it was one of the most heartfelt moments of the eveningcapable of giving warmth and a touch of legend to the private evening organized after the ceremony.
Looking at these images today inevitably revives the contrast with the present. At the time the royal family was compact around the couple: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip monitored the celebrations, while William and Kate Middleton shared tables with Hollywood stars. A powerful snapshot of a family microcosm which, two years from now with “Megxit”, would have definitively shattered.
Meghan’s kiss to Harry during the party at Frogmore House. (Photo: Instagram/meghan)
The American narrative of the Dukes of Sussex
Today the dukes they manage their own public image from the villa in Montecito, California, according to exquisitely personal rules. Rules which, lately, are in contradiction with Meghan Markle’s social outings, but that’s it. The choice to share these intimate memories coincides with a period full of private goals for the couple, who have just celebrated Archie’s seventh birthday with a trip to Disneyland and are preparing to blow out the five candles for little Lilibet. In the meantime, who knows if for Harry and Meghan’s anniversary if the greetings have arrived on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
iO Donna © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
