15 ways British royals broke tradition at their weddings, from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s secret ceremony, to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s unconventional cake

Nov 18 , 2021

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and Prince William and Kate Middleton all broke tradition at their royal weddings. Photos: AP, National Portrait Gallery, Reuters

Princess Diana was the first royal bride to omit ‘obey’ from her vows when she married Prince Charles – and Kate, Meghan and Princess Eugenie followed her lead

Instead of a traditional custom-made wedding dress, Princess Beatrice opted for Queen Elizabeth’s gown and tiara, while Eugenie skipped a veil

The British royal family seem to have protocols and rules for every aspect of their lives, from what to wear and how to eat at a dinner party, to how to behave while pregnant and what to name the baby once it’s born.

But although the family is famous for its strict traditions, not every member always follows them.

Here are 15 times royals broke tradition on their wedding days.

Princess Diana omitted the word “obey” from her wedding vows

Princess Diana and Prince Charles wave from their carriage on their wedding day in 1981, in London. Photo: AP Photo/PA

In her wedding vows to Prince Charles, Diana promised to “love him, comfort him, honour him and keep him, in sickness and in health”. The 1662 Anglican Book of Common Prayer also includes a wife’s promise to “obey him”, which Diana was the first royal to omit.

Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and Princess Eugenie also removed “obey” from their royal wedding vows.

Prince William chose Prince Harry to be his best man

Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, come out of Westminster Abbey following their wedding ceremony, in London, in April 2011. Photo: AFP Photo

Prince William broke with royal tradition by choosing Prince Harry to be his best man for his 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton. British royal weddings technically don’t include a best man or maid of honour in the proceedings – only “supporters”. But that hasn’t stopped royals from breaking protocol and giving someone the honorary title anyway.

Kate Middleton chose her sister Pippa as her maid of honour

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and his bride Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, followed by best man Prince Harry and maid of honour Pippa Middleton, leave Westminster Abbey in London, Britain, in April 2011, following their wedding service. Photo: EPA