The subtle divorce reference that we missed on Meghan and Harry's invites

Daily Mail

29 Mar, 2018 03:02 AM4 mins to read

Britain's Prince Harry, left, and Meghan Markle pose for the media at Kensington Palace in London. Photo / AP

The big day is drawing near, and the coveted invitations to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding have already landed on the doormats of the lucky few who will be at Windsor Castle on May 19.

But as the world whips itself into a frenzy over Meghan's impending marriage, MailOnline's etiquette expert William Hanson has pointed out that the painstakingly produced invitations included a subtle reference to her first one.

On the traditional invitations, issued in Prince Charles' name and written in American ink on English card, Meghan is referred to as 'Ms' Markle - in contrast to invitations to the 2011 royal wedding, on which the now Duchess of Cambridge was referred to as Miss Catherine Middleton, according to the Daily Mail.

Invitations for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in May, after they have been printed at the workshop of Barnard and Westwood in London. Photo / AP

Etiquette dictates that Ms is the correct way to refer to a divorced woman, but William has pointed out that the royal household has "never before" acknowledged the honorific.

He said: "The royal household, in particular the Queen, has never before acknowledged the honorific Ms - regardless of whether it was being used to signify a divorced woman or one who did not feel her marital status was of importance.

"It was first used in connection to Meghan in the November engagement announcement and since then has been used throughout the royal household's communications, on press releases, invitations and social media.

"I would imagine Meghan herself has asked to be styled accordingly and that there is no slight intended on Prince Harry's fiancée. It is another subtle sign that the royal household is moving with the times."

Actress Meghan was previously married to film producer Trevor Engelson - the pair wed in 2011 after seven years of dating.

Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle react to wellwishers during a walkabout in Belfast Northern Ireland after a visit to the Crown Bar in the city centre. Photo / AP

The couple divorced three years later citing irreconcilable differences, with insiders blaming the amicable split on clashes in their work schedule.

Harry and Meghan's wedding invitations, which were revealed to the public after being posted last week, were produced by company Barnard & Westwood, which has held a Royal Warrant for Printing & Bookbinding by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen since 1985.

The invites read: "His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT requests the pleasure of the company of....... at the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales with Ms Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on Saturday 19th May, 2018 at 12 Noon followed by a reception at Windsor Castle."

The royal couple will marry at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19, with millions of people expected to watch around the world.

An aerial view of Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England, which will host the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May. Photo / AP

Some 600 guests will attend the wedding service, before enjoying a lunchtime reception at St George's Hall, held by the Queen.

The newlyweds will then embark on a carriage procession around the Berkshire town, cheered by residents and visitors, before a reception at St George's Hall.

Later that evening, 200 guests are invited to the private reception at Frogmore House given by The Prince of Wales.

The invitation specified that men wear military uniform or a morning coat and lounge hat, while women are asked to wear a day dress and hat.

Palace aides have previously said that the prince and Ms Markle's wedding will "reflect their characters and personalities" and be a moment of "fun and joy".