Why Meghan Markle's white wedding dress broke royal tradition and shocked the Queen

MEGHAN Markle got everyone talking about her Givenchy wedding dress when she married Prince Harry in May at the Royal Wedding in Windsor Castle. Her stunning gown even surprised the Queen – but why?

Meghan Markle, 37, had all eyes on her as she walked down the aisle of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle in May to marry Prince Harry, 34.

The beautiful bride floated down the aisle in a gorgeous Givenchy wedding gown designed by Clare Waight Keller, featuring a 16-foot veil embroidered with flowers to represent all the countries in the commonwealth.

It also had a bateau neckline and fitted bodice, with three-quarter length sleeves and a flowing train.

But the incredible bridal gown is said to have shocked the Queen, due to its bright white colour.

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Meghan Markle at her Royal Wedding

The Queen was apparently shocked by Meghan Markle's bright white dress (Image: GETTY)

The Queen chose an ivory wedding dress

The Queen chose an ivory wedding dress in 1947 (Image: GETTY)

The Queen is said to have expressed surprise that Meghan, a divorcee, wore quite such a white dress for her wedding

Mail on Sunday

Sources told the Mail on Sunday: "The Queen is said to have expressed surprise that Meghan, a divorcee, wore quite such a white dress for her wedding."

According to traditional bridal etiquette, a woman on her second marriage will shy away from white and instead opt for soft blush or pastel hues for her wedding dress.

This is because white was traditionally seen as a symbol of purity and only worn by women entering their first marriage, who were seen as embodying "innocence and virginal purity."

But ever the modern Duchess, Meghan shunned tradition and chose the brilliant white gown instead.

Although the Queen was thought to be surprised by the white dress, Her Majesty is said to give the final sign off on approving royal brides' dresses.

In contrast, the Queen and even Prince William's wife Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, wore ivory wedding dresses.

Kate Middleton on her wedding day in 2011

Kate Middleton incorporated ivory and white into her gown (Image: GETTY)

Princess Eugenie wore a very traditional gown

Princess Eugenie wore a very traditional gown (Image: GETTY)

Her Majesty's gown from her marriage to Prince Phillip in 1947 was certainly ahead of its time in regards to its style, featuring intricate embroidery and a long, flowing veil.

But Queen Elizabeth II married at a time when ivory was still a popular wedding dress shade.

Even Kate Middleton opted for an ivory gown when she married Prince William at Westminster Abbey in 2011.

Most brides either stick to white or ivory, but the Duchess of Cambridge incorporated both shades into her gown using satin gazar so that it would hold its shape.

Princess Diana also wore an ivory dress for her marriage to Prince Charles, while Princess Eugenie also opted for the more classic shade at her wedding to Jack Brooksbank in October this year.

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One of UK's leading bridal designers and couture fashion experts, Raishma said traditional bridal etiquette is hardly followed anymore, and many divorced brides now choose to opt for white gowns.

She told Express.co.uk earlier this year: "The etiquette on white dresses for second marriages is now very fluid.

"A lot of divorced brides choose to wear white again. However, she is marrying a member of the Royal family, so she may opt for ivory or an off white shade which actually would be perfect on her skin tone.

"Golden tones of cream and champagne would be very flattering on her but slightly more unconventional for a royal wedding – however we may have a maverick royal bride on our hands!"

Meghan opted for a more modern style of dress compared to Kate and the late Princess Diana, seemingly proving the modern outlook she has quickly brought to the Royal Family.