The Secret 'Something Blue' And 5 Other Shocking Details About Meghan Markle's Iconic Wedding Dress

As of December 2025, the world is still captivated by the timeless elegance of the gown worn by Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, when she married Prince Harry on May 19, 2018, at St. George's Chapel. Her choice of a minimalist, boat-neck dress from Givenchy, designed by Clare Waight Keller, was a radical departure from traditional royal bridal wear, instantly setting a new standard for modern, sophisticated wedding fashion. The gown’s simple, architectural lines and the breathtaking 16-foot veil, embroidered with the flora of all 53 Commonwealth nations, cemented its place in history. However, years later, new details and designer revelations continue to emerge, offering a fresh perspective on the hidden symbolism, immense labor, and surprising cost behind one of the most talked-about dresses of the century.

The Duchess of Sussex: A Concise Biography and Profile

Rachel Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. Her background as an American actress, humanitarian, and entrepreneur set her apart from previous royal spouses, bringing a unique perspective to the British monarchy.

• Full Name: Rachel Meghan Markle
• Born: August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parents: Doria Ragland (mother), Thomas Markle (father)
• Education: Northwestern University (Theatre and International Relations)
• Pre-Royal Career: Best known for playing Rachel Zane on the legal drama series Suits (2011–2018).
• Royal Title: Duchess of Sussex, Countess of Dumbarton, Baroness Kilkeel.
• Spouse: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (married May 19, 2018).
• Children: Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.
• Current Role: Stepped back as a senior working member of the Royal Family in 2020 to pursue independent endeavors, including their Archewell Foundation.

The Givenchy Gown: Unveiling the Hidden Secrets and Shocking Labor

Meghan’s choice of a minimalist gown was a deliberate statement of modernity and personal style. The dress was the creation of British designer Clare Waight Keller, then the Artistic Director of the French fashion house Givenchy. This choice was significant, as Waight Keller was the first female artistic director of the house, aligning with Meghan's known commitment to female empowerment.

The Secret 'Something Blue' Detail

One of the most recent and intimate details revealed years after the wedding was the inclusion of a hidden "something blue" sewn into the dress. This discreet detail was a piece of fabric from the blue dress Meghan wore on her first date with Prince Harry. Designer Clare Waight Keller revealed that the fabric was secretly stitched into the hem of the wedding dress, ensuring that only Meghan and the designer knew of its presence. This deeply personal touch provided a private nod to the couple’s love story, hidden beneath the public spectacle of the royal wedding.

A Staggering 3,900 Hours of Work

The simplicity of the gown belies the immense labor and precision involved in its creation. It was reported that the construction of the dress alone required an estimated 3,900 hours of work by the Givenchy atelier team. The main body of the dress was crafted from a unique double-bonded silk cady, chosen for its matte luster and structured drape. The flawless, clean lines of the dress—featuring a sophisticated bateau neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves—were a testament to the couture team's exceptional skill.

The Veil: A Symbol of the Commonwealth

Perhaps the most symbolic element of Meghan's bridal look was the 16-foot silk tulle veil. The veil was hand-embroidered with flora representing all 53 countries of the Commonwealth, a subtle yet powerful gesture acknowledging the Queen’s role as head of the Commonwealth. Additionally, two personal flowers were included: the California Poppy, representing Meghan's home state, and a winter sweet flower, which grows on the grounds of Kensington Palace. The entire embroidery process was so delicate that the workers had to wash their hands every thirty minutes to keep the silk tulle and threads pristine.

The Price Tag and Lasting Impact on Bridal Fashion

The cost of Meghan Markle's wedding dress has been a point of intense media speculation, with estimates varying widely depending on what is included in the total figure.

The Estimated Cost of the Gown

While the official cost was never confirmed by the Palace, estimates for the bespoke Givenchy gown range significantly. Some reports suggest the dress cost between £100,000 and £387,000 (approximately $125,000 to $485,000 USD), with some outlets suggesting a figure closer to $269,000. The high price tag reflects the custom design, the exclusive silk cady material, and the thousands of hours of hand-stitching involved in the gown and the intricate veil embroidery. The cost was reportedly covered privately by the royal family, not the British taxpayers.

The Second Dress: A Commercial Legacy

For the evening reception at Frogmore House, Meghan changed into a stunning, slinky lily white silk crepe gown designed by Stella McCartney. This high-neck, halter-style dress, featuring an open back, was the perfect modern choice for the private celebration, allowing her to move freely and showcase a different, more glamorous side of her style. The impact of this dress was immediate and commercial. Following the wedding, Stella McCartney released a limited-edition "Made With Love" capsule collection, re-creating the gown in both lily white and black for a select 46 clients, directly capitalizing on the dress's global appeal and cementing its status as an iconic piece of modern bridal wear.

A Shift to Minimalist Bridal Style

Meghan Markle's choice of a clean, unadorned, and minimalist wedding dress signaled a significant shift in bridal trends. In the years since the royal wedding, there has been a noticeable move away from overly ornate, traditional gowns towards more structured, simple, and elegant designs. Her style, which designer Clare Waight Keller has recently lauded as "timeless" and "minimalist," continues to inspire brides globally, proving that true elegance often lies in simplicity and impeccable tailoring. The dress, paired with Queen Mary's Bandeau Tiara, perfectly balanced royal tradition with contemporary sophistication, ensuring the Duchess of Sussex's bridal look remains a powerful reference point for designers and future brides for decades to come.