Meghan Markle joined the procession for the lying-in-state of Queen Elizabeth II in London today. Prince Harry’s wife was driven in a car in the company of Princess Sophie, while Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin was taken by a Gun Carriage of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.
Markle embraced the somber dressing traditions, wearing a black Givenchy coat she previously wore during Remembrance Day. She accessorized with a black fascinator and wore black tights and black pumps to match. Following the royal mourning etiquette, she also wore single pearl earrings.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex departs Buckingham Palace during a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Sept. 14, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. CREDIT: Getty Images
Wearing pearls is part of the mourning tradition in the UK that dates to the 19th century. When Prince Albert died in 1861, his wife, Queen Victoria, spent the rest of her life wearing only black. However, she would occasionally have a piece of jewelry, almost always a pearl necklace. White pearls are considered to denote purity and represent tears. In 1878, to mourn the loss of both her daughter Princess Alice and son Prince Albert, Queen Victoria wore brooches with their initials and a single white pearl.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex departs Buckingham Palace during a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Sept. 14, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. CREDIT: Getty Images
The fascinator also has origins in protocol. In the 1950s, it was considered improper for upper-class and royal women to show their hair in public. The etiquette rule has changed over the years, but it’s expected for royal women attending royal events to wear hats or fascinators.
Kate Middleton was also part of the procession. Prince William’s wife was in the same car as Queen Camila.
King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Queen Camilla, Sir Timothy Laurence, Mr Peter Phillips, Princess Sophie, Kate Middleton, Princess Beatrice and Prince Edward, are seen inside the Palace of Westminster as the First Watch begins their duty during the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 14, 2022 in London, England. CREDIT: Getty Images
Buckingham Palace said that the Queen’s state funeral will take place on Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. The Queen will lie in state in Westminster Hall for four days to allow the public to pay their respects.
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