Secret Civil Marriage: Did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Skip Formalities?
Did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry actually marry in a secret civil ceremony three days prior to their public wedding ceremony? While some commentators believe this could be true, others argue against it based on legal requirements, public and media scrutiny, and the lack of official confirmation.
The Secret Civil Marriage Claim
According to some sources, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did indeed hold a private civil ceremony on May 15, 2018, three days before their public wedding ceremony on May 19. This secret ceremony was reportedly held at their home in Frogmore Cottage and officiated by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
Many people remember watching the ceremony on television with millions of viewers, and it was described as a small, intimate gathering. However, the claim of a secret civil marriage has sparked a debate among commentators and royal watchers.
Criticism of the Claim
Several commentators argue that such a secret civil marriage is highly unlikely due to several reasons:
Legal Requirements
In the UK, a marriage must follow strict legal protocols. The official wedding ceremony on May 19, 2018, was the legally binding event. The Church of England requires certain formalities to be observed, and the private ceremony fails to meet these requirements.
Public and Media Scrutiny
Given the intense media scrutiny surrounding the royal family, any secret ceremony would likely have been leaked or reported on by the press. The couple’s desire for privacy has often been challenged by the public interest in their lives, making the idea of a secret marriage questionable.
Official Statements
The couple and the royal family have not provided detailed confirmation about the nature of the private ceremony. The official wedding was widely covered and recognized, while the lack of documentation or evidence for the private event raises questions. The apparent contradiction between the private claim and the public celebration adds to the skepticism.
Analysis of the Alleged Secret Ceremony
Some have suggested that the palace authorities knew Meghan would be self-obsessed and out of touch with reality. A rehearsal for the event might have been deemed important because she had very little experience with large set-piece events. Furthermore, concerns were raised that Meghan might have a temper tantrum, disrupt the fine timing, and behave unprofessionally, necessitating a rehearsal.
Feeble Excuses
The argument that the private ceremony was to avoid a temper tantrum is seen as a feeble excuse. The claim that Meghan and Harry acted out a "faux marriage" in a garden and refused to comply with the law is also highly questionable. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has been transparent about the legal processes involved, and it is assumed that he would not participate in any unauthorized religious ceremony.
In conclusion, the debate over the legitimacy of the alleged secret civil marriage between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry remains a topic of interest and speculation among commentators and the public. While some believe it is a possibility, others view it as highly improbable based on legal, media, and official scrutiny.