- Invitations went out last week for the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, on May 19.
- In all the excitement, many people missed a subtle detail on the invitation: Markle is referred to as "Ms." instead of "Miss."
- An etiquette coach who's an expert on royals speculates this is to acknowledge that Markle was once married.
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This subtle detail on the royal wedding invite acknowledges Meghan Markle's divorce, according to an expert
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding invitation refers to her as "Ms." instead of "Miss" — an expert on royals says it's to acknowledge her first marriage.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sent the invitations to their May wedding last week, but many people missed a subtle detail on the invitation that acknowledges Markle was married before, according to an expert on royals.
The invitation reads:
"His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales K.G., K.T. requests the pleasure of the company of (name) 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."
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Instead of referring to Markle as "Miss," the invitation says "Ms."
But for the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, Kate Middleton was referred to as "Miss Catherine Middleton."
According to etiquette rules, "Ms." is the correct way to address a divorced woman, says William Hanson, an etiquette coach. Markle was married to Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013.
"The royal household, in particular the queen, has never before acknowledged the honourific 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," Hanson told the Mail Online. "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."
He added: "It is another subtle sign that the royal household is moving with the times."
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Kensington Palace confirmed last week that guests had been invited to a service at St. George's Chapel on May 19 followed by a lunchtime reception at St. George's Hall, hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
About 200 guests have also been invited to an evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by Prince Charles.
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