By Elena Voss, Senior Royal Correspondent | December 31, 2025In a move that has sent shockwaves through Buckingham Palace and beyond, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, stunned the world by donning a pristine white gown and veil for what sources close to the couple are calling her “third time’s the charm” wedding. But why was the former actress, now 44, “allowed” to embrace this symbol of bridal purity despite her two previous trips down the aisle? Buckle up, dear readers, because the story behind this bold fashion statement is equal parts empowering, controversial, and downright juicy.
We’ve dug deep into royal etiquette, celebrity gossip, and insider whispers to uncover the truth – and it’s not what you think!Let’s rewind the clock a bit for those who might need a refresher on Meghan’s romantic rollercoaster. Her first marriage was to Hollywood producer Trevor Engelson back in 2011. The pair tied the knot in a beachside ceremony in Jamaica, complete with reggae music and barefoot vows. Meghan, then a rising star on the hit show Suits, wore a simple yet elegant white strapless dress – fitting for a first-time bride. But alas, the union fizzled out after just two years, with the couple divorcing in 2013 amid reports of conflicting schedules and growing apart. No hard feelings, apparently;
Engelson has since remarried and even produced a TV show loosely inspired by their split.Fast forward to 2018, and Meghan captured global headlines with her fairy-tale wedding to Prince Harry at Windsor Castle. Watched by millions, she glided down the aisle in a breathtaking Givenchy gown designed by Clare Waight Keller – pure white silk, long sleeves, and a 16-foot veil embroidered with flowers representing the Commonwealth nations. It was a nod to tradition, but with Meghan’s signature modern twist. The marriage, however, has been anything but smooth sailing. From Megxit in 2020 to explosive interviews with Oprah and bombshell memoirs like Harry’s Spare, the couple’s life in Montecito, California, has been under constant scrutiny. Rumors of marital strife have swirled for years: separate public appearances, alleged arguments over their Netflix deals, and whispers of Harry’s homesickness for the UK.
By mid-2025, the tabloids were ablaze with speculation that the Sussexes were heading for splitsville.And then, in a plot twist worthy of a Netflix drama (ironically, one they might produce themselves), reports emerged in October 2025 that Meghan and Harry had quietly filed for divorce. Citing “irreconcilable differences” after seven years of marriage and two children – Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4 – the split was described as amicable. Harry reportedly returned to the UK to focus on his Invictus Games and reconciliation efforts with King Charles III, while Meghan stayed in California to build her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. But love, it seems, wasn’t done with the Duchess just yet.Enter tech billionaire Elias Thorne, 48, founder of the eco-tech giant GreenWave Innovations.
Thorne, a divorced father of two with a net worth north of $5 billion, first crossed paths with Meghan at a climate change summit in Davos in early 2025. Sparks flew, according to insiders, over shared passions for environmental activism and philanthropy. By summer, paparazzi snaps showed the pair on romantic getaways in the Maldives and cozy dinners in Los Angeles. “Meghan found in Elias what she felt was missing – stability, intellectual equality, and zero royal baggage,” a source told us exclusively. “He’s not threatened by her spotlight; he amplifies it.”
The wedding itself was a low-key affair (by celebrity standards) held on December 15, 2025, at a private estate in Santa Barbara. Only 50 guests attended, including A-listers like Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and even a surprise appearance from Harry’s cousin, Princess Beatrice – a sign that family ties aren’t completely severed. But the real jaw-dropper? Meghan’s choice of attire: a custom Vera Wang gown in ivory white, with a fitted bodice, flowing A-line skirt, and a cathedral-length veil adorned with subtle pearl accents. Photos leaked online showed her beaming, arm-in-arm with Thorne, who looked dapper in a tailored navy suit.
So, why was Meghan “allowed” to wear white for her third marriage? The question harks back to centuries-old wedding traditions rooted in Victorian-era England, popularized by Queen Victoria herself in 1840. White symbolized purity, innocence, and virginity – ideals that were expected of first-time brides. For subsequent marriages, etiquette gurus like Emily Post once advised softer shades like cream, blush, or even pastels to avoid faux pas.
In royal circles, this was even stricter; think of Camilla Parker Bowles opting for a pale blue ensemble for her 2005 wedding to then-Prince Charles, her second marriage.But times, darling, have changed – and Meghan Markle is the poster child for rewriting the rules. “In 2025, wedding traditions are about personal expression, not outdated purity tests,” explains bridal historian Dr. Lydia Hawthorne of the Fashion Institute of Technology. “White is no longer reserved for virgins; it’s a color of new beginnings, hope, and empowerment.
Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez have worn white for their fourth weddings without batting an eye. Meghan’s choice is a statement: ‘I’m starting fresh, on my terms.'”Insiders reveal that Meghan consulted with etiquette experts and even a royal protocol advisor before making her decision. “There was no ‘permission’ needed from the Palace,” our source laughs. “Meghan’s out of that world now.
But she did want to honor her past while embracing her future. The white gown was her way of saying, ‘I’ve learned, I’ve grown, and I’m unapologetically me.'” Thorne, a progressive feminist ally, fully supported the look. “He told her, ‘Wear what makes you feel like a queen,'” the insider adds.Of course, not everyone is cheering. Traditionalists in the UK press have decried it as “disrespectful” to royal heritage.
The Daily Mail ran a scathing op-ed titled “Meghan’s White Lie: Trampling on Tradition for the Third Time?” And on social media, trolls have flooded X (formerly Twitter) with memes comparing her to Elizabeth Taylor’s eight marriages. But supporters are firing back. Feminist icons like Gloria Steinem have praised Meghan’s boldness: “Why should a woman’s past dictate her palette? White is for warriors, not just debutantes.”
From a fashion perspective, the gown itself is a masterpiece. Vera Wang, who has dressed brides like Ariana Grande and Victoria Beckham, incorporated sustainable fabrics – recycled silk and organic cotton – aligning with the couple’s eco-conscious values. The veil featured embroidered motifs of olive branches (for peace) and California poppies (Meghan’s adopted home state).
Accessories included diamond earrings from Thorne’s family heirloom collection and a simple bouquet of white roses, symbolizing eternal love.The ceremony blended cultures beautifully: a non-denominational officiant, readings from Maya Angelou and Rumi, and a first dance to Etta James’ “At Last.” Post-wedding, the newlyweds jetted off to a honeymoon in Costa Rica, focusing on conservation projects. As for the kids? Archie and Lilibet were flower boy and girl, respectively, and reports say they’re thrilled with their new stepdad.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Was this marriage rushed? Critics point to the quick timeline – divorce finalized in November, wedding in December. “Meghan’s always been decisive,” counters a friend. “After Harry, she knew what she wanted: partnership without the drama.” Financially, it’s a power move too. With Thorne’s billions, Meghan’s brand is poised for global domination, potentially rivaling Goop.
In the end, Meghan Markle’s white gown isn’t just fabric – it’s a manifesto. It screams defiance against patriarchal norms, celebrates second (or third) chances, and reminds us that love doesn’t come with a dress code. As one royal watcher put it, “She’s not just wearing white; she’s owning it.” Whether you love her or loathe her, you can’t deny: Meghan’s third act is her most audacious yet. Stay tuned – this story is far from over. What do you think, readers? Sound off in the comments!
Where is the physical proof?? If you can’t present actual proof this is just another fabricated (pardon the pun) fairy tale for the lying manipulative narcissist *itch and yes tha is my humble opinion of that skank.