Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement last November, but, because Harry is a royal, simply wanting to get married was not enough—the couple also needed the official approval of Queen Elizabeth II before they could tie the knot.
Now, less than a week before their wedding, the finally have all the royal paperwork in place. This weekend, Buckingham Palace shared an image of the Instrument of Consent, the hand-written document which records The Queen's official approval of the marriage.
The Instrument of Consent is drafted by the Crown Office. It's hand-written by an artist who is on retainer with the Crown Office (they actually have a panel of them to choose from).
What is the Instrument of Consent?
The Instrument of Consent is the official, physical document that grants permission for royals to get married. Prince William and Kate Middleton needed on before their wedding in 2011, too.
Why does the Instrument of Consent matter?
The royal family has a lot of traditions, but this one is actually the law. According to the Royal Marriages Act 1772, the Queen must sign this official notice to recognize the marriage of any descendants of George II. The Royal Marriages Act was overturned by the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, but even under the new law, the first six people in line for the throne need the monarch's consent to marry (Harry is currently sixth in line, just making the cut).
Is the Instrument of Consent always the same?
No. They're customized for the couple. Harry and Meghan's, for example, includes a red dragon, which is the heraldic symbol of Wales, as well as the UK's floral emblems–the rose, thistle, and shamrock—and Prince Harry's Label. It also features a rose (the official flower of the United States) and four golden poppies, the state flower of California, where Meghan was born.
-
Princess Diana's Niece Amelia Spencer Reveals Secret Fifth Bridal OutfitRoyal (adjacent) wedding goals, period.
-
Meet the Model-Off-Duty Hairstyle That Doubles as a Faux Face LiftJawline? Snatched.
-
Hailey Bieber's Sugar Cookie Pedicure Is Almost Too SweetThe beauty founder is tapping back into a milky white nail trend.
-
How Meghan Markle Included a Sentimental Nod to Prince Harry—and Queen Elizabeth—in the Logo for As EverThe design is full of meaning.
-
Meghan Markle Launches Her 'As Ever' Era in a White Button-Down Shirt and Classic JeansThe big announcement was a return to basics.
-
How Meghan Markle Included Princess Lilibet—and Their Stunning Backyard—in Her New Brand, As EverThe rarely-seen toddler shared in the excitement for her mom's As Ever brand launch announcement.
-
The Deeper Meaning Behind Meghan Markle's Reimagined Brand, As Ever"This new chapter is an extension of what has always been my love language," the Duchess of Sussex wrote on Instagram.
-
Meghan Markle Paid Tribute to Her Friend's Late Son and His Twin With a Touching New Heart NecklaceShe wore the gorgeous red pendant in the announcement video for her new brand, As Ever.
-
Prince Harry Reportedly Had a Safety Scare at the Invictus Games and Was Forced to Leave an Event EarlyThe Duke of Sussex was apparently "ushered out" by his security team.
-
Prince Harry Had a Royal Family Reunion at the Invictus Games With Two Unexpected RoyalsThe Duke of Sussex was joined by the prince and princess at a sitting volleyball game.
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Will Likely Make Their Joint Royal Debut at this EventFans might have to wait a while.
