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.
-
Why King Charles's Cousin Immediately Name-Dropped Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on 'The Traitors'Lord Ivar Mountbatten quickly established his connection to the Sussexes, and discussed his status as the first openly gay British royal.
-
Suki Waterhouse Cements Her '70s Darling Status in the Yeti Coat TrendThe British pop-rock princess truly met her match in this shaggy vintage-inspired style.
-
These Royals Could Step Up to Help Prince William When He's King "If He Calls on Them"Three members of the Royal Family are likely to pitch in with duties down the line.
-
Why King Charles's Cousin Immediately Name-Dropped Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on 'The Traitors'
Lord Ivar Mountbatten quickly established his connection to the Sussexes, and discussed his status as the first openly gay British royal.
-
How Prince Harry Honored One Man's Unexpected Request While Helping California Wildfire VictimsThe Duke of Sussex reportedly went incognito to find a special item for an elderly man affected by the disaster.
-
Meghan Markle Is Pushing the Premiere of Her Netflix Series Due to the Los Angeles WildfiresMeghan requested that Netflix delay the release "as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California."
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Hugged Victims of the LA Fires During Surprise Appearance in Pasadena"No one knew they were serving food with masks."
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Issue Statement on California's Devastating WildfiresThe Sussexes addressed the disaster, which is "affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life."
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules AttachedThe present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Most Personal Instagram Post Yet—Including Rare Glimpses of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—After Their Beloved Dog Dies"Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy. You filled my life in ways you’ll never know."
