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What royals banned from their weddings: Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie, the Queen and more

The items (and people) that were banned

Rachel Avery
Homes Editor
November 29, 2021
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Royal weddings come with strict protocols and customs, and sometimes things are even banned from proceedings. Here are the most bizarre items (and even people) that have been forbidden at the nuptials of British royalty…

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The Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward

sophie edward wedding guests

Hats were banned when Prince Edward got married

The Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward married at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in 1999, but they wanted to try and keep their wedding as lowkey as possible. To tie in with their relaxed wedding, Sophie is said to have requested that her guests refrain from wearing hats or headpieces, which are normally customary.

However, some members of the family did go against the suggestion with Princess Anne wearing a small green hair accessory, the Queen sporting a lilac feathered fascinator that tied in with her lace dress and the Queen Mother wearing a full feathered hat.

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The Queen and Prince Philip

royal wedding day

Prince Philip's own sisters were struck off the guest list

The Queen and Prince Philip said 'I do' in 1947 but three very important people were forbidden from attending. Through no choice of their own, the Queen and Prince Philip had to ban Philip's own sisters from their big day.

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The Sun reported that his three sisters were declined an invite to the royal wedding by order of the King because they had all married German princes. The wedding was a mere two years after the end of World War II and tensions were still high in Britain.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

prince harry meghan markle leave windsor castle

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex banned phones and presents

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had some very firm rules in place for their 2018 nuptials and this included their guests surrendering their phones and cameras in order for the reception to stay completely private. In addition, it's reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also banned guests from bringing presents to the venue. Instead, they asked for charitable donations.

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Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank

princess eugenie jack kiss royal wedding

Confetti wasn't allowed at Princess Eugenie's wedding

It may be a traditional part of a wedding day, but Princess Eugenie ensured that confetti was banned when she married Jack Brooksbank. It is believed that this decision comes from an environmental perspective as some confetti may not be bio-degradable.

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