A fairy-tale wedding and a new extended family
Then, inevitably, her memories turned to the wedding, an event marked by emotional moments. Harriet got ready with her mother and the three girls in the family: Georgina, Savannah, and Isla. Then her brother, Nicholas, arrived to drive her to the church. “It was quite wet and it had rained that morning, but the girls kept my train completely white and immaculate,” said said. “They did a really good job.”
In the church, decorated with floral arrangements that seemed to bring nature indoors, Harriet carried a bouquet with myrtle and lily of the valley: “All my family members have had myrtle in their wedding flowers, so I continued that tradition.”
Before going in, the couple prayed together with the vicar. “Then [we] walked into the fragrance of the flowers in the church. It was incredible,” she said. “It’s such a beautiful church, and I grew up going to it. It’s tiny—we were all squished in!” The presence of the king, the queen, and other members of the royal family didn’t distract her: “I was so focused on being in the moment. Of course, you’re aware that people are around you, but I really wanted to enjoy it and be present. I was so happy. That’s very natural for me. I was peaceful. I prayed. Maybe the peace of God came over me.”
The reception took place in the garden at Gatcombe. The sun came out at one point; there was live music, Champagne, and a casual menu featuring lamb raised on the estate. Instead of the traditional wedding cake, there was a huge tiramisu. “There was lots of laughter and it was an amazing family day. It finished at midnight, but everyone wanted it to carry on,” she said.
