The best dressed at the royal wedding

Julia Bianco @jewliabianco

Millions of people across the world tuned in on Saturday, May 19 to see American actress Meghan Markle marry British royal Prince Harry. The couple, who were newly named the Duke and Duchess of Sussex by Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, were wed at St. George's Chapel on the grounds of Windsor Castle in London.

Thousands of people gathered on the grounds outside to celebrate the happy couple, while a lucky few hundred were invited to actually sit in the chapel and watch the ceremony. As usual, the extended royal family attended the wedding, but Markle's close connections to Hollywood also meant that the event featured quite a few well-known American celebrities as well.

All of the guests dove deep into British fashion for the event, pulling out all the stops with regal suits and elaborate fascinators and accessories. Although there were certainly some misses, it was overall an incredibly fashionable event, with everyone bringing their A-game for the royal day. Here are the people who were the best dressed at the royal wedding.

George and Amal Clooney

George and Amal Clooney were definitely the most fashionable couple at the royal wedding, with Amal looking absolutely stunning in a mustard yellow custom Stella McCartney dress and matching fascinator, complete with a bejeweled veil. George didn't go with quite as bold of a color choice as his wife, but he did match her in a light grey suit and a light yellow tie. The pair was given a prime vantage point for the ceremony, sitting in the quire with the royal family.

Meghan and Amal reportedly became friends once Meghan moved to the United Kingdom, with a People source saying that the pair have a number of shared interests. Considering both are avid humanitarians, it's easy to see what the pair have in common. Luckily for Markle, her new digs will keep her friend close, with the Clooneys settling down with their young twins in a home just a 30-minute drive away from Windsor Castle.

Pippa Middleton

Pippa Middleton had an important part to play in the last royal wedding as the maid of honor to her sister Catherine, and although this time around, she was just attending as a guest, she didn't let her fashion sense slip. Middleton looked fabulous in a simple, light green floral dress as she arrived with her husband, James Matthews. Middleton's dress is actually available online for anyone who wants to get her look, although you'll need to drop a cool $695 at The Fold in London for the privilege.

Middleton and Matthews are nearing their first wedding anniversary, and rumor has it that Middleton is pregnant with their first child. (She has yet to confirm the pregnancy.) Although there was no tell-tale baby bump showing through her royal wedding ensemble to officially give the news away, it seemed as though Middleton was positively glowing when she arrived at St. George's Chapel.

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra had a bit of a scare shortly before the royal wedding, with the actress sharing on Instagram that her dress still wasn't ready just the night before the event. Luckily, everything ended up coming together and Chopra wound up looking like a princess herself in a grey Vivienne Westwood dress and airy Philip Treacy hat. Chopra also had a pretty, spring-like make-up look, courtesy of Pati Dubroff, who highlighted Chopra's Chanel Beauty look on her Instagram.

Chopra, who starred on the ABC drama Quantico until it was canceled after three seasons, is friends with Markle, and has been vocal about how great she thinks Markle will be as a royal. In a profile of Markle for Time's 100 Most Influential People, Chopra noted how "deeply" Markle "cares for the world," calling her "a relatable young woman with her heart and mind in the right place."

"Her compassion, evident in the causes she supports, and her drive to break down stereotypes — obvious in her actions — will connect her to a generation in much need of kindness," Chopra wrote. "Meghan, standing shoulder to shoulder with Harry, will be a princess for the people."

Lady Kitty Spencer

Forest green is not a color you often see in high fashion, but Lady Kitty Spencer made a pretty convincing argument for it with her royal wedding dress. Spencer, the niece of the late Princess Diana, wore a dark green Dolce and Gabanna dress with a floral skirt and a feathered matching fascinator. The picture of grace and elegance, she accompanied her ensemble with orange shoes, tuned to match the flowers on her dress.

Spencer's choice of fashion brand makes perfect sense, considering the fact that she has worked as a model for Dolce and Gabanna. Spencer, who is the oldest daughter of Princess Diana's youngest brother Earl Charles Spencer, was one of Princess Diana's many relatives who attended the wedding. Although Kitty was only six-years-old when her aunt died, she says that she still has "only a few memories, but special memories and happy memories" that she counts herself "lucky" to have.

Oprah Winfrey

Of course Oprah scored an invite to the royal wedding. The queen of the entertainment world looked regal in a pale pink Stella McCartney dress, complete with matching pumps and a flowered hat courtesy of designer Philip Treacy. The actress looked absolutely stunning in her dress, although, as it turns out, she nearly had a fashion faux pas take over her day.

As Oprah's close friend Gayle King revealed during her commentary on CBS' This Morning (via Time), Oprah had initially planned to wear a tastefully cream dress to the wedding, but realized the day before that the dress was a little bit too close to bridal white. Oprah quickly had to switch things around to avoid stealing Markle's thunder, but King said that she was luckily able to "[whip] something together" thanks to McCartney. King did note, though, that Oprah, just like many of the other famous guests, had to ride the bus to the ceremony, although she clearly didn't let that crush her look.

Abigail Spencer

Markle's Suits co-stars were some of the fashion stars of the royal wedding, and Abigail Spencer, who played Dana 'Scottie' Scott on the series, was no exception. Spencer looked fabulous in a blue polka-dot dress from Alessanda Rich, accessorizing with a floral fascinator. Spencer and Markle are friends, and the actress previously gushed about the bride to Vanity Fair, saying, "When you're talking to her, you feel like you're the only person on the planet. And it's just wonderful to see her so in love."

Spencer's dress was serving up 1930s vibes, which made some people think it was part of a call to NBC to renew her drama series Timeless, which is still on the bubble after closing their season two finale with a massive cliffhanger. Although the royal wedding might not be the venue NBC is looking for as far as Timeless support goes, Spencer's look was definitely working on all levels.

Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton gave birth to her third child with Prince William just a month ago, but that didn't stop her from looking fabulous at the royal wedding. The Duchess of Cambridge showed up to the wedding in a "primrose yellow silk tailored coat" from Alexander McQueen, according to Kensington Palace. She completed her ensemble with a Philip Treacy hat and Jimmy Choo shoes. McQueen was also the designer that Middleton wore for her own wedding in 2011.

Although she's royalty, Middleton actually didn't pick up a new outfit for the wedding. The fashionista has worn the coat twice before, to the christening of her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and to the birthday of the queen. Princess Charlotte, who was an adorable bridesmaid at the wedding, accompanied her mother to the ceremony, while Prince George also served in the wedding party. Prince William was the best man to brother Harry, while the pair's new baby Louis stayed at home.

Sofia Wellesley

Many on social media were surprised to see that singer James Blunt scored an invite to the royal wedding, but it was really his wife, Sofia Wellesley, who stole the show. Wellesley looked stunning in a floral Valentino gown, complete with strappy heels and a cream fascinator. Blunt, meanwhile, wore a long dark suit with pinstripe pants and a light blue tie. Wellesley, a British socialite, married Blunt in 2014.

Although Blunt's invite may seem surprising to many, he actually has a long history with Prince Harry. The pair served in the British army together, with the "You're Beautiful" singer telling The Jonathan Ross Show in 2014, "[Harry] joined a little bit after me, so there was a time when Harry would call me sir, perhaps, but now I would call him Your Highness." Blunt also stood guard at the Queen Mother's funeral in 2002 and is said to have "regularly accompanied members of the royal family" during his four years in the army.

Gina Torres

Another one of Markle's former Suits co-stars, Gina Torres looked absolutely stunning in a red and white Costalleros dress, along with a matching nude clutch and fedora. The actress, who is set to get her own Suits spin-off for USA, was all smiles as she attended the event. Torres, along with Markle's other former Suits co-stars Sarah Rafferty and Rick Hoffman, gushed about the wedding on the Today show the day before, saying that she was shocked to be invited.

"I think you know, you hope, and I hope nothing but the best — as we all do — for her, this is an incredible step in her life, so to bear witness to that is extraordinary," she said. Torres added that, while she and her co-stars were some of the first to hear about Meghan and Harry's relationship, she could understand why they wanted to keep it "close to the vest." However, she said she could tell early on how "excited" Markle was.

David Beckham

Victoria Beckham is usually the fashion queen, and although she looked fabulous in a navy suit at the royal wedding, it was her husband David who really stood out. David looked dapper in a grey vest and long black suit, while Victoria paired her long dress with bright red heels and a dark blue fascinator. This isn't the first royal wedding the Beckhams have attended: they were also at Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011.

The Beckhams have a long history with the royal family. Both princes have met with the Spice Girls on numerous occasions, and Prince William was also present at a ceremony appointing Victoria an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. David, meanwhile, has said that he is "good mates" with both princes. "It's a very normal relationship, with Harry as well," David told Esquire. "They're very easy to get along with. They love their sport."

Serena Williams

Markle's longtime friend Serena Williams was dazzling at the wedding ceremony in a draped pink Versace dress and a matching statement fascinator. The tennis star reportedly had to pull out of the Italian Open in Rome in order to attend the ceremony, although she'll be back on the court soon enough: she is scheduled to play in the French Open, beginning on May 27.

Williams, who was recently married herself to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, met Markle in 2010. "I've known her for so many years and I'm so happy for her," Williams said on her Instagram story the day of the event. She had previously told Good Morning America that she gave Markle some advice on her wedding; "I just think it's so important to enjoy the moment. And eat the cake — I didn't get to eat mine at the wedding. We were just having so much fun!" Hopefully, Markle follows Williams' advice, because it seems like the royal wedding cake looks fabulous.

Carey Mulligan

Actress Carey Mulligan was a vision in a pale floral dress attending the royal wedding alongside her husband, Marcus Mumford, of the band Mumford and Sons. The pair, who were married in 2012, were all smiles as they walked into the ceremony, with Mulligan wearing a floor-length, collared dress from Erdem. The actress, who earned an Oscar nomination in 2010 for An Education, accessorized with strappy heels and a white bag. Mumford wore pin-striped pants and a long suit jacket.

Mumford reportedly met Prince Harry and his then-girlfriend Cressida Bones when they attended one of his band's concerts in London. He supposedly had a "lengthy chat" with both Mumford and Mulligan after the show, and they were all said to be in "good spirits." It appears that Harry remained a fan of the band and of the couple, as they scored one of the coveted invites to the ceremony — and had themselves a pretty great fashion moment.

Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie and her sister Beatrice were the talk of the town after Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011 thanks to their enormous fascinators, but the pair decided to keep things on the smaller side for this ceremony, going for more elegant, simple dresses and understated headwear. Princess Eugenie in particular stood out, wearing a retro style Gainsbourg dress and pairing it with a white hat designed by Fiona Graham, and heels by Valentino Rockstud.

The princess will actually be front and center at the next royal wedding, as she is set to marry Jack Brooksbank in October. (Her massive engagement ring appears to have been on display in her royal wedding look.) Although her wedding will likely not be quite as elaborate as Markle's, the new duchess could potentially be in attendance, as she and Princess Eugenie are neighbors and the pair are said to be "close friends."

Patrick J. Adams and Troian Bellisario

Meghan Markle got married on screen shortly before she got married in real life — when her character Rachel Zane married Patrick J. Adams' Mike Ross on Suits. Although Adams made some funny jokes about his TV wife leaving him for another man, there were clearly no real hard feelings, as Adams and his real-life wife Troian Bellisario were at the wedding.

Adams looked dapper in a black suit and maroon tie, while Bellisario wore a tan dress with embellished shoulders and an understated fascinator. Although Bellisario looked fabulous, she was apparently eager to shed one part of her wedding look— her shoes. The actress expressed her gratitude on her Instagram story that Markle provided slippers for the guests at the reception.

Adams, meanwhile, made the hearts of Suits fans everywhere melt with his posts leading up to the wedding, writing on his Twitter page the night before the ceremony, "Going to bed now and thinking a lot about the strange surreal and wonderful day my friend Meghan is going to have tomorrow. Meghan – wherever you are – we are so grateful to be here to watch you both take this monumental step together. Love deeply and live well."

Karen Spencer

Prince Harry honored his later mother Diana in a lot of sweet ways throughout his wedding ceremony, and all three of her siblings were in attendance. Her brother Charles, 9th Earl Spencer, brought along his wife, Countess Karen Spencer, and she stole the show with a bold purple dress designed by Pamella Roland and sky-high matching fascinator from Rachel Trevor Morgan. Spencer, the founder of the charity Whole Child International, was resplendent in the bright color choice, which stood out in a sea of paler dresses. Her husband wore pinstripe pants and a black suit jacket, with a tie matching his wife's ensemble.

Charles has spoken out numerous times about his late sister's memory, telling People in honor of the 20th anniversary of her death that she was "a genius for people and she could connect with anyone." He continued: "She could make any person, whether they were the grandest or the most humble, totally at ease," he said. "It's an incredible gift."

Doria Ragland

Markle's father Thomas was unable to attend the wedding due to health issues, but her mother, Doria Ragland, was present and definitely stole the show. Ragland rode with her daughter to the wedding in the Queen's Rolls-Royce Phantom. Ragland, a yoga instructor and social worker in Los Angeles, wore a custom light green dress and coat designed by the creative directors of Oscar de la Renta, Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim. She wore shoes from Aquazarra and a hat by Stephen Jones.

The resemblance to her daughter was clear, as was their close relationship: Ragland teared up while in the pews watching her daughter get married. Markle has spoken about her relationship with mother on numerous occasions, writing in Glamour, "We can just have so much fun together, and yet, I'll still find so much solace in her support. That duality coexists the same way it would in a best friend." Ragland is close with Prince Harry as well — he said in an interview with BBC that he thought Ragland was "amazing."

Meghan Markle

Of course, the absolute best dressed at the royal wedding was the bride. People have been speculating about Markle's dress since the engagement was announced, and she did not disappoint, picking an ivory Givenchy stunner. The dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller, the first female artistic director at the fashion house.

Kensington Palace said in a statement (via CNN) that Markle wanted to go with Waight Keller's design because of her "timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed [demeanor]." Markle certainly looked timeless and elegant, accessorizing her dress with a 16.5-foot silk tulle veil and letting the train trail behind her as she made her slow and regal walk down the aisle. Markle also wore Queen Mary's diamond tiara, loaned to her by Queen Elizabeth II. 

Markle's dress was fairly understated against the regal trappings of the wedding, and she was praised for going with a more simplistic fashion choice. "It was not a Cinderella choice, not one that spoke of fantasy or old-fashioned fairy tales, but one that placed the woman proudly front and center," wrote Vanessa Friedman for The New York Times. Through her dress, Markle immediately set herself up as a new type of royal.

Source: TheList