Meghan Markle's Gown Is Reportedly Finished

From Harper's BAZAAR

While the fantastical red carpet at the Met Gala was somewhat of a distraction earlier this week, what Meghan Markle will wear down the aisle on May 19th is still top of mind–and royal correspondents are reporting that the much-anticipated gown is complete.

This past weekend, The DailyMailreported that Ralph & Russo, the British couturiers who designed the gown Markle wore in her engagement photos, were tasked to design the future Duchess's wedding gown. Best known for ornate embroidery and silhouettes that defy gravity when it comes to size and scale, royal expert and writer Omid Scobie announced today via his Twitter that Markle has completed her fittings and the gown has been completed. He also reported that the gown has been safely transported to Windsor Castle and is prepped and ready for Meghan to step into it on the 19th.

But, there is still one more step in the dress process prior to Meghan slipping into it on her wedding day. Per royal tradition, the Queen has final approval on the gown's suitability for a royal wedding, and likely approved the gown's design in the early stages of its creation. Scobie reports that Markle will show the Queen her gown privately later this week for her final stamp of approval, and as a gesture to include her in the process, just as the Duchess of Cambridge did with her wedding gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen in the days leading up to her wedding to Prince William.

Comparisons between Will & Kate's royal wedding and Meghan and Harry's upcoming nuptials are inevitable, but Harry and Meghan will likely buck tradition in subtle ways given the young Prince's propensity for towing the line between tradition and blazing his own path (the couple has already veered slightly from tradition with their wedding cake, guest list and more). With that in mind, moments that preserve the heritage behind royal weddings, rather than sticking by American bridal tradition are key for the soon-to-be American princess.

One person that will not be seeing the gown prior to the wedding? The Prince himself. Despite being spotted near the Ralph & Russo atelier last week, Harry noted in the couple's first interview after they announced their engagement that when it comes to seeing the bride before the wedding, he "prefers sticking with traditions."

You Might Also Like

• 50 Celebrities Who Don't Eat Meat

• 21 Faux Fur Jackets To Upgrade Your Look This Season

• The Best Sheet Masks for Every Skin Need