On May 19, 2026, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary. The couple commemorated their special day in a private setting at home, surrounded by their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The celebration included heartfelt gifts and a cake with special significance, reminiscent of their original wedding.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/prince-harry-meghan-markle-anniversary-tout-51926-09e8dda9345d463785491cd1d7ac886c.jpg)
The couple began the day by sharing previously unseen photographs from their wedding, which took place on May 19, 2018. Meghan, aged 44, later posted on her Instagram story, revealing snippets of their low-key family celebration. Prince Harry, now 41, was seen presenting a cake adorned with candles, while their children joyously shouted, “Happy anniversary to Mama!” to which Meghan affectionately added, “And Papa!”
The cake that featured prominently in their anniversary celebration was lemon and elderflower, mirroring the flavours of the cake prepared by Claire Ptak of Violet Cakes. Ptak had crafted their iconic wedding cake, which not only marked a departure from traditional royal pastries but also included sustainable, seasonal ingredients — a reflection of Harry and Meghan’s values.
During the couple’s wedding in 2018, their cake was revealed at a reception hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II at St. George’s Hall in Windsor Castle. The cake received a positive response, and Ptak described it as a momentous occasion, stating, “I can’t tell you how delighted I am to be chosen to make Prince Harry and Ms. Markle’s wedding cake.”
In a fascinating twist of fate, Ptak’s journey as a pastry chef connects her to Meghan in more ways than one. Having previously worked under the renowned Alice Waters at Chez Panisse in California, Ptak found her role as the wedding cake designer leading to a full-circle moment. Meghan later welcomed Waters onto the finale of her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan,” highlighting their shared culinary passion.
Food played a significant role in the couple’s wedding festivities, as they wanted to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for their guests. Following the ceremony, a lively luncheon was hosted, featuring a menu of small dishes designed for mingling, catering to approximately 600 attendees. The intimate nature of both the lunch and the subsequent private dinner allowed for an abundance of joy and celebration.
For their evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by Prince Charles, the guest list was reduced to just 200, where attendees enjoyed a sit-down three-course meal. Reports from those present indicated that the menu included comfort foods such as baked potatoes and pork belly, concluding with a delightful meringue for dessert. A cocktail named after the couple, featuring ginger in homage to Harry’s famous red locks, was also served.
Reflecting on their wedding day, Meghan shared memorable moments from the intimate reception, recalling the fun-filled atmosphere “eight years ago today.” In their 2022 Netflix docuseries, “Harry & Meghan,” she talked about their first dance, describing it as exhilarating and whimsical, characterising the moment as “just spinning like a whirlwind.”
The celebration of their anniversary undoubtedly highlights the couple’s enduring bond and commitment to family. As they continue to navigate life away from the royal spotlight, Harry and Meghan’s approach to their relationship and family life remains a point of interest for many. Their choice to honour their wedding day through family-centric celebrations speaks volumes about their values as a couple.
As this pair reflects on their journey thus far, many will keep an eye on how they celebrate milestones and honour their unique relationship in the years to come. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain popular figures in contemporary culture, and their story resonates with many supporters who admire their efforts to live authentically away from royal expectations.