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Fireworks, speeches, and fashion: What to know about the royal wedding reception


After a lavish lunchtime reception, then a wardrobe change into a tuxedo for him and a halter-neck Stella McCartney gown for her, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle — now formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — sped off in an electric-modified, silver-blue Jaguar.

Their destination: Frogmore House, where Prince Charles hosted the second of two receptions for the newlyweds. Though the black-tie affair was kept intimate, with just 200 guests on hand, some details of the night have emerged.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex waved to well-wishers before heading off to their evening reception. (Photo: Steve Parsons, WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex waved to well-wishers before heading off to their evening reception. (Photo: Steve Parsons, WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The fashion

Markle wasn’t the only one who changed her look for the evening reception. After taking a nap to “recharge,” guest Serena Williams traded her pink Versace dress for a Valentino gown with a bold floral-print skirt. She paired the look with thigh-skimming braids and another Bulgari necklace.

The bride’s good friend Priyanka Chopra also updated her wardrobe, changing into a sparkling Dior gown worthy of a princess.

@priyankachopra x @dior #styledbymimicuttrell

A post shared by Mimi Cuttrell (@mimicuttrell) on May 19, 2018 at 11:37am PDT

Amal and George Clooney and stylist Jessica Mulroney, who wore a gold beaded gown, were also among those toasting the couple at the evening reception.

Mulroney changed into a stunning metallic number. (Photo: Rachel Renna via Instagram Stories)
Mulroney changed into a stunning metallic number. (Photo: Rachel Renna via Instagram Stories)

The speeches

As British newspaper the Telegraph reports, the bride was expected to give a speech at the evening reception, where she and Prince Harry were also due to have their first dance as a married couple.

It would be one of many toasts scheduled throughout the day, with Prince Charles and the groom both addressing the wedding guests at the earlier lunchtime reception.

“There was no mention of Diana in the speeches,” a source told OK! magazine. “Charles spoke about feeding Harry a bottle and changing his [diaper], and then said look how well he turned out. That’s about as embarrassing as it got.

“He ended it by [saying,] ‘My darling old Harry, I’m so happy for you,’ which was very sweet. He said he was very pleased to be asked to walk Meghan down the aisle and happy to help out.”

Prince Charles, photographed with Markle’s mother Doria Ragland, gave a speech at his son’s reception. (Photo: Getty)
Prince Charles, photographed with Markle’s mother Doria Ragland, gave a speech at his son’s reception. (Photo: Getty)

Prince Harry also spoke at the evening reception, reportedly bringing some guests to tears as he referred to Markle as his wife for the first time.

“Some people were even crying,” charity boss Suhani Jalota told OK!. “I think it was just a very, really nice atmosphere to be in where everybody felt really loved.

“Essentially it was just about how Harry was a child and growing up. And now just about the couple and how beautiful they are together.”

The party

James Corden and wife Julia Carey attended the royal wedding. (Photo: Toby Melville/AFP/Getty Images)
James Corden and wife Julia Carey attended the royal wedding. (Photo: Toby Melville/AFP/Getty Images)

According to Britain’s The Mirror, talk show host James Corden did the honors of serving as emcee for the celebration, which reportedly included a sit-down dinner and dancing to music spun by DJ Sam Totolee.

Unlike the formal lunchtime reception, evening guests are said to have feasted on a more casual menu of “dirty burgers,” cotton candy, and playful cocktails, including one called “When Harry Met Meghan.” Some drinks reportedly featured rum and ginger in a nod to the groom’s red hair.

The fireworks

At around 11 p.m. local time, fireworks started going off near the celebration. According to Hello! royal correspondent Emily Nash, the groom is particularly fond of the dramatic displays.

For all things royal wedding, from details on Meghan Markle’s dress to cute pictures of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, click here. Want to relive every moment? Watch it all here.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
These Meghan Markle style bloggers are quietly fueling the fashion industry
Here’s your first look at the royal wedding cake
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s engagement photos show the ‘love they have for each other’

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