The moment when we could see Meghan Markle wear not one but two crowns this year

Meghan Markle might not have worn a crown or tiara since her 2018 wedding but that could all change dramatically this year

Why we could see Meghan Markle wear two crowns. Seen here Meghan Markle stands at the altar during her wedding
(Image credit: Photo by Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Fans could see Meghan Markle wear two crowns in 2023 if she upholds royal tradition, having not worn a tiara since her wedding.  


In recent weeks more King Charles’ coronation details have been revealed, including Queen Camilla’s coronation crown and plans for a coronation concert over the UK bank holiday weekend. However, one aspect that so far remains unconfirmed is whether or not the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be at the ceremony. The late Queen’s coronation was attended by the immediate and extended Royal Family. Though reports have suggested that Prince Harry and Meghan are “cautious” that the coronation atmosphere for His Majesty could be “toxic”. 

There are now just a few months before King Charles’ coronation day and if the Sussexes attend the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, it could give us the opportunity to see Meghan Markle wear two crowns this year.

Meghan Markle at the High Altar during her wedding

(Image credit: JONATHAN BRADY/AFP via Getty Images)

On the day she and Prince Harry tied the knot at Windsor Castle in 2018, Meghan wore one of Queen Elizabeth’s tiaras. This was her first and last time wearing one so far, but pictures from the late Queen’s coronation show plenty of royals wearing crowns or tiaras then. 

Crowns or tiaras are typically only worn for major State occasions and a coronation is the pinnacle of this. As the wife of Prince Harry, who is fifth in the royal line of succession, Meghan Markle might be expected to wear a tiara for the coronation, as other royals have done before. 

Queen Elizabeth poses with her family and members of the royal family in the throne room at Buckingham Palace, after her coronation

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Fans could even potentially see Meghan Markle wear two crowns if she’s at the coronation. Peers of the realm all have coronets with specific designs assigned to their rank, including Duke, Earl and Marquess.

Royals also have coronets and the Royal Family website previously confirmed that Meghan’s is “composed of two crosses patée, four fleurs-de-lys and two strawberry leaves”. They added that hers was the coronet “laid down by a Royal Warrant of 1917 for the sons and daughters of the Heir Apparent”.

Queen Elizabeth II sits on a throne during her coronation in Westminster Abbey

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It even appears on Meghan’s Coat of Arms, though now King Charles is monarch and not the heir to the throne, she is likely to have the coronet laid down for the sons and daughters of the Sovereign. This design features fleurs-de-lys and crosses patée but no strawberry leaves. 

Coronets are traditionally worn at coronations by everyone entitled to them, but it’s only when a specific point in the ceremony is reached that they are put on. According to Encyclopedia Britannica when St Edward’s Crown is placed on the head of a King the coronets will be worn and if there’s a Queen Consort, the peeresses of the realm wait until she’s crowned before doing so. 

King Charles, Queen Camilla and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend The Prince of Wales' 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The peers and peeresses at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation can be seen wearing their coronets. Given this is a long-standing tradition it’s likely King Charles will keep this in May. If he does and Meghan attends, she might not only wear a tiara but a coronet too. The same could also be expected for Kate Middleton, who is also a daughter-in-law to the King, but until May 6 fans will just have to wait and see whether Prince Harry and Meghan will attend the coronation.  

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!