And Meghan’s dress has instantly become one of the world’s most famous gowns. We take a look at three other royal wedding dresses that have claimed their place in fashion history.

Queen Elizabeth – 20 November 1947

The design for the Queen’s wedding dress was only approved three months before the wedding, and it took 350 women seven weeks to make.

Her Majesty’s gown was made in a time of post-World War II austerity, with material to make the dress purchased using ration coupons.

Hundreds of women sent their own coupons to help out, but every single one had to be sent back as it was illegal to transfer them.

The Queen’s ivory silk shoes were embroidered with seed pearls and made by Edward Rayne – the Queen Mother’s shoemaker, who also made the 5ft 2in Queen Mum shoes with 6in heels and platform soles.

Princess Diana – 29 July 1981

The “most closely guarded secret in fashion history”, Princess Diana’s dress was then valued at £9,000 ($13,000), which is around £35,500 ($51,000) in today’s money. With its puffed sleeves and bows, the dress perfectly reflected the style of the time.

Diana wore matching silk shoes – fully hidden under the voluminous gown – that were covered in 542 sequins and 132 pearls, with the initials C and D – for Charles and Diana – written on the arch of each shoe.

Duchess of Cambridge – 29 April 2011

To keep the Duchess of Cambridge’s dress top secret, embroiderers at the Royal School of Needlework, who crafted the lace on the dress, were told that it was going to be used in a big-budget TV costume drama.

Kate’s dress was widely reported to cost £250,000, the fifth most expensive dress in the world.

Duchess of Sussex – 19 May 2018

Meghan Markle stepped out for her wedding in a dress by British designer Clare Waight Keller.

The pure white design featured a five-metre long veil, made from silk tulle and featuring hand-embroidered flowers from each of the 53 Commonwealth countries.

Meghan’s veil was held in place by Queen Mary’s diamond and platinum bandeau tiara, made in 1932 and lent by the Queen.

The bling continued with a detachable brooch at its centre featuring 10 brilliant diamonds.

In tribute to Princess Diana, the bride’s bouquet included forget-me-nots – her favourite.

Harry also handpicked some flowers from the Kensington Place garden to add to the bouquet, which was designed by florist Philippa Craddock and tied with a silk ribbon.