World

Kōwhai part of Markle's wedding veil

11:46 am on 20 May 2018

New Zealand was one of 53 Commonwealth countries represented in Meghan Markle's wedding veil.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are married at Windsor Castle. Photo: AFP

The actress married Prince Harry in a ceremony at Windsor Castle overnight (New Zealand time).

Her white silk dress was by British designer Clare Waight Keller, who also created a veil with the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country.

In New Zealand's case, it was a kōwhai.

Kensington Palace said significant time was spent on researching this, checking whether each flora represented was unique.

It also said Prince Harry has been appointed Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, and this will be a major part of his future work.

All 600 wedding guests were invited to a lunchtime reception at St George's Hall, hosted by the Queen.

The newlyweds will celebrate shortly with 200 close friends and family at a private reception near Windsor Castle, hosted by Prince Charles.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after their wedding on the way to attending an evening reception at Frogmore House. Photo: AFP

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left in an open-top classic car, a silver blue Jaguar E-type which has since been converted to electric power.

Prince Harry and Ms Markle had ditched their earlier wedding attire and the bride is now in a cream halter-neck dress, while the groom is in a black-tie dinner jacket.

It's reported that the Duchess will make a speech there, in what would be a departure from tradition.

The couple are not jetting off on honeymoon right away, as they are attending Prince Charles' 70th birthday celebrations next week.

They are then expected to leave for Southern Africa soon after, with Namibia and Botswana thought to be the most likely honeymoon destinations.