Meghan Markle’s Instagram account exploded with wedding anniversary content today as she and Prince Harry mark eight years of marriage. And amongst the behind-the-scenes images shared was a throwback picture of the couple dressed as penguins for a private engagement party they had with friends.
The Duchess of Sussex shared a video to her Instagram stories showing a gift Harry presented her with to mark their anniversary. The present was a statue of two penguins hugging, and after she opened it on camera Meghan told her 4.5 million followers that it had a special meaning.
“Aaaaah, whaaaaat. Oh my God,” Meghan exclaimed as she unveiled the statue in what appeared to be the couple’s kitchen. Then she said to her children, who were out of shot, “When mama and papa, when we got engaged, we had a party with all of our friends and we said everyone wear an animal onesie and we were penguins. We were penguins because they’re together for life.”
Meghan held up a photograph of her and Harry dressed in the penguin onesie outfits for the camera. A separate video showed Harry bringing a cake to Meghan as he sang “Happy anniversary.” A later post revealed that it was a lemon and elderflower cake, the same cake the couple chose for their wedding day.
The Duchess posted multiple throwback images today of their wedding in the grounds of Windsor Castle on May 19 2018. She shared pictures of their private evening reception at Frogmore House, taken by Chris Allerton, of the couple dancing and kissing. She also posted previously unseen images from inside Windsor Castle, where the afternoon reception was held.
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.