Everyone knows that all families have their funny traditions and eccentricities but none more so than the Windsors.
But the union of Harry and Meghan has gradually changed perceptions of the royals and many praise them as an expression of modernity and reflection of the modern world.
The wedding is symbolic of this and throughout the day, in small gestures and grand flourishes, we see an homage to the rich family heritage of both Harry and Meghan, made for the couple that embody the 21st century.
In their own way Harry and Meghan are taking on traditions, old and new.
Meghan became The Duchess of Sussex today but, at 36, she also became the second-oldest royal bride after Camilla Parker-Bowles.
By comparison, the national average age of brides in the UK has been increasing steadily over recent years and has just now passed 35.
Kate Middleton was 29 when she and William tied the knot in 2011, and Princess Diana was just 20 when she married Charles.
Going all the way back to 1396, the youngest royal bride in history, Isabella of Valois, was just six years old when she married Richard II.
The food served at the wedding has been much speculated over in recent months and in accordance with Royal protocol there is no seafood on the menu.
It’s been banned from Royal consumption as it carries a higher risk of food poisoning.
One surprise has been the choice of cake.
Despite every Royal wedding since Queen Victoria’s serving fruitcake the couple have opted for a lemon and elderflower creation from London baker Claire Ptak, who, like Meghan, is originally from California.
Meghan will be carrying on the tradition of carrying a sprig of myrtle, which symbolises hope and love, in her bouquet.
The other flowers were chosen by Harry and arranged by florist Philippa Craddock, they include forget-me-nots, a favourite of his mother.
Of all the details, Meghan’s engagement ring is perhaps the most poignant.
It features diamonds taken from Diana’s personal collection set around a larger stone from Botswana in a very touching tribute to Harry’s late mother.
And (did it really need saying?) the decision to have the spectacular American Bishop Michael Curry deliver a sermon far removed from the church traditions of the UK.
