Published: April 28, 2026 Last Updated 1 second ago by Faustina Marfo
During her recent trip to Australia, Meghan Markle shared wedding and marriage advice in a video message that quickly gained attention.
Addressing a bride-to-be named Ellie, she emphasised that while the wedding day is special, the marriage itself is most important: “Enjoy the wedding, but it’s more about the marriage. Have a wonderful, beautiful marriage and a lifetime of love.”
This advice comes eight years after Meghan and Prince Harry’s wedding at Windsor Castle in 2018. Her message resonates because it shifts attention from elaborate planning and social media expectations to the foundations of a lasting relationship.
Photo: Getty Images While in Australia with Prince Harry, Meghan recorded a video message for Ellie, standing beside the bride’s father. In the clip, she says:
“Ellie, I’m here with your dad. I just wanted to say congratulations on your wedding. Enjoy the wedding, but it’s more about the marriage. Have a wonderful, beautiful marriage and a lifetime of love. Sending you love all over the world. Your dad is awesome.”
She ends the message with a blown kiss, adding a personal touch that has been praised as genuine. The video was widely shared on social media, prompting discussions about prioritising lifelong partnership over a single event.
Meghan’s advice is particularly relevant in today’s wedding culture, where couples often focus on details and presentation, sometimes overlooking the deeper commitment of marriage.
Meghan Markle’s message addresses a common issue: the focus on weddings can overshadow the realities of married life. While planning is exciting and often stressful, real life begins after the celebration ends.
Successful marriages thrive on:
- Daily commitment: Choosing each other consistently, even on ordinary days.
- Effective communication: Navigating disagreements with respect and empathy.
- Shared values and growth: Evolving together as individuals and as a couple.
- Building emotional intimacy: Creating a supportive environment beyond the wedding day.
Experts in relationship psychology often echo this sentiment. The wedding is a celebration, but the marriage is the long game. Couples who enter matrimony with realistic expectations and a strong foundation tend to fare better during inevitable challenges.
Meghan and Prince Harry’s experience illustrates this philosophy. Their 2018 wedding was a widely viewed event. Still, in the years since, they have faced public scrutiny, relocation, new professional ventures, and the responsibilities of raising their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Photo: IG/meghan Throughout these changes, they have emphasised partnership, mutual support, and prioritising their family. Meghan’s message to Ellie reflects this experience, highlighting that the true work and reward come from nurturing the relationship after the celebration.
Her acknowledgement of Ellie’s father (“Your dad is awesome”) also highlights the importance of family support in both weddings and marriages.
Practical Marriage Advice for Modern Couples
If you’re planning a wedding or are already married, here are actionable takeaways inspired by Meghan Markle’s words:
Balance celebration with intention
Enjoy wedding planning, but also set aside time for important premarital discussions about finances, career goals, family planning, and conflict resolution.
Focus on the “after”
Consider writing personal vows that address both your shared history and the future you intend to build together.
Invest in the marriage daily
Small habits, such as regular date nights, expressing gratitude, and emotional check-ins, are more impactful than any single event.
Seek support when needed
Therapy, couples counseling, or mentorship from experienced couples can provide valuable tools for building a resilient partnership.
Remember the bigger picture
As Meghan said, aim for “a lifetime of love.” This perspective helps couples navigate challenges and appreciate everyday successes.
Meghan’s advice is powerful in its simplicity. Amid elaborate weddings and curated social media, her reminder is both refreshing and authentic. She offers a gentle prompt to focus on the marriage itself, rather than on complex rules or celebrity advice.
Whether you are a bride-to-be, a newlywed, or years into your relationship, this advice is universally relevant. The wedding is one chapter; the marriage is the full story.
Photo: Getty Images
