Why Prince Harry and Meghan’s actions at Princess Eugenie’s wedding left the bride and Sarah Ferguson ‘furious’

For Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s two daughters, it’s a rare occasion for them to find themselves in the spotlight.

But on Princess Eugenie’s wedding day, seven years ago today, all eyes were on the 12th in line to the throne as she said ‘I do’ to marketing executive Jack Brooksbank.

The royal wedding was also the celebrity event of October 2018 with senior members of the family being joined by singer Ellie Goulding, comedian Stephen Fry and actress Demi Moore.

Although three million Britons watched the ceremony live, the news that Prince Harry and Meghan were expecting their first child somewhat overshadowed the big day.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who attended the ceremony, chose to share their news with members of the Firm including Prince Charles, Prince William and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

But according to journalists Dylan Howard and Andy Tillett, there were at least two guests who were not overjoyed with Sussexes timing for their announcement.

Writing in their book, titled Royals at War: The Untold Story of Harry And Meghan’s Shocking Split With The House Of Windsor, Eugenie and her mother, Sarah Ferguson, were particularly displeased by the timing and were said to be ‘furious’.

‘Meghan put her foot in it when she decided that it would be the ideal moment to announce that she and Harry were expecting their first child.

‘This was a huge social gaffe, even if you were not a Royal stealing the limelight from Eugenie, who was furious, as was her mother, Sarah.’

Writing in his memoir Spare, Harry said that Eugenie’s big day gave the Sussexes ‘a chance to pull aside family members one by one and tell them our good news’.

They told King Charles shortly before Eugenie and Jack’s drinks reception at Windsor while he was in his study.

Charles was ‘delighted to learn that he was going to be a grandfather for a fourth time,’ Harry wrote.

The Duke and Duchess also informed Prince William later on, after the drinks reception, and then Princess Kate who congratulated them.

The Daily Mail reported at the time how the Queen and Prince Philip were also told in person at the wedding celebrations.

‘Many wondered why Meghan chose to reveal her news on the bride’s big day,’ Tom Bower wrote in his book, Revenge: Meghan, Harry And The War Between The Windsors.

However, the formal announcement of the pregnancy would come three days after the wedding on October 15.

A statement from the couple said: ‘Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019.

‘Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.’

However,  there was speculation over a possible pregnancy began before the official announcement. The Daily Mail reported how Meghan wore a wide-fitting Givenchy coat to the the service and her husband was spotted repeatedly rubbing her lower back.

Despite the royal baby news, Eugenie and Jack’s wedding was still a joyous occasion.

The couple married in St George’s Chapel – just a few months after Harry and Meghan’s wedding.

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed two songs inside the chapel.

The Queen then hosted a reception at Windsor Castle followed by a black-tie reception at Royal Lodge – Prince Andrew’s official residency.

The groom read a touching speech for his new wife and he said how he was ‘filled with devotion’ to Eugenie who ‘lights up his life and makes him feel complete’.

Eugenie and Jack now have two young sons – August and Ernest – and split their time between their home at Ivy Cottage, in the grounds of Kensington Palace, and Portugal where Jack is the head of sales for the exclusive Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club development.