@PDilemma, then people are seriously tripping, for what reason, who knows? William and Harry are their mother's sons and they are obviously very close. I personally have not heard anyone claiming anything about one brother loving their partner more than the other. That's crap. Heaven help us! I think it's quite clear that both these young men are strong-minded with great characters, and that they will never forget their mother's love which helped to ground and nurture them. They both appear to have found the best life partners who are right for them. William and Harry have different personalities but they are both clearly deeply in love with their significant others. And both Meghan and Kate seem to have the caring, kindheartedness and generosity of spirit that resonates with these young men because it likely calls to mind their mother's best qualities.
It's probably best to keep in mind that outsiders and tabloids stir up a lot of stuff about the royals that simply isn't true. The article I linked did not say William and Kate weren't as in love when they got engaged! They simply have different personalities and are obviously in a different position regarding royal inheritance, than Harry and his partner will be. William and Harry witnessed the media hounding that happened to their mother, and it will not be happening to their wives. We are not on the inside so we can only surmise and use common sense re the fact this is a family, a very high profile historic family, but a family nonetheless. Harry & Meghan already told us in the interview that they were never apart for more than two weeks, and that they have always placed a high priority on their relationship. I don't get all the hand-wringing and pointless comparisons. Of course the trajectory of William & Kate's relationship was different. They met in their early twenties, but obviously developed a deep bond that stood the test of time. I will bet that these four young people will be a great team together on behalf of their charities and in representing Great Britain and the monarchy.
I'm not one to criticize every little thing...
For real?
Of course you don't have to agree with the way I or anyone else sees it regarding the gown and the photos. We are all free to think and feel as we do, as we choose. But re-examine what you are saying. You don't see any ironies in the way you are criticizing Meghan? Again, you seem firm about how you are looking at this, but it seems rather 'pearl-clutchy'. Perhaps you feel Meghan is not even the right choice for Prince Harry? Fortunately though, the days are over when royals are prevented from loving and marrying the person they choose to marry. And I'm not talking about Edward VIII either, as he got his way in abdicating and marrying Wallis Simpson. That's rather a good thing for Britain and the royal family, as he had too many character flaws to have ever been as good a wartime leader as his brother, King George VI.
In the end
@PDilemma, it doesn't matter what you or I or anyone else thinks about Meghan's style choices nor about Harry choosing Meghan for his life partner. These two from all evidence available seem genuinely and deeply in love. Love matters, and Meghan and Prince Harry have mutually chosen each other. I think they've conducted their courtship and navigated all the obstacles and their long distance relationship with aplomb, savvy, and under-the-radar skill. I don't think there's any mistaking the depth of their connection and commitment. And they obviously intend to maintain their personal privacy. The only reason they are sharing these photos is because they are getting married and official engagement photos are the way things are done. But what they wear, the location, and the choice of photographer is up to the couple. And I think they pulled this step off beautifully as well. And I'm grateful they were willing to share the additional candid photo as a thank you to all the people who tweeted warm wishes and admiration for the initial photos.
Meghan is not promoting herself by choosing this gown. She's being herself, promoting British designers, enjoying the occasion and having fun. I think that's one of the reasons why Harry loves her: for the spirited, fun-loving, down-to-earth person she is. The dress is elegant and fanciful for a one-of-a-kind memorable occasion. Why all the looking askance at this happy young and in love couple? They are looking forward to a time of celebration and of coming together as life partners. I see no reason to be anxious or fretful about what Meghan has to learn. She's already on the inside and thus she knows more than we ever will about the inner workings of the royal family, and she's apparently taking it all in stride.
Regarding the cost of the gown, it's not from a recent collection, which means if Meghan purchased it, she may have done so awhile ago independently, which has nothing to do with her becoming a member of the royal family. Or, if it's on loan to her, that's her business. We don't have the details, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the scenario you have constructed.
@MacMadame, regarding the blue suit, Harry has been critiqued on some royalty sites for having too much of a thing for shades of blue/ navy. He's been sporting a slimmer cut to his pants recently, which looks dapper and good on him, IMO. ETA: Oh, I see you don't like the close fit of the suit @Coco. 
I think Harry has previously worn too much of a looser fit in his trousers. I like this closer fit better on him. It's kind of funny that Meghan and Harry both have distinctively skinny legs. It does definitely seem they were made for each other. 
I can imagine Meghan's distress. It has had to be a big adjustment for the poor furbaby being moved overseas to vastly different surroundings and no longer around his pal Bogart. I'm sending prayers for sweet Guy, and as well for Meghan and Harry. 
