Being a part of the bridal party for a royal wedding would be daunting for anyone, especially someone completely unfamiliar with the strict protocol set by the family.
As shared with Stellar Magazine, Amber Petty was afraid of being Princess Mary’s only bridesmaid not related to the family.
“I really wanted to be a good representation for my beautiful friend, but inside I felt very much like a fish out of water,” said Amber.
But for Amber there was more than just fear of faux pas in the days leading up to the May 2004 ceremony. The radio host was also grappling with fear of losing someone she loved.
The Out Loud crew go deep on everything that is happening in the world of Meghan Markle this week. (Post continues after audio.)
Amber said after the wedding, she felt lost.
“After the wedding, I felt very empty. I didn’t realise it at the time, but I was grieving the loss of a friendship that was never going to be the way it was,” she said.
Though after much reflection and 30 continued years of friendship with Princess Mary, Amber feels honoured to have been included in her friend’s wedding ceremony.
Her biggest piece of advice to anyone entering the royal family – such as Meghan Markle’s friends – is to not trust anybody.
“Do not try to be nice and ‘non-elitist’ by being too open to people,” she warned.
