Windsor: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot at Windsor Castle yesterday in a royal wedding like no other, mixing British pomp and African-American culture in front of a celebrity congregation and cheering crowds.
The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex exchanged vows in St George’s
Chapel in a historic ceremony, sealed with a kiss, which brought the US TV star into the heart of the British monarchy.
As more than 100,000 people packed the sun-baked Windsor streets and millions watched worldwide, Queen Elizabeth and the royal family were joined inside by stars including Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, Elton John, George Clooney and David Beckham.
The couple held hands throughout and exchanged vows in a Church of England service modified to reflect the bride’s heritage and strong sense of independence.
Firebrand US pastor Michael Curry delivered a full-throttle address invoking slaves and the power of love, and a gospel choir sang classics Stand By Me and This Little Light of Mine.
Markle began her walk down the aisle alone with her 10 bridesmaids and page boys walking behind her flowing white silk dress, designed by Clare Waight Keller at the French fashion house Givenchy.
Her father had been due to meet her half-way but after he pulled out due to heart surgery, Harry’s father Prince Charles stepped in
to escort her to the altar.
Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, looked visibly moved during the wedding.
With the words “I will”, 33-year-old Harry, and US former actress Meghan, 36, declared they would love, comfort, honour and protect each other.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby declared them husband and wife – sparking huge cheers from crowds outside the church, watching on big screens.
The bride’s father Thomas Markle also followed the wedding on television and voiced regret he was unable to attend.
“My baby looks beautiful and she looks very happy. I wish I were there,” he told a US celebrity news website.
The couple grinned during Curry’s dramatic address about the power of love, in which he quoted civil rights icon Martin Luther King.
“I’m talking about some power. Real power. Power to change the world,” the African-American
preacher intoned. There were no political leaders among the 600 guests but many celebrities, including Idris Elba, James Blunt, Tom Hardy and James Corden.
The newlyweds kissed on the chapel’s West Steps after the wedding, before going on a carriage procession ride through Windsor where flag-waving well-wishers cheered them on in a carnival atmosphere. The queen hosted a lunchtime reception at the castle, where Elton John performed to guests. Harry later drive his bride to the evening reception for 200 friends and family in an open-top E-Type Jaguar with the number plate E190518 – the wedding date.