Preparation
After nearly two years together, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are officially married. The newlyweds tied the knot around 12 p.m. GMT in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, surrounded by the royal family, the bride’s relatives, and several celebrity A-listers (including George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, and Meghan’s Suits family!).
As anticipated, the bride was a vision in white. She stunned in a simple, chic wedding dress created by British fashion designer Clare Waight Keller, newly appointed creative director of French fashion house Givenchy. Her now-husband, who beamed throughout the ceremony, opted for his military uniform.
The theme of the day? Tradition, with a twist. As previously reported, the bride and her mother, Doria Ragland, took a private car ride to the venue this morning, after which Prince Charles walked her part of the way down the aisle. Overseen by the Archbishop of Canterbury, they exchanged religious vows from the Book of Common Prayer, which echoed those of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and Prince William and Kate Middleton. Like the aforementioned couples, they opted to drop the word “obey.” Chicago-based Bishop Michael Bruce Curry, the first African-American to serve as the lead bishop of the U.S. Episcopal church, also gave an address during the ceremony, and spoke on what it feels like to love and be loved in return.
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The pair further personalized their ceremony with unique musical selections. Gospel choir Kingdom Choir performed a moving rendition of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” during the ceremony.
The couple exchanged Cleave and Company wedding bands. Meghan’s was crafted from Welsh gold that was gifted by the queen herself. Meanwhile, Harry chose a textured platinum band, reports Kensington Palace. Prince William, the best man, delivered the jewelry to the ceremony. Nothing was more poignant than the moment they were announced husband and wife. After leaving their ceremony, the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife on the steps of the chapel while the choir sang Etta James’ “This Little Light of Mine.”
The newlyweds then walked towards a horse-drawn carriage for a ride through Windsor Castle’s surrounding streets. After waving to thousands of lucky bystanders, they will rejoin their guests back at St. George’s Hall, where a reception hosted by the Queen will take place. The star-studded brunch will include celebrity guests like David and Victoria Beckham (they also attended the Duke and Duchess of Cambride’s 2012 nuptials!), Quantico star Priyanka Chopra, and Sir Elton John and David Furnish.
This luncheon is only the first phases of the royal wedding libations. At dusk, a select number of guests are anticipated to move to Frogmore House, another official royal residence, for a more upbeat party. We’ll have to wait and see who performs-Elton John is a front-runner!-but based on the bride’s celebrity status and the groom’s high-profile connections, it’s bound to be good.
