A Royal Wedding: Can You Afford The Minster?

The Royal Marriages Act of 1772 outlines the conditions under which members of the British royal family can marry. While there is nothing in the rules to prevent a royal from running for Prime Minister, it is unlikely that a royal would ever consider it. Royals do not typically involve themselves in politics, and any member of the royal family who wanted to run would have to be nominated by a party or run independently.

In recent years, the world has watched as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and other royal couples, navigated the intricacies of royal weddings. In 2018, Harry and Meghan broke with tradition by choosing Reverend Michael Curry, an African-American bishop, to deliver a sermon at their wedding. Curry's powerful message of love captivated the audience, leaving some royals bemused and others nodding along.

Can Prince Harry run for Prime Minister?

While there is nothing in the rules that would prevent Prince Harry from running for Prime Minister, it is very unlikely that he would ever do so. According to Royal Butler Grant Harrold, who was a butler for Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, "It’s very unlikely, the reason being since Prince Charles the royals don’t get involved in politics, for obvious reasons."

Prince Harry does meet the requirements to run for Prime Minister, as Parliament states that "People wishing to stand as an MP must be over 18 years of age, be a British citizen or citizen of a Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland." However, it is worth noting that Prince Harry is no longer a working royal, having stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

In his upcoming memoir, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson writes about meeting Prince Harry on the prince's final day as a working royal in January 2020. According to Johnson, there was a "ridiculous business... when they made me try to persuade Harry to stay. Kind of manly pep talk. Totally hopeless." This account seems to support the idea that Prince Harry had no interest in pursuing a political role, even after stepping back from his royal duties.

Royal Marriages Act 1772

The Royal Marriages Act 1772 was an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain that outlined the conditions under which members of the British royal family could enter into a valid marriage. The Act was proposed by King George III in response to the marriages of his brothers, the Dukes of Cumberland and Gloucester, to unsuitable partners. The former had married a commoner, while the latter had married in secret. The Act was designed to prevent marriages that could diminish the status of the royal house.

The Act stated that no descendant of King George II, male or female, could marry without the consent of the reigning monarch, signified under the Great Seal and declared in the Privy Council. This did not apply to princesses and their descendants who married into foreign families. Any marriage contracted without the consent of the monarch was to be null and void.

However, the Act also included a clause that allowed members of the royal family over the age of 25 to give notice to the Privy Council of their intention to marry if the sovereign's consent was withheld. After 12 months, such marriages could be solemnized without the monarch's consent unless both Houses of Parliament expressly declared their disapproval.

The Act also made it a crime to perform or participate in an illegal royal marriage, though this provision was repealed in 1967.

The Royal Marriages Act 1772 was repealed in 2015 and replaced with the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which requires only the first six people in the line of succession to obtain the sovereign's consent before marrying.

Michael Curry's sermon

Bishop Michael Curry, the first African-American leader of the US Episcopal Church, delivered a powerful and impassioned sermon at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. His sermon, entitled "The Power of Love", captured the world's attention and became one of the most memorable moments of the historic occasion.

Bishop Curry began his sermon with a quote from the Song of Solomon in the Bible: "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave... Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it." He went on to emphasise the transformative power of love, quoting Dr Martin Luther King Jr: "We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love. And when we do that, we will make of this old world a new world, for love is the only way."

Bishop Curry's message was not just about romantic love between the couple but about the broader power of love to heal, to lift up and to liberate. He spoke about the ability of love to bring people together and to create positive change in the world:

> "When love is the way, we will let justice roll down like a mighty stream and righteousness like an ever-flowing brook. When love is the way, poverty will become history. When love is the way, the earth will be a sanctuary."

He also addressed the topic of slavery, quoting "old slaves in America's Antebellum South" who sang spirituals even in the midst of their captivity, recognising the "balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole". Bishop Curry's sermon was a call to action, urging his audience to harness the power of love to create a better world:

> "Imagine a world where love is the way... Imagine governments and nations where love is the way. Imagine business and commerce where this love is the way. Imagine this tired old world where love is the way."

Bishop Curry's sermon was notable for its passionate delivery, with the bishop reading from an iPad and gesticulating, swinging his robes, and smiling throughout. His style was described as a "complete contrast" to the solemn and stationary style typically associated with royal weddings.

Royal wedding sermon by a non-Church of England member

Today is a special day, a day of solemn commitment, good wishes, feasting and joy. We are gathered here to witness the union of [BRIDE] and [GROOM], who have decided to join their lives in matrimony.

Marriage is a sacred institution, ordained by God, and it is a great blessing to be able to share in this celebration of love. As we gather here today, we are reminded of the presence of God, who is the embodiment of love, and who calls us to love one another.

[BRIDE] and [GROOM], your love for each other is a reflection of God's love, and it is a joy to see how you have both found your soulmate in each other. Your love has endured the test of time and distance, and today, you stand here, ready to embark on a new chapter of your lives together.

As we celebrate this union, let us not forget the importance of marriage as a creative and supportive relationship. It is a commitment to love, honour, and cherish each other through all life's challenges and triumphs. It is also a reminder of the power of love to bring people together, to create families, and to build communities.

[BRIDE], as you walk down the aisle today, you are not just fulfilling a tradition, but you are also embracing a new life with [GROOM] by your side. [GROOM], as you stand here waiting for your bride, you are welcoming not just a wife, but a partner with whom you will share your joys and sorrows, your dreams and aspirations.

Together, you will build a life that is rooted in trust, respect, and most importantly, love. Your love will be the foundation of your family, a source of strength and comfort in times of adversity, and a beacon of hope and joy in times of prosperity.

As we bless this union, let us remember the words of 1 Corinthians 13: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

May your love for each other endure through all seasons of life, and may God's grace and blessings be upon you as you embark on this new journey together.

In the presence of God and this congregation, let us now witness the exchanging of vows and the giving of rings, as a symbol of your everlasting love and commitment to each other.

[Exchanging of vows and rings]

By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. May your love continue to grow and inspire those around you.

This royal wedding sermon, delivered by a non-Church of England member, emphasizes the sacred nature of marriage, the power of love, and the importance of commitment. It celebrates the union of the bride and groom, offering blessings and well-wishes for their new life together.

Royal wedding sermon by an African-American

On 19 May 2018, Bishop Michael Curry, the first African-American leader of the US Episcopal Church, delivered a powerful and impassioned sermon at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Curry's sermon, which focused on the power of love, captivated the world and became a landmark moment for African Americans.

Curry's address was a departure from the traditional style of royal wedding sermons, surprising some royals and leaving others bemused. However, it transfixed both the elite crowd of guests and the global television audience. In his sermon, Curry said:

> "There’s power in love. Love can help and heal when nothing else can. There’s power in love to lift up and liberate when nothing else will."

Curry went on to emphasise the transformative potential of love, stating:

> "When love is the way, we will let justice roll down like a mighty stream and righteousness like an ever-flowing brook. When love is the way, poverty will become history. When love is the way, the Earth will be a sanctuary."

Curry's sermon drew inspiration from the interracial couple before him, the teachings of the American Episcopal Church, the struggles of African Americans during slavery, the philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr., and the teachings of the French Jesuit scholar Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

Curry's presence at the wedding represented a significant departure from British royal tradition. As the first African-American to lead the predominantly white US Episcopal Church, his sermon took on added significance, particularly for black Americans.

Curry's message of love and social justice resonated with people around the world, with many taking to Twitter to express their admiration for his words. His sermon not only celebrated the union of Harry and Meghan but also served as a call to action, urging people to embrace love as a force for positive change in the world.

In conclusion, Bishop Michael Curry's royal wedding sermon was a powerful and memorable moment that not only captured the attention of the world but also helped to transform the monarchy, making it more accessible and diverse. His words continue to inspire and remind us that love has the power to heal, unite, and create a better world for all.

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