Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding was broadcast live on several channels, including BBC, ITV, Sky, PBS, CBS, MSNBC, Fox, BBC America, ABC, and E!. The ceremony began at noon in England, which was 7 a.m. EST. The BBC's coverage was presented by Kirsty Young, Huw Edwards, and Dermot O'Leary, while ITV's was presented by Julie Etchingham and Phillip Schofield.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Date of Prince Harry's wedding | 19th of May, 2018 |
Time of the ceremony | 12 noon in England (7 a.m. EST) |
Time of the TV coverage | From 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST |
TV channels | BBC America, E!, CNN, NBC, ABC, Fox News, TLC, CBS, PBS, BBC, ITV, Sky |
What You'll Learn
The wedding was watched by 29 million Americans
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a highly anticipated event, with a forecast global audience of 1.9 billion people. In the US alone, 23 million viewers tuned in to watch the royal nuptials. The ceremony was broadcast on several TV channels, including BBC, ITV, Sky, PBS, CBS, MSNBC, Fox, BBC America, ABC, and E!. Live streams were also available on YouTube, BBC.com, and Reuters TV.
The wedding took place at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, with the ceremony starting at noon in England (7 a.m. EST). Members of the public, media, and well-wishers gathered for hours before the event, and the celebrations continued long into the night. The royal couple exchanged vows in front of 600 guests, including the Queen, more than 30 royals, and famous faces such as Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and George Clooney.
The wedding ceremony blended British pageantry with a modern twist, reflecting the couple's backgrounds and personalities. Prince Harry wore a frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals, while Meghan Markle wore a stunning white gown designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. The couple's love and joy were evident as they exchanged smiles and held hands during the ceremony.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, who married the couple, spoke of the strong bond between Harry and Meghan, describing their "profound affection" and "deep understanding" for each other. The service included traditional elements, such as the state trumpeters sounding a fanfare, as well as modern choices, such as the moving soul classic "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King performed by a gospel choir.
The newlyweds' first kiss as husband and wife on the steps of St. George's Chapel delighted the cheering crowd. They then embarked on a 25-minute carriage procession through the town of Windsor, with Meghan and Harry riding in an open carriage, waving to the thousands of well-wishers lining the streets. The celebrations culminated in a black-tie wedding dinner and evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by Prince Charles for 200 of the couple's closest friends and family.
Pepas' Wedding: Encanto's Magical Disaster
You may want to see also
It was broadcast on NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, BBC America, and more
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was broadcast on a variety of channels, including NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, BBC America, and more. NBC's "Today" broadcast live from the wedding starting at 4:30 a.m. EST with hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie. CBS's coverage began at 4 a.m. eastern from Windsor, with Tina Brown joining Gayle King and Kevin Frazier live. FOX's coverage started at 5 a.m. eastern, with Ainsley Earhardt broadcasting live from Windsor, and their main coverage, featuring Shepard Smith and Sandra Smith, beginning at 6 a.m. BBC America's coverage began at 4 a.m. EST, with a live simulcast from BBC One. PBS's coverage was hosted by Meredith Vieira and British television presenter Matt Baker, and began at 10 p.m. ET on May 18, culminating in a live broadcast of the wedding the next day.
A Wiccan Wedding: Rituals and Magic
You may want to see also
The ceremony began at midday (UK time)
At 11:42 am, Meghan Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, arrived at the Galilee Porch and was received by the Dean of Windsor. The Prince of Wales arrived three minutes later. Following protocol, the Queen was the last member of the royal family to arrive for the wedding service, at 11:52 am.
At midday, Meghan Markle arrived at the Chapel's West Steps by car, from her overnight accommodation at the Cliveden House Hotel in Taplow, Berkshire. She wore a simple, long-sleeved white dress, with a veil covering her face. She was accompanied by her mother, and they were followed by three cars carrying page boys, bridesmaids, and their mothers: the Duchess of Cambridge, Jessica Mulroney, and Benita Litt.
Meghan Markle was greeted by the Dean of Windsor and moved in procession through the Nave, where she was joined by the Prince of Wales, who walked her down the aisle of the Quire to meet her groom.
Jewish Wedding Traditions Explained
You may want to see also
The Archbishop of Canterbury officiated the wedding
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, officiated the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Archbishop is the head of the Church of England, and the couple's wedding was a grand affair, with 600 guests in attendance, including the Queen, more than 30 royals, and celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and George Clooney.
The Archbishop initially denied claims made by the Duchess of Sussex that she and Prince Harry had a secret marriage ceremony in their "backyard" three days before the public event at Windsor Castle. He clarified that the legal wedding took place on the Saturday, and that he had signed the wedding certificate, a serious criminal offence if falsified. However, he maintained the confidentiality of his private and pastoral meetings with the couple.
Welby also shared his thoughts on the rift between the couple and the royal family, stating, "We must not judge them. They're human beings, they must not be judged. They need to be prayed for and supported." Welby had the opportunity to get to know the couple quite well, as he also baptised Meghan into the Church of England, a requirement for marriage into the royal family.
The Archbishop of Canterbury played a significant role in the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, not only officiating the ceremony but also addressing the validity of their marriage date and providing support amidst their departure from royal duties.
A Spiritualist Wedding: Ceremony and Rituals
You may want to see also
The reception was hosted by the Queen
The reception was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry's grandmother, at St. George's Hall in Windsor Castle. The Queen hosted the first of two receptions for the newlyweds, with the second being hosted by Prince Harry's father, Prince Charles, at Frogmore House.
The Queen's reception was attended by all 600 guests, while the second reception was a more intimate affair with only 200 guests. The menu included a selection of canapés, bowl food, and sweet canapés. Sir Elton John performed at the Queen's reception, singing songs such as "Tiny Dancer," which he dedicated to Meghan Markle, "Your Song," and "Circle of Life."
Bear Wedding: What Went Wrong?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The wedding was broadcast on BBC, ITV, Sky, PBS, CBS, MSNBC, Fox, BBC America, ABC, and E!.
The wedding started at 12 noon in England, which was 7 a.m. EST.
TV coverage of the wedding started at 4 a.m. EST on BBC America, 5 a.m. EST on E!, and 6 a.m. EST on Fox.