Franklin Dean
Music played a pivotal role in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, with the couple enlisting a range of artists, from a teenage cellist to an opera singer, and, of course, a gospel choir. The ceremony featured a mix of classic pop songs and choral works, including a rendition of Stand By Me by Ben E. King, performed by the Kingdom Choir, and Eternal Source of Light Divine by George Frideric Handel, chosen by Prince Harry for Meghan's walk down the aisle. The couple's first dance was to Wilson Pickett's Land of 1000 Dances, and the lunchtime reception featured a performance by Sir Elton John, who sang Circle of Life, Your Song, and I'm Still Standing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meghan Markle's entrance song | "Eternal Source of Light Divine" by George Frideric Handel |
| First dance song | "Land of 1000 Dances" by Wilson Pickett |
| Songs performed by the choir | "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King, "Amen/This Little Light of Mine" by Etta James |
| Songs performed by Elton John | "Circle of Life", "Your Song", "I'm Still Standing" |
| Other songs | "Baby I'm Yours" by Breakbot Feat. Irfane, "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" by Michael Jackson, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston |
| Orchestra pieces | Elgar- Salut d’Amour, Serenade for Strings (first movement), Chanson de Matin, Howells- Psalm-Prelude Set 1, No. 2, Symphony No. 1 in B-flat – Allegro by William Boyce |
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What You'll Learn
Processional song: Eternal Source of Light Divine by George Frideric Handel
The processional song at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding was "Eternal Source of Light Divine" by George Frideric Handel. The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, picked this angelic operatic composition for his bride's walk down the aisle. The song is a secular cantata, composed by Handel to a libretto by Ambrose Philips. The first line, "Eternal source of light divine", provides an alternative title for the work. It was probably composed for a performance on 6 February 1713, Queen Anne's birthday, although there is no record of the performance actually taking place. The cantata celebrates Queen Anne's birthday and the accomplishment of the Treaty of Utrecht, negotiated by the Tory ministry of Anne in 1712, to end the War of the Spanish Succession.
On 19 May 2018, Elin Manahan Thomas performed the aria as the bridal entry music for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. She was accompanied by the event's orchestra and with David Blackadder playing the trumpet obbligato. The song choice was particularly meaningful to the couple, as Harry explained in the audio guide for the Windsor Castle exhibit, A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex:
> I was looking for something completely different and ended up stumbling across this piece of music. Something that epitomizes the whole day, the whole feeling that I have for her, and this incredibly impactful music with no organ whatsoever, with a soloist who actually did the most incredible job, to the orchestra.
Harry also added that the song allows the couple to relive the moment:
> "Now, both of us, wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, we can close our eyes, listen to that music and take ourselves straight back to that moment."
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First dance: Land of 1000 Dances by Wilson Pickett
For their first dance as a married couple, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry chose the 1966 hit "Land of 1000 Dances" by Wilson Pickett. The song, written and first recorded by American singer Chris Kenner in 1962, became a bigger hit when it was covered by Cannibal & the Headhunters and Wilson Pickett. The best-known version, however, is Pickett's recording, which he made during his first set of sessions at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Backed by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and the Memphis Horns, Pickett's version became his third Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs No. 1 hit and his biggest pop hit, peaking at No. 6.
The song references several dance styles and moves, including the Twist, the Alligator, the Mashed Potato, the Watusi, and the Pony. Kenner's original recording mentioned 16 dances in total and included a brief, gospel-influenced, a capella introduction: "Children, go where I send you / (Where will you send me?)".
The couple's wedding also featured a DJ set by Idris Elba, which included Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," and performances by their friend, Elton John. Meghan Markle's entrance music was "Eternal Source of Light Divine" by George Frideric Handel, chosen by Prince Harry.
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Stand By Me by Ben E. King
The soul classic "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King was likely not performed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. However, the song has been covered at least 400 times since its original release in 1961. The song was initially intended for King's band, the Drifters, but he left the group in 1960. "Stand By Me" was inspired by a spiritual song called "Stand By Me Father," written by Sam Cooke and JW Alexander. The song's famous bassline was crafted by Mike Stoller, and the simple yet emotional melody helped the song reach number one in the UK in 1987, likely due to its use in the movie of the same name the year before, as well as a Levi's jeans advert. The song's popularity continued with its inclusion in the 1986 film "Stand By Me," starring River Phoenix, and it has since been covered by artists such as John Lennon, Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, and Muhammad Ali.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding featured a mix of classic pop songs and modern hits. The couple's first dance was to Wilson Pickett's 1966 hit, "Land of 1000 Dances." The royal wedding also included performances by friends of the couple, such as Elton John, and a DJ set by Idris Elba, which included Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."
Meghan Markle's entrance music was an angelic operatic composition, "Eternal Source of Light Divine" by George Frideric Handel, chosen by Prince Harry himself. In an audio guide for the Windsor Castle exhibit, "A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex", Harry explained his choice of song, stating that it captured the feelings he had for Meghan and that it would forever transport them back to that moment.
While the specific set list for the royal wedding is not publicly available, it is clear that the couple prioritized Meghan's request for "fun" and enjoyable music that reflected their personal tastes. Unfortunately, no guests broke protocol by posting Instagram stories from the dance floor, so we cannot be certain if "Stand By Me" made an appearance during the festivities.
Although it may not have been a part of Harry and Meghan's wedding, "Stand By Me" remains a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of many and continues to be celebrated through covers and cultural references.
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I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
"I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston was one of the songs played at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. The song was included in the DJ set by Idris Elba, and it was reportedly well-received.
"I Wanna Dance with Somebody" is one of Whitney Houston's signature songs. It was released in 1987 as a single from her second album, "Whitney". The song is an upbeat dance-pop track with a colourful music video to match, showcasing Houston's vocal prowess and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1988. The song has received acclaim from critics and has been featured on several best-of lists over the years.
The music video for "I Wanna Dance with Somebody", directed by Brian Grant and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, premiered on MTV in 1987. It features Houston in a variety of locations and outfits, with a continuous shot of a purple backdrop that never changes its angle of vision. The video has been remastered in 4K and has amassed over 501 million views on YouTube as of April 2025.
The song has also been featured in a 2022 biographical musical drama film about Houston's life, titled "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody". The film stars Naomi Ackie as Houston and received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Ackie's performance and criticism for its length and editing.
Overall, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston is an iconic and beloved song that added a fun and energetic vibe to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding celebration.
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Elton John's set: Circle of Life, Your Song, and I'm Still Standing
The lunchtime reception following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding ceremony at St. George's Chapel featured a special performance by Sir Elton John. The iconic musician's set included three songs: "Circle of Life", "Your Song", and "I'm Still Standing". The choice of singer was especially fitting, as Elton John also performed at Princess Diana's funeral in 1997, where he dedicated "Candle in the Wind" to her.
The royal couple's wedding ceremony featured a rich and diverse musical programme, carefully curated by Harry and Meghan. The music included hymns, choral works, and performances by choral groups, soloists, and musicians. One of the most memorable moments was the performance of Stand By Me by Ben E. King, delivered by the predominantly black Kingdom Choir. This moving rendition symbolised Markle's transition into the royal family.
The choir, directed by James Vivian, consisted of 23 boy choristers from St. George's School and twelve Lay Clerks singing alto, tenor, and bass. Established in 1348, the choir holds a special place in the Chapel's history. The wedding ceremony also featured a teenage cellist, an opera singer, and a gospel choir.
In addition to the lunchtime reception performance by Elton John, the evening reception entertainment remained unconfirmed. However, it is known that the couple's first dance was to Wilson Pickett's 1966 hit, "Land of 1000 Dances". The wedding's DJ, Idris Elba, included Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" in his set, creating a fun and memorable atmosphere for the newlyweds and their guests.
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Frequently asked questions
Prince Harry chose the angelic operatic composition, "Eternal Source of Light Divine" by George Frideric Handel, for his bride's entrance.
The Kingdom Choir, a predominantly black choir, performed a rendition of "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King. The group also sang "Amen/This Little Light of Mine" à la Etta James at the closing procession. The program also included "hymns and choral works" chosen by the couple, and a number of performances from choral groups, soloists, and musicians.
Sir Elton John performed a set that included "Circle of Life," "Your Song," and "I'm Still Standing."
