Royal Wedding Choir: Who Sang At Meghan And Harry's?

The Kingdom Choir, a London-based Christian gospel group, sang at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in 2018. The choir, led by Karen Gibson, performed a rendition of Stand By Me by Ben E. King, as well as Amen/This Little Light of Mine by Etta James during the closing procession. The Kingdom Choir's performance was a highlight of the culture-blending ceremony, and the group has since gained international prominence, embarking on tours and releasing a debut album.

The Kingdom Choir sang 'Stand By Me'

The Kingdom Choir sang a rendition of "Stand By Me" at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. The London-based Christian gospel choir, founded and led by Karen Gibson, performed just one song at the royal wedding (and a bit of an encore as Harry and Meghan exited the church) and found themselves caught up in a whirlwind of attention and praise as the world reacted to their music.

The Kingdom Choir's performance of Ben E. King's hit song "Stand By Me" in St. George's Chapel of Windsor Castle was a highlight of the culture-blending ceremony. The choir's unique sound, warm energy, and enthusiastic performance captured the hearts of many, and their following skyrocketed from 700 on the Friday before the wedding to 35,000 by the Sunday after. The group even released a debut album titled "Stand By Me," featuring the titular song and 14 other tracks, including an original composition called "Chases."

The Kingdom Choir's journey to performing at the royal wedding began over 20 years ago when Karen Gibson started the choir. They are known for their united sound, warm energy, and enthusiastic performances. Gibson is an award-winning choir conductor who has held gospel workshops around the world and performed at other royal events, including the Queen's Jubilee in 2002 and the Concert for Diana in 2007.

The choir's performance at Harry and Meghan's wedding was a special moment, not just for the couple but also for the choir members themselves. Gibson recalled that they were not prepared for the overwhelming response to their song and the sudden surge in popularity. The choir has since gone on to perform at various venues around the world, including the Invictus Games in Sydney, where they briefly met Harry and Meghan again.

The Kingdom Choir's rendition of "Stand By Me" at the royal wedding was not just a musical performance but also a powerful moment that resonated with people worldwide and showcased the choir's incredible talent.

Karen Gibson conducted the choir

Karen Muriel Cecile Gibson MBE is a choir conductor and workshop leader. She led the choir's performance at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in May 2018, after which she was described as "Britain's godmother of gospel". Gibson founded The Kingdom Choir in 1993 or 1994 and has been involved with vocal groups and choirs since then, conducting gospel workshops across the UK, Europe, Nigeria, Japan, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and the US.

Gibson is an award-winning conductor who has conducted some of the most prestigious, large-scale choirs across the UK. Her choirs are regular finalists or winners of choir competitions, including BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year. She has also provided backing vocals for acts such as Grace Kennedy and The Beautiful South.

The Kingdom Choir's performance of "Stand By Me" at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle was a highlight of Harry and Meghan's culture-blending ceremony. The song was chosen carefully by the royal couple, who also included "hymns and choral works" in the program. The choir's performance, seen by a global audience of over two billion, catapulted the group to worldwide fame.

The choir has since signed with Sony Music UK and performed at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Sydney in October 2018. They released their debut album, "Stand By Me", the same month. The album features 15 songs, including an original composition called "Chases". The group has also embarked on tours of the UK, Australia, and the US.

The choir's performance went viral

The Kingdom Choir's performance at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding certainly made an impact. Their rendition of "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King was a highlight of the ceremony, and the group found themselves caught up in a whirlwind of attention and praise.

The choir's performance at the royal wedding marked a turning point for the group. They signed with Sony Music UK, performed at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Sydney, and released a debut album, also titled "Stand By Me." The album featured 14 songs, including an original composition called "Chases."

The Kingdom Choir's newfound fame led to a busy schedule, with the group embarking on a UK tour and performances in Australia and the US. They also had to recruit additional singers to meet the demand for their appearances.

The choir's viral performance not only boosted their popularity but also brought them recognition. Gibson, for instance, shared how she was now recognized on the street by strangers who had watched her conduct the choir at St. George's Chapel.

The Kingdom Choir's performance at the royal wedding was undoubtedly a transformative moment, propelling them into the spotlight and leading to new opportunities and connections with audiences worldwide.

The choir's following increased from 700 to 35,000

The Kingdom Choir, led by Karen Gibson, performed at the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2018. They sang a rendition of "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King and "Amen/This Little Light of Mine" by Etta James. The choir's performance at the wedding catapulted them into the spotlight, with their following increasing from 700 to 35,000 in just two days.

The Kingdom Choir's performance at the royal wedding was particularly notable as they are a London-based gospel group. The inclusion of their music in the ceremony helped to blend cultures and represented the American connections of the day. The choir's performance was well-received, and they even received a thank-you card from the newlyweds.

The choir's journey to the royal wedding began when they were invited to perform by Prince Charles. In the lead-up to the big day, they worked with the couple to create a version of "Stand By Me" that fit the vision for their wedding. They sent 12 versions before performing one in front of the couple at Kensington Palace, which was ultimately the one chosen.

The impact of the royal wedding on the Kingdom Choir was transformative. They signed with Sony Music UK and have since performed at notable events such as the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Sydney and the BBC Gospel Prom at the Royal Albert Hall. They have also released an album, gone on tours, and collaborated with renowned artists.

The Kingdom Choir's experience at the royal wedding showcases the power of such events to launch artists into the spotlight and change their lives forever. Their performance touched many, and their following increased exponentially, demonstrating the impact of their music and the opportunity presented by the royal wedding.

The choir was the first black gospel group to perform at the Church of the Ascension

The Kingdom Choir, a London-based Christian gospel choir, performed at the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The choir, founded and conducted by Karen Gibson, sang a rendition of "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King, as well as "Amen/This Little Light of Mine" by Etta James during the closing procession. The performance marked a significant cultural moment as the choir was the first black gospel group to perform at the Church of the Ascension.

The Kingdom Choir's appearance at the royal wedding propelled them into the international spotlight. Their performance was widely acclaimed, and they gained a significant following, with their website crashing from the influx of visitors. The choir signed with Sony Music UK and embarked on a North American tour, performing in renowned venues such as the Hollywood Bowl. They also released a debut album, "Stand By Me," featuring the title track and other songs.

The choir's success extended beyond their musical achievements. Their performance at the royal wedding broke barriers and challenged traditions, particularly as Markle was the first person of mixed-race heritage to marry into the British royal family. The inclusion of a black gospel choir in the wedding ceremony symbolised the blending of cultures and reflected the couple's desire to incorporate diverse elements into their special day.

The Kingdom Choir's performance at the Church of the Ascension was a significant milestone, not only for the choir but also for the advancement of diversity and representation. Their talent, combined with the significance of the occasion, made their performance a powerful and memorable experience for all those present.

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