Harry And Meghan's Wedding: A Modern Fairytale

On 19 May 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. The wedding was a blend of British pageantry and modernity, with the couple eschewing some traditions, such as the bride promising to obey the groom. Markle's ring was crafted from Welsh gold, while Harry's was made of platinum. The ceremony was attended by 600 guests, including the Queen, more than 30 royals, and celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and George and Amal Clooney. The newlyweds exchanged vows and rings, with Harry whispering to Meghan, You look amazing. The couple then took a carriage ride through Windsor, with an estimated 100,000 people turning out to see them. The day culminated in a black-tie wedding dinner at Frogmore House, hosted by Prince Charles for 200 of the couple's closest friends and family.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married on 19 May 2018 in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. The wedding was a break from royal tradition in several ways. Firstly, it took place on a Saturday, whereas royal weddings usually take place on a weekday. Secondly, Markle became the first person of mixed-race heritage to marry into the British royal family. Thirdly, the wedding was not declared a bank holiday.

The ceremony began at 12 pm and was conducted by the Dean of Windsor and officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. The Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry delivered a rousing sermon, and the bride and groom exchanged vows and rings. Prince Harry told his bride, "you look amazing", and Meghan replied, "thank you". The couple held hands and exchanged smiles throughout the ceremony.

The wedding incorporated elements of African-American culture, including a gospel choir that sang Ben E King's "Stand By Me" and Etta James' "Amen/This Little Light of Mine". The music was the idea of the Prince of Wales, who also gave an emotional speech at the reception.

The bride wore a stunning white gown with a boat neckline, designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. Her delicate veil was 16 feet long and made from silk tulle. The groom and his best man, the Duke of Cambridge, wore the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds took a carriage procession through Windsor. The couple then joined their guests for a reception in St George's Hall, hosted by the Queen. The Prince of Wales hosted a second reception at Frogmore House for close friends and family.

The wedding date was 19 May 2018

The wedding ceremony seamlessly blended British pageantry with a modern outlook, reflecting the couple's personalities and backgrounds. The bride, Meghan Markle, walked down the aisle in a stunning white gown designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, accompanied by her mother, Doria Ragland, and Prince Charles, who stepped in for her father, Thomas Markle, due to his health issues. Prince Harry's brother, Prince William, served as the best man, breaking with royal tradition. The ceremony included a gospel choir, a reading by Princess Diana's sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, and the couple exchanged rings made by Cleave and Company.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds, now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, embarked on a carriage procession through Windsor, cheered on by an estimated 100,000 people. The celebrations continued with a lunchtime reception hosted by the Queen at St. George's Hall, where Sir Elton John performed, and an evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by Prince Charles, with around 200 close friends and family in attendance. The day was filled with emotion, joy, and personal touches, marking a memorable chapter in the royal family's history.

The wedding was attended by 600 guests

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was attended by 600 guests, including the Queen, more than 30 royals, and famous faces such as Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, George and Amal Clooney, David and Victoria Beckham, and Idris Elba. The ceremony was held at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, with the reception taking place in St George's Hall.

The wedding was a blend of British pageantry and modernity, with the couple opting for a more intimate gathering compared to other royal weddings. The guest list included approximately 200 close friends and family, as well as 1,200 members of the public who were invited to greet the couple outside the chapel. The smaller scale of the event allowed for a more personalised experience, with guests receiving goody bags containing chocolate, a bottle of water, a fridge magnet, a voucher for the Windsor Castle gift shop, and a tube of handbag shortbread.

The wedding ceremony was followed by a carriage procession through Windsor, with an estimated 100,000 people lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds. The procession ended with the couple returning to Windsor Castle for a lunchtime reception hosted by the Queen. In the evening, a more exclusive reception was held at Frogmore House, hosted by the Prince of Wales, with around 200 guests in attendance.

The bride wore Givenchy and the groom wore a military uniform

The groom, Prince Harry, wore the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), in which he served for 10 years, including combat in Afghanistan. He wore the uniform with the rank of Major and was adorned with the star of the Royal Victorian Order, along with several medals and ribbons. The couple exchanged wedding rings made by Cleave and Company, with Meghan's ring crafted from Welsh gold and Harry's ring made of platinum.

The wedding ceremony was a blend of British pageantry and modern touches, reflecting the couple's backgrounds and personalities. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, officiated the wedding, and the Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry delivered a rousing sermon. The music during the ceremony included a mix of classical and gospel songs, with a gospel choir performing Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" and Etta James' "Amen/This Little Light of Mine."

The wedding was attended by approximately 600 guests, including members of the British royal family, celebrities, and close friends of the couple. The bride was walked down the aisle by her mother, Doria Ragland, and Prince Charles, who stepped in after Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, was unable to attend due to health reasons. The newlyweds exchanged vows and shared a kiss on the steps of St. George's Chapel, delighting the cheering crowd outside.

The couple shared a kiss on the steps outside the chapel

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a grand affair, with the couple sharing a kiss on the steps outside the chapel to seal their union. The ceremony, which took place on May 19, 2018, at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, was attended by 600 guests, including the Queen, more than 30 royals, and famous faces. The couple's first kiss as newlyweds was highly anticipated and marked a perfect conclusion to their fairy-tale wedding.

The moment was immortalised by the surrounding onlookers, who eagerly captured the historic moment with their cameras. The kiss took place after the couple had exchanged vows and emerged from the chapel as husband and wife, beaming with delight. The backdrop of hundreds of cream and white flowers and green foliage added to the picturesque scene.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex then embarked on a carriage procession through the town of Windsor, where thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate their special day. The new husband and wife later joined 600 guests for a wedding reception at St. George's Hall, followed by a more intimate reception hosted by Prince Charles for 200 invited guests at Frogmore House.

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a joyous occasion, celebrated not only by the couple and their guests but also by well-wishers around the world. The kiss on the steps outside the chapel was a highlight of the event, symbolising the love and commitment shared between the newlyweds.

Frequently asked questions