Junior Rasmussen
On May 19, 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married in St. George's Chapel, located within the grounds of Windsor Castle. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, officiated the ceremony, which was attended by 600 guests and watched by nearly 2 billion viewers worldwide. The couple was given the titles Duke and Duchess of Sussex by Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day. The date of the wedding was chosen based on family availability, as working royals typically have their calendars booked a year in advance. The ceremony was noted for its inclusion of African-American culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | May 2018 |
| Location | Windsor Castle |
| Bride | Meghan Markle |
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What You'll Learn
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed at St. George's Chapel, Windsor
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. The chapel, which dates back to the 1300s, has been the site of many royal weddings for centuries. It has a capacity of 800 people, making it a much more intimate space compared to Westminster Abbey, which can hold up to 2,000.
St. George's Chapel is known for its magnificent stone fan vaulting and elaborate stained glass from both the Victorian and medieval periods. The aisle is 255 feet long, from the west door to the high altar. On her wedding day, Meghan Markle walked down this aisle on a blue carpet, reserved for royal weddings, joined by 600 guests and a television and internet audience of millions.
The chapel holds centuries of royal tradition and is rooted in history. It is the site of the Order of the Garter, the senior order of British chivalry established in 1348 by Edward III. It has also been a place of prayer, pageantry, and ritual since the 15th century and is a favourite for royal christenings, marriages, and funerals. Several royals are buried within the chapel, including ten monarchs, such as Henry VIII, Charles I, and King George III.
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a much-anticipated event, with the world watching as the couple exchanged their vows in the historic St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. The choice of venue reflected their desire for a more intimate ceremony and their special connection to Windsor, a place deeply rooted in royal tradition and history.
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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, officiated the ceremony
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, married Meghan Markle in 2018. The wedding ceremony was officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
Welby was the 105th archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England, serving from 2013 to 2025. He was born on 6 January 1956 and is an Anglican bishop. Before becoming archbishop, he had an 11-year career in the oil industry. He then trained for ordination at St John's College, Durham, and served in several parish churches. He became the dean of Liverpool in 2007 and the bishop of Durham in 2011, serving in the latter role for just over a year. In February 2013, he succeeded Rowan Williams as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
As archbishop, Welby officiated at several notable events, including the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, and the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. During his tenure, the Church of England ordained its first female bishop, Libby Lane, in 2014, and approved blessings for same-sex unions in 2023.
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a highly anticipated event, with the couple exchanging vows in front of a global audience. The ceremony was officiated by Archbishop Justin Welby, who played a significant role in uniting the couple in matrimony. Welby's presence and participation in the wedding added a sense of solemnity and spiritual significance to the occasion.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, brought his own unique style and personality to the ceremony. As an experienced cleric, he skillfully guided the couple through their wedding vows, offering a blend of tradition and modernity in the ceremony. Welby's passion for reconciliation and peace-making, coupled with his commitment to social issues, likely influenced the tone and atmosphere of the wedding.
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The bride broke tradition by walking into the chapel alone
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, married Meghan Markle in May 2018 at St. George's Chapel. The bride broke tradition by walking into the chapel alone. Markle's father, Thomas Markle, was supposed to walk her down the aisle, but he was unable to attend the wedding due to undergoing heart surgery. Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, walked into the chapel with her before she continued her procession alone as a feminist statement.
Prince Harry is a member of the British royal family and the younger son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales. Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle was a highly publicised event, with the couple being featured in the documentary series, "Harry and Meghan". The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have since stepped back from their royal duties and relocated to the United States.
Markle's decision to walk down the aisle unaccompanied was a significant moment in the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, the father of the bride walks her down the aisle and gives her away to the groom. However, in this case, Markle chose to make a statement about female empowerment and independence by walking the last part of the aisle alone.
This moment has been immortalised through footage posted by Royal Twitter and has been described as "history-making". It is a testament to Markle's character and her willingness to challenge traditional norms, especially within the context of a royal wedding, which typically adheres to strict protocols and customs.
The couple's wedding was a joyous occasion, and Harry was reported to be smitten by his bride, expressing his luck and admiration for her as he pulled back her veil. Their wedding marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, and they have since welcomed children and embarked on various endeavours, including media projects and charitable initiatives.
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The wedding date was chosen based on family availability
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle's wedding took place in May 2018 at Windsor Castle. The wedding date was chosen based on the availability of the couple's family members and close friends.
The Duke of Sussex had a close group of friends who stood by him on his wedding day, including Jack Mann, who was his 'real' best man, and Lord Vivian, who attended the wedding. The Duke of Sussex's brother, Prince William, also played a significant role in the wedding.
The availability of the bride's family and close friends was also a crucial factor in choosing the wedding date. Meghan Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, was reported to have arrived in the UK a few days before the wedding to support her daughter and be by her side on the big day. Markle's father, Thomas Markle, was also expected to be present at the wedding but ultimately did not attend due to health reasons.
The wedding date was carefully selected to ensure the attendance of both the bride's and groom's loved ones, allowing them to share their special day with the people who mattered the most to them. The choice of venue, Windsor Castle, also held a special significance for the couple, providing a majestic and memorable setting for their nuptials.
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The newlyweds' first dance was at Frogmore House
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding took place at Windsor Castle, with the couple's first dance as newlyweds held at the nearby Frogmore House. This 17th-century English country house, located within the grounds of the Home Park in Windsor, has been a royal residence since 1792. It was originally built between 1680 and 1684 for tenants Anne Aldworth and Thomas May and was later purchased by Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III.
Frogmore House holds a rich history within the British royal family. It has been under royal ownership since the 16th century and was used as a residence for several royal members. Queen Charlotte, who acquired the house in 1792, is known for her interest in botany, which is reflected in the rooms and gardens of Frogmore House. She planted various trees, including Spanish chestnut, laburnum, and birch, and installed follies, enhancing the natural beauty of the estate.
The house underwent significant enlargement and modernisation in the 1790s under the direction of architect James Wyatt. It was used as a country retreat and a place of refuge from court life, where Queen Charlotte and her unmarried daughters could pursue their hobbies and pastimes. The house was passed down through the generations, with Queen Charlotte leaving it to her daughter, Princess Augusta, in 1818, and later becoming the residence of Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent.
Frogmore House continued to be a favoured residence for royal family members, including Queen Alexandra, Princess Helena, and the future King George V and Queen Mary. It holds a special significance as the birthplace of Queen Alexandra's first child, Prince Albert Victor, in 1864. The house also boasts the Mausoleum of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, located on the west side of the gardens, reflecting the enduring legacy of Frogmore House within the royal family.
The newlyweds' first dance at Frogmore House marked a special moment in their wedding celebrations, surrounded by the rich history and beauty of this iconic royal residence.
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Frequently asked questions
Prince Harry got married at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Yes, Prince Harry's best man was his brother, Prince William.
Clare Waight Keller designed Meghan Markle's wedding dress.
The royal family announced that they would pay for the wedding.
The overall cost of the wedding was expected to be around £32 million.
