Meghan Markle married her Prince Charming, Prince Harry of Windsor, during an understated yet elegant ceremony at Windsor Castle in England. Meghan and Harry’s wedding was the most viewed BBC television event of the year. Over 30 million Americans tuned in across the pond, attracting a larger American television audience than Harry’s parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding in 1981.
Meghan’s “something borrowed” was her wedding dress, which was very similar to, if not an exact match, of the gown worn by Princess Angela of Liechtenstein (née Angela Gisela Brown), who holds the distinction as the first black commoner to marry into European royalty in 2000.
Meghan, 36, broke with tradition by electing not to have an adult bridesmaid (who can forget Kate Middleton being upstaged by her own sister, Pippa, at her wedding?).
Meghan was followed into the church by a gaggle of 10 mini bridesmaids and page boys, including Harry’s four-year-old nephew Prince George and three-year-old niece Princess Charlotte.
Meghan walked part way down the aisle alone, before being escorted the rest of the way down the aisle by her new father-in-law Prince Charles, as her own father Thomas Markle is recovering from a heart procedure.
Dean of Windsor David Conner conducted the ceremony, but U.S. Bishop Michael Curry, of Chicago, will be remembered for his lengthy and passionate address, which invoked the name of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
An all-black choir performed a moving gospel rendition of the 1961 hit song Stand by Me.
After being declared husband and wife, Megan and Harry signed the register and walked back down the aisle. Meghan’s bouquet was later placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — as per tradition.
They left their reception in a silver-blue Jaguar carrying a personalized license plate — E190518 — the date of their special day.
The beaming mother of the bride, Doria Ragland, wore an Oscar de la Renta coat and dress, which she stealthily carried in a Burberry garment bag to throw off the gossip tabloids.
Meghan personally called Sheku Kanneh-Mason to invite him to play the cello at her wedding. Prince Harry recommended him after seeing him perform at a charity event. Watch video of his performance below.
Invited celebrities in attendance included Idris Elba and his fiancee Sabrina Dhowre (pictured), Elton John, George and Amal Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, David and Victoria Beckham, Tom Hardy, James Corden, James Blunt, Carey Mulligan and Priyanka Chopra, as well as Meghan’s colleagues from the TV show Suits.
Following the service, Harry and Meghan traveled around Windsor Town in a horse-drawn carriage, waving at members of the public who joined in the joyous celebrations.
Later in the afternoon, the couple made their way to a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II, while select invitees attended the evening reception at Frogmore House.
Harry and Meghan will now be known by their official titles as The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Earl and Countess of Dumbarton and Baron and Baroness of Kileel.
Congratulations to the happy couple!
Photos by Andrew Matthews – WPA Pool/Getty Images
