The year 2011 was the last internationally notable Royal Wedding held in the world, and it was with the British Royal Family. Prince William of Wales, son and heir to Charles, Prince of Wales who in turn was heir to Queen Elizabeth II, was married to Catherine Middleton, better known as Kate, on April 29 at Westminster Abbey in London. Years later, William’s younger brother Prince Henry, or Harry to the world, was engaged to American actress Meghan Markle. Their own big day took place last Saturday, and it was noted for significant changes from how British Royalty does weddings.
The Guardian reports that the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle went off to a resounding success this May 19, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. It was the culmination of two years of dating, and a series of preparations undertaken by the couple and the Royal Family since their engagement was announced in November of last year. That Saturday morning Queen Elizabeth II also conferred to her grandson the title of Duke of Sussex, among others, which would apply over to his soon-to-be bride in lieu of not being styled a Princess due her common birth.
As stated, there have been many departures in Royal tradition with the union of Meghan and Harry, part of which is due to the former being biracial, with an African-American mother. In tribute to that side of her parentage, the wedding service included Gospel music, a choral rendition of “Stand by Me”, and a spirited sermon from the Most Reverend Bishop Michael Curry, primate of the Episcopal Church (part of the Anglican Communion with the Church of England) and African American himself, the first to be named Episcopal presiding bishop.
Owing to Markle’s former place in Hollywood, which she had officially retired from to ready herself for her new life with Prince Harry, among the Royal Family (Elizabeth II, Princes Charles and William, etc.) members and nobility present at St. George’s Chapel include a range of celebrities: actor George Clooney and his lawyer wife, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams, and also most of Markle’s co-stars in the USA Network legal drama “Suits”, which she departed after its Season 7 finale. British luminaries were represented by Idris Elba and Tom Hardy, James Corden, Sir Elton John plus David and Victoria Beckham.
At the conclusion of the service, the newlyweds were paraded in a carriage around the town of Windsor, lined by fans and well-wishers, before returning to Windsor Castle for a Royal reception, and a more private one at Frogmore House, before Harry and Meghan returned to London and Kensington Palace. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not honeymooning immediately.
Photo courtesy of BBC
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