It's official! Harry and Meghan exchange rings as they marry at St George's Chapel in Windsor in a star-studded ceremony
Meghan Markle has married Prince Harry in a moving service that
saw the newlyweds sharing tears and laughter (left). Harry was visibly
emotional when he saw his bride for the first time in her simple but
beautiful pure white dress and then grabbed his bride's hand and told
her: 'You look amazing - I missed you' (right). He also said 'thank
you, pa' after his father Prince Charles walked her down the aisle of St
George's Chapel, Windsor. But the tears turned to laughter when the
star made him giggle as they exchanged vows before being pronounced man
and wife by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in an
extraordinarily moving ceremony watched by millions around the world.
Celebrity royalty including the Clooneys, the Beckhams, Idris Elba,
Elton John and Oprah Winfrey are among some of the world's biggest stars
who watched them marry. Britain's royals including the Queen and Prince
Philip were also there to support them. Outside St George's Chapel up
to 100,000 fevered well-wishers have gathered in glorious British
sunshine to cheer the couple as they start their new married life.
Be a beautiful bride like Meghan in Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy
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It's official! Newlyweds Harry and Meghan exchange rings as they marry at St George's Chapel in Windsor after a star-studded ceremony
- Up to 100,000 people have descended on Windsor to see Prince Harry marry his bride Meghan Markle today
- The 2,000-plus excited guests include all senior royals including the Queen and Hollywood royalty too
- The Clooneys, the Beckhams, Idris Elba, Elton John and Oprah Winfrey among stars watching the wedding
- Divorcee walked half way through chapel alone where Charles will then take her to the altar and his son
- As Harry greeted his bride at the alter he said: 'You look amazing' and thanked his father for giving her away
Meghan Markle has married Prince Harry in a moving service that saw the newlyweds sharing tears and laughter.
Harry
was visibly emotional when he saw his bride for the first time in
her simple but beautiful pure white dress and then grabbed his bride's
hand and told her: 'You look amazing - I missed you'.
He also said 'thank you, pa' after his father Prince Charles walked her down the aisle of St George's Chapel, Windsor.
But
the tears turned to laughter when the star made him giggle as they
exchanged vows before being pronounced man and wife by the Archbishop of
Canterbury Justin Welby in an extraordinarily moving ceremony watched
by millions around the world.
Celebrity
royalty including the Clooneys, the Beckhams, Idris Elba, Elton John
and Oprah Winfrey are among some of the world's biggest stars watching
them marry. Britain's royals including the Queen and Prince Philip were also there to support them.
The
service had a distinctly American feel with a US bishop delivering a
passionate address that appeared to make some of British royals snigger
and a gospel choir filling the chapel with music.
Outside
St George's Chapel up to 100,000 fevered well-wishers have gathered in
glorious British sunshine to cheer the couple as they start their new
married life.
Meghan Markle has married Prince
Harry in a moving service officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury
and watched by millions around the world
A tearful Prince Harry grabbed his bride Meghan's hand and told her: 'You look amazing' as he saw her for the first time
Harry would not let go of his new wife's hands throughout the moving ceremony in Windsor today
Meghan and Harry were pronounced man and wife by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby
Harry and Meghan exchanged vows and then rings as the couple married after a whirlwind romance
Meghan's dress had an extraordinary long trail that flowed out into the chapel as she married Harry today
Meghan Markle and her bridal party walk with her down the aisle of St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle
But the tears turned to laughter
when the star made him giggle as they exchanged vows in the
extraordinarily moving ceremony watched by millions around the world
Royals including Prince Charles, Camilla, The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Andrew and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie
Meghan's
delicate veil was five metres long and made from silk tulle with a trim
of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza, with her two
pageboys carrying the ends as she made her way up the steps.
Her hair was up and she wore the glittering Queen Mary's Diamond Bandeau tiara, loaned to her by the Queen.
The
presiding bishop of the American Episcopal Church Bishop Bishop Michael
Curry enthusiastically delivered a passionate address about the power
of love - but it appeared to make many in the congregation laugh.
It
is expected to be the biggest royal wedding in Britain since Prince
William married Kate in 2011 with more than 21million UK households set
to watch and 23million expected to tune in from America.
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Ms Markle's wedding dress has been
designed by the acclaimed British designer, Clare Keller, the first
female Artistic Director at the historic French fashion house Givenchy.
The
veil was held in place by Queen Mary's diamond bandeau tiara, lent to
her by The Queen, made in 1932 - an outfit that left her mother Doria
Ragland, 62, in tears.
Meghan arrived
accompanied by two page boys who held up her train as she made her way
up the chapel's steps alone and entered the chapel by herself, to begin
the walk down the alter, before being met by the Prince of Wales.
David
Emanuel, who designed Diana, Princess of Wales's dress for her wedding
to the Prince of Wales in 1981, said of Meghan Markle's outfit: 'The
bride is simplicity herself.'
He added: 'The dress is as I predicted - simple, stylish, elegant and understated.
'I think the story is in the silk jewelled veil - it encompasses all the Commonwealth flowers, which I think is very clever.'
Asked what he thought Harry's late mother would have said about the dress, Mr Emanuel said: 'I think Diana would have approved.'
There
was a hush around the chapel as the wedding ceremony began and the
crowds listened intently as the Dean of Windsor, David Connor, started
proceedings.
The silence was only broken by the rumble of aircraft passing overhead and the odd champagne cork popping.
The
crowd in Horseshoe Cloister shouted a resounding 'We will' as the
Archbishop of Canterbury posed the question inside St George's Chapel as
to whether the families and friends of Prince Harry and Meghan would
support them in their marriage.
Elegant: Ms Markle looks emotional but happy as she gracefully makes her way down the aisle
Harry told his bride that he had missed her after their night apart and clutched her hand throughout the moving service
Harry said 'thank you, pa' after his father Prince Charles walked her down the aisle of St George's Chapel, Windsor
Support: Ms Markle delicately
holds Prince Charles' arm as she walks towards the alter. This touching
moment is all the more poignant after her own father was forced to drop
out of the wedding earlier this week due to health problems
Important job: The two pageboys
have the important task of carefully carrying Ms Markle's train up the
flight of steps to the chapel
Beautiful: Meghan Markle cuts a stunning figure in a traditional white gown with heavy veil and train
Meghan grinned while looking over her shoulder to the crowds of people who have turned out to wish her and Harry well
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's big day is
finally here and we haven't been this excited for a white dress since
the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding back in 2011.
Kate's Alexander McQueen gown has got to be one of the most copied styles of all time, and this breathtaking design is destined to be just as iconic.
We've all been speculating for months as to who Meghan might ask to create the all-important dress. Stella McCartney, Ralph & Russo, Burberry or perhaps Erdem?
She kept us all guessing right up until the last moment, and as she arrived at St. George's Chapel in Windsor it was announced that it's the work of British designer Clare Waight Keller, Artistic Director at Givenchy.
We love the elegant simplicity of this dress. The slight off shoulder neckline, the dramatic train... it's perfection. When teamed with a veil, sparkly tiara and the best accessories a bride could ask for, adorable flower girls and page boys, it's a fairytale come true.
The dress is undoubtedly the biggest decision you'll make when you say 'I do' and the virtual high street is a great place to start your search, so browse the Royal wedding-inspired options we've got lined up for you in the edit below.
Kate's Alexander McQueen gown has got to be one of the most copied styles of all time, and this breathtaking design is destined to be just as iconic.
We've all been speculating for months as to who Meghan might ask to create the all-important dress. Stella McCartney, Ralph & Russo, Burberry or perhaps Erdem?
She kept us all guessing right up until the last moment, and as she arrived at St. George's Chapel in Windsor it was announced that it's the work of British designer Clare Waight Keller, Artistic Director at Givenchy.
We love the elegant simplicity of this dress. The slight off shoulder neckline, the dramatic train... it's perfection. When teamed with a veil, sparkly tiara and the best accessories a bride could ask for, adorable flower girls and page boys, it's a fairytale come true.
The dress is undoubtedly the biggest decision you'll make when you say 'I do' and the virtual high street is a great place to start your search, so browse the Royal wedding-inspired options we've got lined up for you in the edit below.
...NOW GET ONE LIKE IT
-
£399Monsoon embellished maxi dress
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£595Phase Eight Bridal 'Aubrina' wedding dress at John Lewis
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£200Little Mistress lace bardot wedding dress
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£595Raishma embellished gown at John Lewis (now reduced to £400)
-
£280Debenhams Debut 'Marguerite' dress (now reduced to £168)
-
£95Asos Edition embroidered wedding dress
-
£499Monsoon 'Alexandra' wedding dress
-
£35Missguided Bridal fishtail dress
The Most Rev Bishop Michael Curry,
the first African-American presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal
Church, gave an address titled the Power of Love at the service in St
George's Chapel.
He opened his speech
with the words of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, who said:
'We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love. And
when we do that, we will be able to make of this old world a new world.
Love is the only way.'
The bishop then
added: 'There's power in love. Don't underestimate it. Don't even
over-sentimentalise. There is power, power in love.'
The
Episcopal Church is the US offshoot of the Church of England and forms
part of the broader Anglican Communion. Meghan was baptised into the
Anglican Church, which is headed by Harry's grandmother.
Bishop
Curry told the service: 'There's power in love. Love can help and heal
when nothing else can. There's power in love to lift up and liberate
when nothing else will.'
Such power could be seen in the service, he continued, saying: 'Two young people fell in love and we all showed up.'
Meghan Markle has left to marry Prince in a tiara and veil over her face with her mother Doria for support
Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, who teh star calls her rock, was in tears ahead of her daughter's big entrance
Huge crowds turned out for the cheer and wave Union Flags at Meghan as she made her way to marry Harry
A nervous looking Prince Harry sits next to William as they waited pensively for the bride to arrive at the West Door
A
nervous looking Prince Harry and his best man William arrived in their
Blues and Royals uniforms but he quickly warmed up and waved to the
crowds
Harry and William removed their hats as they waited for the bride to arrive for the biggest day of her life so far
Her Royal Highness: The Queen takes her seat with husband Prince Phillip, who recently underwent a hip transplant
Father of the groom: Prince
Charles steps out of his chauffeur-driven car as he is due to walk Miss
Markle down the aisle in moments time
Prince
Harry looked nervous as he arrived at St George's with his best man
William but quickly warmed up waving and grinning at crowds before
greeting guests inside and outside the chapel.
Her
mother Doria smiled and looked adoringly at her daughter in the back of
her wedding car, again supporting her in the absence of her father
Thomas Markle.
Mother and daughter
drove away in a Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, which was built and delivered to
the Queen in 1950 and used by Kate Middleton for her trip to
Westminster Abbey when she married William seven years ago.
The
couple have invited 2,000 guests and have needed more than three hours
to fill the church with friends including actor Tom Hardy, Carey
Mulligan, tennis player Serena Williams and many of Meghan's Suits
co-stars all there.
Harry's
ex-girlfriends Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas were also invited and
joined the Middletons and his uncle Earl Spencer in the giant
congregation.
Royals including the
Queen and Prince Charles - who will walk Meghan down the aisle after her
father dropped out - will be the last to arrive before Harry, William
and finally Meghan, who will enter the church alone.
Princess
Diana's son's whirlwind romance with the US-born actress, 36, has
captured the public's imagination and they will become the Duke and
Duchess of Sussex when they marry.
After
a secret six-month relationship the couple went public and later
confirmed they got engaged in November when he proposed while roasting a
chicken in his Kensington Palace flat.
Their
big day is finally here after a week of turmoil for Meghan after her
father pulled out at the last minute and her estranged relatives flooded
into the UK to cash in on her big day.
Her mother
Doria smiled and looked adoringly at her daughter in the back of her
wedding car, again supporting her in the absence of her father Thomas
Markle
George
and Amal Clooney and David and Victoria Beckham are among the A-listers
packing out Harry and Meghan's wedding in an extraordinary celebrity
showing
Famous face: Rock and roll
legend Elton John chats away amid rumours he will performing at the
exclusive reception party hosted by Prince Charles at Frogmore House
later tonight
Ready and waiting: Prince
Harry's cousin Zara Phillips sits alongside her husband the former
England rugby captain Mike Tinall (right) who joked yesterday he was
snubbed from his pal Harry's stag-do
No fascinator this time:
Princess Beatrice, who debuted an extravagant fascinator at Prince
Wills' wedding in 2011, shows off her gorgeous green headwear as she
sits waiting for cousin Harry to arrive at the church
Aunty's approval: Princess Anne,
wearing a silk dress with wrap detailing, looks out onto the church as
she waits to see her nephew arrive
Taking their seats: The guests
begin to take their place at St George's Chapel less than an hour before
the ceremony is due to start
Church
fills: Hollywood's finest mingle with English aristocracy as the ancient
chapel of St George in the grounds of Windsor Castle slowly fills ahead
of the midday wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Cheers and applause erupted at the West Door as Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge arrived at St George's Chapel.
The bridegroom and his best man were met by the Dean of Windsor.
They stopped for a few moments and had a brief conversation, before walking inside.
Harry,
looking dapper in his frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals, walked
up the aisle with his best man and was seen acknowledging a guest in
the congregation with a nod.
Both Harry and the Duke of Cambridge are wearing the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals.
The Queen gave her permission for her grandson to get married in his uniform, Kensington Palace said.
Both uniforms were tailored at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row.
Tinseltown's finest: Hollywood
legend George Clooney paid tribute to his wife's yellow gown with an
accented tie and handkerchief
Hollywood
royalty George Clooney and his wife Amal arrive for the wedding of the
year today to see friends Harry and Meghan marry
Pop
royalty: No high-profile wedding would be complete without an appearance
from stylish Beckhams, who today did not disappoint, with Posh donning
killer red heels to team with a dark dress while her
sartorially-sound-hubby wears a stylish suit
The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson was the first royal to arrive at the wedding of the decade
Idris Elba and his girlfriend Sabrina Dhowre are among the famous stars to arrive at St George's Chapel in Windsor today
The Tindalls: Mike Tindall and his wife Zara, who is heavily pregnant, looked happy as they arrived laughing and smiling
Pregnant Pippa Middleton and her husband James arrived at the steps of the church just after 10.30
Harry's uncle Earl Spencer and his wife are also at the ceremony in Windsor this morning
Oprah Winfrey has made the guest list and is seen arriving at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for the wedding
En-route!
Prince Harry leaves Coworth Park Hotel for his royal wedding after his
last night of freedom with best man Prince William
Last night Harry shook hands with fans and spoke to children in the crowd before he went for his last night of freedom
Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland, arriving at Cliveden House Hotel last night
Tens
of thousands of royal fans are in the Berkshire town to catch a glimpse
of the bride and groom, as police have effectively created a £30million
ring of steel around the castle in a massive security operation.
Many
slept on the streets and more have left their homes in the middle of
the night or travelled from across the world to see them.
Revellers
wearing wedding dresses, union and American flags and other outlandish
outfits have been popping Champagne and prosecco since 8am or earlier as
they toast the happy couple.
The
official 10 Downing Street Twitter account posted a message to the
couple from Theresa May, saying: 'My very best wishes to Prince Harry
and Meghan Markle on their wedding day. To all of those joining the
national celebration with street parties and other events, have a
wonderful day.'
New look: British actor Tom
Hardy debuts his newly-shaved head as he holds hands with partner
Charlotte Riley as they head in to the chapel
Funny man: Gavin and Stacey
creator and US TV host James Corden grins and gives thumbs up to the
crowds of cheering fans as he heads towards the church with his partner
British stars: The Great Gatsby
actress Carey Mulligan and husband Marcus Mumford, of Mumford and Sons
join a host of celebrities and public figures for the star-studded
wedding guestlist
Music men: Elton John wearing
his signature glasses chats to guests with Beautiful singer James Blunt
(far left) and John's partner David Furnish (right)
Style
icon: A suave-looking David Beckham smiled as he strode towards St
George's Chapel wearing a pair of designer sunglasses with a sharp
three-piece suit. The former England captain covered up his tattoos for
the occasion with just the ink on his hands visible
Familiar
faces: Carol Middleton and Michael Middleton head towards the chapel to
watch their son-in-law's brother marry Meghan Markle this afternoon
The
Middletons: The Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa Middleton (left) and
brother James Middleton are among the extended family members invited
to today's nuptials
Idris Elba and his fiancee Sabrina Dhowre have been invited to the wedding and arrive at St George's Chapel in Windsor
Prince
Harry's ex girlfriend Chelsy Davy is seen leaving for the wedding. The
South African was in an on-off relationship with the prince for seven
years and Pippa Middleton is also on her way
Harry's family Eliza Spencer, Louis Spencer, Victoria Aitken and Kitty Spencer arrive at St George's Chapel
Floral gown: Lady Kitty Spencer, right, photographed outside St George's Chapel as she waits to enter for the ceremony
A vision in green: Lady Kitty
Spencer opts for an elegant fascinator paired with discrete diamond
earrings and necklace for her cousin's wedding this afternoon
Rugby
star James Haskell and Chloe Madeley, the daughter of Richard and Judy,
arrive for the wedding along with Lady Edwina Louise Grosvenor and TV
historian Dan Snow
Smart attire: The Duchess of Cornwall's son Tom Parker Bowles opted for a classic morning suit with patterned tie
Harry's 'wing man' Tom Inskip arrives at the ceremony with his wife Augusta Boyle
James Blunt and his wife Sofia Wellesley are among the huge stars who have been invited by Meghan and Harry today
Nicholas
Soames (right) along with Charles Spencer and his wife Karen (left)
arrive in the Berkshire town ahead of the royal wedding
Guests are gathering inside the famous chapel where Meghan will enter alone in just a few hours
The Archbishop of Canterbury, who
will be officiating the ceremony in Windsor, tweeted: 'Praying for
Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle today. May it be a day of joy and
celebration as they commit their lives to each other before God - and
may we all share in that joy with them.'
Meghan
has spent her last night of freedom at the Cliveden House Hotel around
25 minutes from Windsor Castle where she will next see Prince Harry at
the altar of St George's Chapel.
Last night she looked stunning as she arrived with her mother Doria Ragland, 62, after enjoying afternoon tea with the Queen.
Meanwhile
her husband-to-be and Prince William enjoyed a walkabout through
Windsor to meet the thousands of well-wishers who have gathered to see
him get married.
As she walked into the
hotel wearing a £1,350 navy Roland Mouret Barwick dress she grinned as
she told waiting royal fans that she felt 'wonderful, thank you' ahead
of the biggest day of her life.
Guests are colourfully dressed for the wedding of the decade set to be watched by millions
Harry's
friends Delfina Blaquier and Argentinian polo star Nacho Figueras
arrive at the wedding along with more than 2,000 others attending the
big day
Diana's former butler Paul Burrell appears to struggle to gain access to the grounds of Windsor Castle
A police escort takes an empty wedding car set to be used in today's big event to the gates of the castle
The Queen's Guard band marches between enthusiastic crowds in the Berkshire town ahead of the royal wedding
Beaming Meghan also gathered her
closest friends, her dress designer and hairdresser to join her in
£1,500-a-night rooms last night.
This
morning she will leave for Windsor Castle with Doria before she travels
alone to St George's Chapel where she will finally marry Prince Harry as
millions watch around the world.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - a title not handed out for more than 150 years.
The
Queen has conferred the titles on her grandson and his bride-to-be as
they prepare to walk down the aisle at St George's Chapel, Windsor
today.
The royal groom was given a dukedom - the highest rank in the British peerage - to mark his marriage to Meghan Markle.
American
former actress Meghan will now become Her Royal Highness the Duchess of
Sussex on her marriage at the much-anticipated ceremony in St George's
Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Harry also
received Scottish and Northern Irish titles, becoming the Earl of of
Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel, which means Meghan will become the Countess
of Dumbarton and Baroness Kilkeel.
All
titles are in the gift of the Queen and it was up to the monarch to
choose which one to bestow on her grandson and his new wife.
St George's Chapel has been adorned with floral displays ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tying the knot.
The
first pictures from inside the historic building show foliage, white
peonies, white garden roses and other white blooms adorning the front of
the organ loft, towering above the seats.
A
central arch will serve to frame the royal couple as a congregation of
family, friends and well-wishers watch them take their vows.
Two large arrangements also sit either side of the High Altar in the Windsor Castle chapel.
The
display, which also features foxgloves with branches of beech, birch
and hornbeam, also extends to outside the chapel, lining the West Steps
and surrounding the West Door through which Meghan will enter the
church.
The display has been carefully crafted by floral designer Philippa Craddock.
Huge crowds waving union flags have been there since the early hours or longer as they welcome the couple into married life
Crowds of royal enthusiasts have gathered near Windsor Castle hoping to catch a glimpse of the guests and wedding party
Royal fans are lining the
streets of the Berkshire town all hoping to catch a glimpse of the newly
married royal couple when their carriage ride's along the route
Royal enthusiasts pictured on the Long Walk ahead of the royal wedding wearing Union Jack flags and a Queen's Guard outfit
Fans from Britain and America have travelled to the small Berkshire town to be part of the huge event
Up to 100,000 people are flooding into Windsor today to see Harry and Meghan marry today
Beautiful greenery and flowers adorn the front of the organ loft inside St George's Chapel ready for the bride and groom
Flowers and foliage surround the West Door and steps of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle
This is the order of service for today's wedding ceremony, which was printed before Thomas Markle's name could be removed
At the end of a dramatic week, sources said Harry and Meghan had just wanted to focus on their big day.
'They
are just so in love and while it has been a hugely emotional week for
Meghan in terms of her father, who she is still deeply concerned about,
they now want to focus on the day,' they said. 'It's a huge moment for
them … and they just want people to enjoy the day.'
Another added: 'Honestly, I have never seen him so happy. He is just besotted and cannot wait to make Meghan his wife.'
With
Mr Markle, a former Hollywood lighting director, recovering from
surgery to fit a heart stent, Kensington Palace announced yesterday that
Prince Charles would walk his future daughter-in-law to the altar.
Sources close to the prince, who will wear a morning suit, said he was
'deeply touched' to have been asked.
'It
wasn't something he raised at all … the couple came to him,' they said.
The source added that Charles had met Miss Markle several times and
appeared to have struck up a very 'genuine bond' with her and now her
mother.
Both he and the Duchess of Cornwall seemed delighted by their meeting with Miss Ragland on Wednesday at Clarence House.
Miss
Markle has always insisted she wanted to arrive at the chapel on her
own, even when her father was involved. She was also insistent that she
would not be 'given away'.
It is
believed that, as a divorcee in her 30s and a feminist, the future royal
believed it wasn't appropriate. At noon today, Charles will await her
at the start of the Quire, halfway down the 15th-century chapel, instead
of the steps of the building.
Miss
Markle will arrive in the castle's quadrangle with her mother at about
11.25am in one of the Queen's cars. Miss Ragland, a social worker and
yoga instructor, is believed to be the only member of Miss Markle's
family attending.
Miss Ragland will
then transfer to another vehicle and be driven to the Galilee porch,
used by the royal family, where she will arrive shortly before Charles
and the Queen.
Miss Markle will be
joined by her bridesmaids and page boys, including Prince George and
Princess Charlotte – and will be greeted at the steps to the West Door,
decorated with exquisite spring blooms, by the Dean of Windsor, who will
walk ahead of her into the church.
Last
night Mr Markle told US website TMZ he gave the arrangements his
blessing. He said he was 'honoured and grateful' that Charles had
stepped in and his daughter had called him personally to tell him.
Kensington
Palace said: 'The Order of Service was produced before it became clear
Mr Thomas Markle would be unable to attend the wedding … some aspects
will be different to what has been printed.'
Stand
By Me will be among the hymns in a modern order of service as Prince
Harry ties the knot with Meghan Markle in today's long-awaited royal
wedding.
The plans for the ceremony at
St George's Chapel, Windsor, include modern wording of the marriage vows
along with the hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer which was played at
Princess Diana's funeral. Diana's sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, will also
give a reading.
Meghan will not
promise to 'obey' Prince Harry, in a contemporary version of the vows
using modern language such as 'you' rather than 'thee'.
The
Duchess of Cambridge did not promise to 'obey' Prince William in 2011,
and neither did Harry's mother the Princess of Wales in 1981 when she
married the Prince of Wales.
In a nod
to the transatlantic nature of the marriage, the Most Reverend Michael
Curry, head of the Episcopal Church in the United States, will give the
sermon.
However the order of service
was produced before it became clear that Meghan's father, Thomas Markle,
would be unable to attend, and still mentions his name. There was not
enough time to reprint the 600 copies of the 20-page A4 Order of
Service.
Although the ceremony in the
gothic surrounds of Windsor Castle's chapel is deeply religious, the
service will use the words from the more up to date Marriage Service
from Common Worship (2000), which features modern language, such as
'you' rather than 'thee' or 'thou'.
The
prince and his American former actress bride will pledge themselves to
one another 'for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness
and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part'.
In
The Declarations part of the service, they will also promise to love,
comfort, honour, and protect one another and be faithful to one another
for the rest of their lives.
Kensington
Palace said 'like any couple getting married, Prince Harry and Ms.
Markle have taken a great deal of care in selecting all elements for
their service.'
Yesterday, Archbishop
of Canterbury Justin Welby, who will officiate, said Prince Charles was
'someone of great care and affection'. He added: 'He's a very warm
person and that he's doing this is a sign of his love and concern and
support. I think it's wonderful. It's beautiful.'
Bishop
Michael Curry, primate of the US Episcopal Church, who will give an
address, said 'different worlds are being brought together' by the
marriage.
Millions around the world
are watching but America has been gripped by 'Meghan mania' – and US
broadcasters have gone to extraordinary lengths to provide the best
possible coverage for their viewers.
With
prime broadcasting spots given to British TV, American networks have
'annexed' several guesthouses and hotels around Windsor Castle.
NBC is said to have 'taken over' the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, opposite the castle, with a team of around 300.
The
broadcaster has built an 'Olympic stadium'-like studio on the rooftop
to achieve the best backdrops and have a view of the castle in the
background.
Yesterday Meghan Markle's
co-stars from the TV legal drama Suits appeared in the studio to tell
viewers back home how she revealed her romance with Prince Harry.
Meanwhile,
rival networks ABC and CBS are said to have removed windows from rooms
at the front of the Harte & Garter hotel at great expense to create
the best shots.
And a two-storey
temporary media centre has been set up on the Long Walk in Windsor Great
Park solely for US journalists to broadcast to fascinated viewers back
home.
Broadcasters are devoting huge
amounts of air time to programmes before and after the wedding, and most
are broadcasting or streaming the ceremony live.
In
2011, the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was watched by
23million Americans even though it was the middle of the night for many
in the US.
But viewing figures are expected to be much higher for Prince Harry and Miss Markle's ceremony today.
copy http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/a
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