As the now Duke and Duchess of Sussex tied the knot on May 18, you couldn’t help but soak in the fairytale atmosphere that surrounded the nuptials. It was a unique wedding in that it invited a new era into the monarchy, embraced African-American culture and celebrated all that really matters; love.
Reverend Michael Curry’s Address
One of the absolute highlights for the congregation, as evident by their attentiveness and fits of giggles, was Bishop Curry’s address during the royal sermon. Those across social media were admiring the Reverend’s message of love and hope with special references to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. which touched everyone’s heart.
It was announced by Kensington Palace some time ago that Ms. Markle and Prince Harry had specially asked the Bishop, hailing from the US, to partake in giving the address. While the royal family had since prepared in rehearsing and all the usual formalities, they sure hadn’t rehearsed for the vivacious words and vibrant energy the Bishop of the Episcopal Church brought to St. George’s Chapel. It’s worth noting that the LGBTQ advocate is the first African-American to hold his current position.
Watch his address at the wedding of Meghan and Harry below.
Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir
A fiercely magical and unorthodox moment to see a gospel choir perform a piece at a royal wedding. Singing a rendition of Stand by Me, Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir are a Christian Gospel group based in England and have been performing for over 20 years “creating a sound that demonstrates the community they share.”
The group captivated the 600 guests present as Harry and Meghan watched on.
Ms. Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress by Givenchy
The revealing of Meghan Markle’s wedding gown was probably the most anticipated moment of the day. Would she choose a British designer and if so, which one? Would she choose Hollywood glamor or an understated classic look? The latter, it turned out.
Of course, we now know HRH chose to work with Claire Waight Keller of Givenchy. The British designer is the first woman to become director of the French fashion house. It is thought the Duchess met with the Givenchy director early this year and began exchanging ideas on her preferences. Meghan’s bridal gown was a simplistic elegant one with a boat neckline and the fabric consisting of double bonded silk cady; the underskirt made of triple silk organza and six seams perfecting the fit. The gown was made in line with classic Givenchy couture and Ms. Markle’s personal style.
The most symbolic element of Meghan’s look was her veil, also designed by Claire Waight Keller. It was five meters in length and composed of silk with a flower representing each of the 53 Commonwealth countries hand-embroidered into the fabric. Meghan also chose the Wintersweet and the Californian poppy, to represent Kensington Palace and her own hometown of California. Crops of wheat were also woven into the front of the veil to represent love and charity.
The veil was held in place by a diamond and platinum tiara made in 1932 that belonged to Queen Mary while Meghan also wore earrings and a bracelet by Cartier.
Ms. Meghan Markle arrives at St George's Chapel #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/Hj79je8glV
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018
The Exclusive Guest List
A royal wedding generally involves quite the refined guest list anyway but the marriage of a British royal and a former American actor was going to involve a fair share of celebrities and those in the public eye. From Oprah to the Beckhams and Priyanka Chopra to the Clooneys, this was a wedding you couldn’t take your eyes off.
The Remembrance of Diana, Princess of Wales
Not long after the announcement by Prince Charles that his youngest son, Prince Harry, would be taking Meghan Markle’s hand in marriage, did the speculation begin about how the couple would honor Lady Diana Spencer, Prince Harry’s mother.
Up until recently, many thought Meghan Markle may choose Diana’s couturier (the Emmanuels) for her own wedding day to design her dress. But, as more details became known over the last few months, we began to see The Princess of Wales would be a core part of the couple’s big day. At the official photocall of Harry and Meghan’s engagement, we learned that Harry had chosen diamonds from Diana’s personal collection to add to the bespoke engagement ring he proposed to Meghan with. Diana would be with them every step of the way. Watch The Duke and Duchess talk about the moment below…
…Cont’d
On the wedding day as Meghan climbed the steps of the chapel, it was noticed that her bouquet contained forget-me-knots; Diana’s favorite flowers, which Prince Harry had handpicked the night before, as is a tradition for the groom to do. We also learned that Lady Jane Fellowes, Diana’s sister, would be giving the reading at the wedding in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. Lady Jane was one of Diana’s older sisters. This was in addition to the playing of Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer; a song that had also been sung at Diana’s funeral in 1997.
A further tribute that onlookers spotted was when The Duke and Duchess departed Windsor Castle for their evening reception in Frogmore House. Meghan had changed into a silk crepe Stella McCartney dress. Harry sported a tuxedo. While the pair were departing the grounds, it was noted that Meghan was wearing an emerald cut aquamarine cocktail ring that had once belonged to Princess Diana. Along with the sole of her evening shoes, Meghan Markle certainly had her something old, new, borrowed & blue.
On a day where love was contagious and history was made, MEFeater extends our congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Did you enjoy Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding? What was your favorite part of May 19th? Let us know in the comments or share with us on our social media.