FINALLY! HARRY, MEGHAN ARE ONE
■ Queen makes Harry the Duke of Sussex while Markle becomes the Duchess of Sussex
Windsor, May 19: Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were on Saturday pronounced man and wife at the majestic St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle where the couple exchanged wedding vows in the presence of 600 guests as millions of people around the world watched the historic event.
They were pronounced husband and wife by the Archbishop of Canterbury, cheered on by crowds watching on large screens outside and watched over by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip among the other members of the royal family. It had been announced earlier that the 92-year-old monarch had bestowed the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the newly-weds in keeping with royal tradition.
The royal couple exchanged their vows and rings in the presence of 600 guests, which included the likes of Meghan’s close friend Indian actress Priyanka Chopra and other celebrities like George and Amal Clooney, David and Victoria Beckham and Sir Elton John.
After their marriage ceremony, Prince Harry and Meghan emerged from the chapel — Household Cavalry lining the steps — and shared their first kiss as a married couple.
The crowd cheered wildly on witnessing the muchawaited scene.
The service was conducted by the Dean of Windsor with Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the spiritual head of the Anglican Church, overseeing the exchange of vows. A black US bishop, Michael Bruce Curry, gave the wedding address.
The wedding became official when Justin Welby read this: “In the presence of God, and before this congregation, Harry and Meghan have given their consent and made their marriage vows to each other. They have declared their marriage by the joining of hands and by the giving and receiving of rings. I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife.”
Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, became the sixteenth Royal Couple to celebrate their Marriage at Windsor Castle since 1863.
Harry was seen smiling as Meghan entered the Chapel with Prince Charles. Prince Charles stepped into the role of Meghan's father and walked her down the aisle for her marriage with Harry after it was confirmed that her father Thomas Markle Sr would not be attending the wedding ceremony due to illhealth.
The newly-wed royal couple would be doing a tour of the Prince William sat by the side of his brother Harry, as his best man, as they awaited the bride’s arrival for the ceremony at 12 noon local time.
Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, arrived earlier as the only member of Markle’s family to attend the wedding.