Harry’s bride adds new interest to royal family

Trust the royal family. For an institution so formal and steeped in tradition, it never fails to attract our attention. Prince Harry’s wedding might have been expected to be a quieter event than that of his brother who will one day be heir to the throne.

But Harry, now relegated to sixth in line behind Prince William’s three children, has a personality that has found a place all of his own in our hearts.

It is a place he wants to share with American actress Meghan Markle and everyone wishing them well for the wedding this weekend will hope she finds happiness in the very different role she is about to play.

Already she has brought something different to the royal stage. Her American family have their troubles, not least her father who appears to have found the occasion too much for him. The question of who will walk her up the aisle of St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle could keep us in suspense until she appears. She may be disappointed in her father but this sort of last-minute drama makes royalty very human.

It will all be forgotten soon after she appears, replaced by the heartwarming happiness and splendour of every bride, and the visible awe in the eyes of every man when he sees his bride looking so lovely.

Weddings are about the future for every family. The new couple make promises to each other that mean their marriage becomes a fixture on the lives of their families. A royal marriage becomes a fixture of our public life and we wish Harry and Meghan enduring happiness.