Couple choose modern twist on traditional wedding vows
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have given a nod to the late Princess Diana and acknowledged the brides’s independence and African-American roots in their marriage ceremony today.
The Order of Service, which had already been printed for the 600 guests before Meghan’s father Thomas Markle pulled out of the ceremony on Thursday citing medical advice, still shows him walking her down the aisle.
It will be Prince Charles standing in for Mr Markle, 73, doing what Kensington Palace describes as “accompanying” the bride down the aisle of The Quire at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Royal sources said it had been the bride’s wish to describe her father accompanying her rather than “giving her away” because she regarded that description as outdated and wanted to proclaim her feminism.
Contemporary
Meghan, 36, has followed in the footsteps of the Duchess of Cambridge in 2011 and Harry’s mother, Diana, in 1981 in refusing to vow to “obey” her husband.
For their vows, Harry and Meghan have selected words from The Marriage Service from Common Worship (2000), each pledging themselves “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part”.
The wording of the service is more modern than the version used by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011. It features contemporary language, using “you” instead of “thee” and “thou”.
Unlike his brother William and grandfather Prince Philip, Harry, 33, will wear a wedding ring. His father Prince Charles wears one under a signet ring.
The couple have put their own personal and modern touch on the wedding music. There is a nod to Diana with the hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer which was played at her funeral and at the memorial service 10 years after her death as well as at William and Kate’s wedding.
Meghan’s African-American heritage will be celebrated by Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir belting out the soul classic Stand By Me by Ben E King in the 15th century chapel.
The gospel choir will also perform Etta James’ version of Amen/ This Little Light of Mine as the newlyweds leave the chapel. Harry and Meghan have also added a transatlantic twist by inviting the Most Rev Michael Curry, the 27th presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, to give the sermon, before Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby carries out the wedding service.
Princess Diana’s sister Lady Jane Fellowes will deliver a reading from the Song of Solomon, which stresses the strength and power of love.
Lady Jane, whose husband Baron Robert Fellowes is a former private secretary to the Queen, also gave a reading at Diana’s funeral in 1997.
The passage she will read says: “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, passion fierce as the grave.”
Kensington Palace said the couple had thought carefully about the music and hymns – which will be performed by the St George’s Chapel Choir conducted by James Vivian – and other parts of the ceremony, and had turned to Charles for help.
“Like any couple getting married, Prince Harry and Ms Markle have taken a great deal of care in selecting all elements for their service,” the palace said.
“They have also sought the advice of the Prince of Wales for the orchestral music before the service begins.”
Music before the service includes Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves and Elgar’s Chanson de Matin.
As the bride and groom sign the register, teenage cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason will perform three pieces by Faure, Schubert and Maria Theresia von Paradis.
In keeping with royal wedding tradition, the National Anthem will be played at the end.