HARRY & MEGHAN’S BIG DAY —
Meghan stuns in fairy tale vows to Harry
in London IT STARTED WITH a blind date, and finished with the whole world watching.
Prince Harry exchanged vows Saturday with American actress Meghan Markle as the fairy tale first day of their marriage played out before 600 A-list guests in Windsor Castle and tens of millions across the globe.
“You look amazing,” the redbearded groom told his bride-tobe before the couple declared their love “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.”
Each gazed into the other’s eyes, oblivious to anything else. A poised Markle nailed her lines, betraying not a note of nerves — in contrast with her husband, who looked happy if a bit skittish at times.
Markle broke into a wide smile when the couple exchanged rings and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby officially declared them man and wife.
The commoners gathered outside roared in approval when the royal newlyweds appeared on the top step of the church and kissed.
The couple, brought together by a mutual friend, first met on a blind date in July 2016 and exchanged “I do’s” less than two years later.
The crowd inside St. George’s Chapel featured an eye-popping collection of celebrities from both sides of the Atlantic.
Elton John, a close friend of the groom’s mother Princess Diana, performed at a luncheon reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth after the nuptials — and then again at the wedding reception.
Power couples included George and Amal Clooney, David and Victoria Beckham, and Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian.
Five of Markle’s TV co-stars from “Suits” were spotted in the crowd, as were a number of musical guests: James Blunt, Marcus Mumford (with wife Carey Mulligan) and Joss Stone.
“Harry looked earnest and somehow vulnerable, while Meghan looked strong and proud and regal and beautiful,” said “Suits” creator and wedding guest Aaron Korsh.
Thousands of commoners turned out as well, lining the streets outside Windsor Castle to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds.
Bernadette Christie, who traveled to London from Canada, spent four nights sleeping outdoors in hopes of experiencing one magic moment.
“I’m freezing cold, my back is sore, and I just want to go to bed,” she said. “I’m here for that 10 seconds when the coach comes around the corner.”
The couple indeed took a short horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor, with the crowd shouting their approval and best wishes. The wedding of the British blueblood and the biracial American actress proved a cross-cultural affair, with a black preacher addressing the crowd in St. George’s Chapel. The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, head of the Episcopal Church in the United States, delivered a lively sermon highlighted by his mix of quotes from the Bible and American spirituals. Curry, in the midst of his rousing address, mentioned that he planned to wrap up with a mention of French Jesuit Pierre Teilhard.
“And with this, I will sit down,” he told the audience. “We gotta get y’all married.”
The influence of the former British colonies was also wellrepresented. Musical selections included versions of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” and Etta James’ “This Little Light of Mine.”
But there was plenty of traditional British pomp: Anglican prayers, a horse-drawn carriage