New wife adds strong American flavour
LONDON: A gospel choir sang Stand By Me at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding yesterday, while a hymn sung at his mother Diana’s funeral triggered emotional memories.
The ceremony at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle was a traditional Church of England service, but TV star Markle had ensured that her marriage into British royalty would have a strong American flavour.
After a firebrand United States preacher revved up the sermon, The Kingdom Choir sang Stand By Me, the stirring, soulful tune released by Ben E. King in 1961 that topped the charts in both the US and Britain.
And the service had further touching moments for Harry, being supported by his best man, Prince William.
The last hymn before the newlyweds left was Guide me, O thou great redeemer — the last hymn sung at their mother Diana, princess of Wales’ funeral in 1997.
The bride and groom put their own modern twist on their big day. The music, the springtime flowers and lack of political bigwigs, showed they had set the tone and feel of the event within the framework of a classic Anglican wedding ceremony.
David Conner, the Dean of Windsor who was the chapel’s senior cleric, gave the introduction.
“The gift of marriage brings husband and wife in the delight and tenderness of sexual union and joyful commitment,” he said.
Conner asked if “anyone present who knows a reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, to declare it now”.
With no objections, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, then proceeded to oversee the declarations.
The couple pledged to love, comfort, honour and protect each other, both using the answer “I will”. Welby then declared them legally wed.
Guide me, O thou great redeemer was also the first hymn sung at the 2011 wedding of Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton.
The song is effectively a Welsh national hymn and is often sung at rugby internationals. It was seen as a nod to Harry’s 33 years as, formally, Prince Henry of Wales.
The couple then signed the marriage register. When they returned, the service ended with the national anthem — God Save the Queen.
Harry bowed to Queen Elizabeth and his bride curtseyed as they left, stepping out onto the church’s West Steps to greet the world as husband and wife.