Diana honoured in the ceremony
HARRY and Meghan made sure Princess Diana was not forgotten on their special day.
From the flowers in Meghan’s bouquet to the music and the reading at the service, the couple ensured her presence was felt – 21 years after her crash death.
The only reading was about the power of eternal love, with Diana’s sister Lady Jane Fellowes, 61, triggering tears as she said from the Old Testament Song of Solomon: “My beloved speaks and says to me, ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone’.”
She was joined at the service by Diana’s other sister, Lady Sarah Mccorquodale, and her brother Earl Spencer, along with Harry’s Spencer family cousins.
Also present was former Prime Minister John Major, who was appointed special guardian to Princes Harry and William, responsible for legal and administrative matters, when Diana died in the Paris underpass.
No British or overseas dignitaries were invited to the wedding, so Mr Major’s presence was a reminder of the pivotal role he played in Harry’s life at a traumatic time.
Emotional
When Meghan arrived at St George’s Chapel, she was carrying a bouquet with Diana’s beloved forget-me-nots.
The white petals of Diana’s favourite nestled among blooms picked from Kensington Palace gardens and myrtle sprigs, which are traditional in royal bouquets.
Adorning the walls of the 500-year-old chapel were arches of flowers, including white roses, another of Diana’s favourites that were planted in her memory at the palace gardens over the summer.
As soon as details of the wedding were announced, Harry said he wanted to “celebrate the memory of the late Princess on the wedding day”.
Harry was emotional throughout the service and was particularly moved as the congregation sang the final hymn, Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, which was played at Diana’s 1997 funeral. William and Kate also included it their wedding.
Given pride of place in the chapel was Diana’s close friend Julia Samuel, with her husband Michael.
Julia is godmother to Prince George and has remained close to William and Harry following Diana’s death, with Meghan previously talking about how much she enjoyed meeting her.