Welby’s mantra: what would Stormzy do?
Archbishop of Canterbury says grime artist’s line is key to calm his nerves on Meghan and Harry’s big day
THERE are many ways the Archbishop of Canterbury can prepare for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. Listening to Stormzy may not be the most obvious, but it seems to work.
The Most Rev Justin Welby, who will officiate at the St George’s Chapel ceremony on May 19, has disclosed he has been listening to a song by grime artist Stormzy to help him focus.
Speaking on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire, the Church of England’s most senior cleric said: “I’m always nervous at weddings because it is such an important day for any couple.”
When asked how he’s preparing himself, the Archbishop replied that a line from grime artist Stormzy’s song, Blinded By Your Grace, was helping him in the run-up to the nuptials.
Mr Welby said: “There’s a line in that – ‘I stay prayed up and get the job done’ – I think that sort of sums it up.”
The Archbishop, who is the second most senior figure in the Church after the Queen, who is supreme governor of the Church of England, has already had an instrumental role in preparing Ms Markle for the wedding.
In March he officiated as she was baptised and confirmed into the Church in a secret ceremony, describing it as “beautiful” and “very special”.
Speaking this weekend, he said: “I’ve made a couple of cack-handed mistakes over the last couple of weddings I’ve been involved in and I’m thinking this is probably not a good moment to make it a hat-trick.”
He has previously admitted to fearing he might drop the ring during the service. Earlier this year, he told ITV: “Unlike recent weddings, I must not drop the ring. And I must not forget to get the vows in the right order, as I did at a rehearsal for one of my children.
“You know, at the heart of it is two people who have fallen in love, who are committing their lives to each other with the most beautiful words and profound thoughts, who do it in the presence of God.”
The Archbishop will lead Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in making their vows. He will offer a prayer of blessing over the wedding rings, and will bless the marriage. The Dean of Windsor will conduct the service.
Like the Duchess of Cambridge, Ms Markle is expected to omit the vow to “obey” her husband, using the more modern pledge to “love, comfort, honour and keep” Prince Harry.
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s choice in music will no doubt please Prince Harry. The Prince has worked with Stormzy for the charity Wellchild. When he picked up awards at the MOBOS last year, Stormzy offered to play “a little acoustic for young Harry” on his big day.