Love, American Style
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle break all the royal rules for their fairy-tale wedding — and raucous afterparty!
A gospel choir sang the classic 1961 R&B ballad “Stand by Me.” Chicago-based Episcopal Church Bishop Michael Bruce Curry gave a passionate sermon about the “power of love” that had upper-crust Brits exchanging amused glances. A-listers including Oprah Winfrey and George Clooney rubbed elbows with the queen. No, this was not your run-of-themill royal wedding! Of course, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated May 19 nuptials did follow some protocol: They married in a religious ceremony at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II’S retreat. But the rebellious royal, 33, and the 36-year-old former Suits actress — clad in a simple silk Givenchy gown — put their own twist on things. “[You] navigated everything with such grace,” Harry told his bride in a sweet toast at the lunch reception, alluding to the family drama before the wedding that ended with her ailing father’s decision not to attend. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.” Later, at the wild James Corden–hosted evening bash, Prince William gave a naughty best man’s speech, while Meghan made the unorthodox decision to say a few words herself — thanking the royal family — before everyone partied hard, including a full bar of alcohol from around the world and endless tequila shots. Harry and William even had a dance-off with their father, Prince Charles! “There were many breaks from royal tradition throughout the day,” a royals insider tells In Touch. “And it was a magical night.”