Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shared their first official kiss as husband and wife.
The two were pronounced husband and wife at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in front of family and friends, including The Queen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles and co-stars of the show Suits.
The ceremony was officiated by the Dean of Windsor David Conner and the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who performed the newlywed’s vows. During the ceremony, a sermon was given by Reverend Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church in the United States.
After being declared husband and Wife Prince Harry and Meghan shared their first kiss in public as newlyweds on the steps of St. George’s Chapel.
During the ceremony, Meghan was walked down the aisle by Prince Charles after her father Thomas Markle was forced to pull out due to last minute heart surgery this week. On the morning of the wedding, Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, accompanied her daughter to Windsor Castle with select members of the wedding party.
Meghan released a statement following her father’s decision to pull out of the wedding in which she professes she has ‘always cared’ for him and hopes he can be given the time and space he needs to focus on his health.
She wowed millions of people across the world as she stepped out in her wedding dress. Harry, flanked by best man and older brother Prince William, donned his household cavalry suit. He sported a well-sculpted beard, despite it being a prerequisite for those who serve in the British army to be cleanly shaven.
Following the ceremony, the couple will be taking part in a carriage procession starting from St. George’s Chapel, through Windsor town before returning to Windsor Castle via the Long Walk. Alexi Lubomirski, the official wedding photographer will be taking pictures outside of Windsor Castle.
A statement from Kensington Palace, prior to the wedding, said:
They hope this short journey will provide an opportunity for more people to come together around Windsor and to enjoy the atmosphere of this special day. Following the service, there will be a reception at St George’s Hall for the couple and the guests from the congregation. Later that evening, the Prince of Wales will give a private evening reception for the couple and their close friends and family.
Prince Harry was keen to make sure members of his mother’s family, the late Princess Diana, was involved with his big day too.
A statement from Kensington Palace confirmed:
In addition to having the support of The Queen, his father The Prince of Wales, and his brother Prince William as best man, Prince Harry is also keen to involve his mother’s family in his wedding. All three siblings of Diana, Princess of Wales will be in attendance and Lady Jane Fellowes will give the reading.
Prince Harry and Ms. Markle both feel honoured that Lady Jane will be representing her family and helping to celebrate the memory of the late Princess on the wedding day.
According to Kensington Palace, the wedding was attended by 600 guests, a modestly small gathering compared to the William and Kate’s wedding which boasted 1,900 guests. A group of 200 close acquaintances will be invited to an after-party at Frogmore House, a short walk from St George’s Chapel.
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