Author: Jacqueline Cutler / Source: Variety
On a gloriously sunny day, an American actress became the first Duchess of Sussex and the wife of a Prince of England.
Rachel Meghan Markle and Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales wed at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle before 600 guests, including Oprah Winfrey, George and Amal Clooney, and Idris Elba.
The couple managed to infuse their own style in the ceremony steeped in centuries of tradition, without bucking the importance of convention.
As the world, including her groom and his best man, waited for the bride, sweet moments were exchanged between the brothers. It didn’t matter that no one could hear the exact words — older brother William was clearly calming wedding jitters.
Markle was a vision in an exquisitely cut and minimalist gown by Givenchy’s creative director Clare Waight Keller with a very long train. The prince’s expression changed from worry to joy as she neared.
Her mother, Doria Loyce Ragland, fought tears. Yes, her daughter was marrying into the royal family and in a fairytale setting, but she sat alone — the bride’s only blood relative among 600 guests. Her father made some missteps last week by posing for tabloids, but then quickly bowed out of the event citing health problems.
And what a wedding. It was a perfect blending of centuries of tradition that guides the British monarchy with the new world of a scrappy actress, the biracial, divorced daughter of a yoga teacher and lighting director.
The new couple stamped their own personal style on it.
Early in the ceremony, Harry, as his wont, drew laughter, when he said, “I will.” Markle beamed after she said, “I will.”
The Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry, the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, gave the address, likely one that had never been heard inside these hallowed halls.
The Episcopal Church’s first African-American leader and a passionate speaker, Curry quoted Dr. Martin Luther King: “We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love, and when we do that we will make of this whole world a new world of love. Love is the only way. There is power in love.”
“Two young people fell in love and we all showed up,” Curry said.
Curry also brought up slaves in America and how the power of love is a balm no matter how awful the situation. His rousing sermon had the couple listening intently. He did try to get some audience participation, but this crowd seemed less interactive than those he may usually preach to.
After songs, including “Stand by Me” during which the…
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