19.5.18

The Wedding of The Duke and the Duchess of Sussex

On the morning of the wedding it was announced that The Queen had conferred a Dukedom on Prince Henry of Wales; The Duke of Sussex. His titles are therefore Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel.
On her marriage to The Duke of Sussex, Ms. Meghan Markle will become known as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex.
Members of the public played a big a role in the wedding, with many choosing to stay overnight. The night before the wedding, the then Prince Harry and The Duke of Cambridge met some well-wishers in Windsor.
2,640 people were invited to watch the wedding from inside the Castle Grounds. Many came from charities close to the couple, as well as over 1,200 who were nominated by their Lord Lieutenants.
The Duke of Sussex, accompanied by his Best Man and brother, The Duke of Cambridge, walked down Castle Hill to St George’s Chapel, both wore the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals.
Other members of The Royal Family then began to arrive at the Galilee Porch of the Chapel, with The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh arriving just before 12pm. The ten Bridesmaids and Pageboys then entered the Chapel’s South Door.
Ms. Meghan Markle then arrived at the South Door of the Chapel, giving the world the first glimpse of her wedding dress.
The dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. The veil represented all 53 Commonwealth Countries, featuring distinctive flora from each country.
The veil was held in place by Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara, which was lent by The Queen.
After processing down the Nave, the bride was joined by The Prince of Wales to walk through the Quire to reach the Altar and join The Duke of Sussex. Read the Order of Service.
The Service was led by the Dean of Windsor, was Solemnised by The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Address was given by Bishop Curry from the Episcopal Church in the USA.
After the giving of the rings, The Archbishop of Canterbury joined the couple’s right hands and proclaimed them husband and wife. The couple will now be known as Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The rings were made by Cleave and Company. The Duchess’ was fashioned from a piece of Welsh Gold, gifted by The Queen, The Duke’s was a Platinum Band with a textured finish.
Accompanied by friends and family, The Duke and Duchess left the Chapel, exchanging their first kiss as a married couple. Their Royal Highnesses were greeted by 200 guests that are involved with organisations closely associated to the couple.
The couple then embarked on a Carriage Procession around Windsor Town, which was a chance for the public to see the newlyweds.
Thousands of people lined the Carriage Procession route, which travelled through Windsor in glorious sunshine.
The Wedding Reception, hosted by The Queen, took place in St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle. The by Claire Ptak was served at the Reception.
The Prince of Wales will then host a private evening reception at Frogmore House.
The Bride's evening dress was designed by Stella McCartney and is a bespoke lily white high neck gown made of silk crepe.