Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex, after saying "yes" at St. George's Chapel on Saturday, May 19 at noon. The royal wedding did not escape Lady Diana's memory or emotional moments.
On a sunny morning in Windsor, a 36-year-old American girl marries Prince Harry of Wales.
The solemn ceremony began at twelve noon local time.
Years ago, in her adolescence, Meghan Markle took a trip with friends and posed in front of Buckingham Palace, like anyone would do.
Just another tourist, a smiling girl who admired and followed the royal family.
She now descends the steps of Windsor Chapel as the Duchess of Sussex, under the gaze of millions of people.
The fairy tale unfolds before the eyes of millions of viewers on the morning of Friday, May 19, however there is news in this new chapter of the royal house of Windsor.
Meghan Markle is not only foreign but biracial and divorced, characteristics that until recently meant a resounding “no” to belonging to the royal family.
But under the approval of Queen Elizabeth II, the couple overcame all kinds of criticism or controversy until they reached the altar.
Royal protocol and Meghan Markle's dress
Hours before the solemn ceremony, the guests began to arrive, quickly turning the country landscape into a high fashion show.
From aristocrats to personalities from different sectors, they complied with Kensington's dress protocols.
Among the most talked-about people who attended the event was the controversial Sara Ferguson, Duchess of York and former daughter-in-law of the Queen; Charles Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes, brothers of the late Princess Diana of Wales.
Fellowes, performed one of the church service readings on behalf of the Spencer family.
Prince Harry wore his military uniform as well as that of his best man, Prince William.
Markle, who was the most anticipated, arrived in a vintage car and wore a dress designed by Englishwoman Clare Waight Keller on behalf of the French fashion house, Givenchy.
An all-white and minimalist dress, reminiscent of the wedding dress of the late Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly.
The delicate suit had a 5-meter-long train and flower embroidery on the veil that represented the typical flowers of each of the 53 countries that make up the Commonwealth.
The diamond tiara was on loan from Queen Elizabeth II and belonged to Queen Mary.
A unique and unconventional ceremony
In the absence of her father, the American actress walked with Harry's father, Prince Charles, answering one of the last questions of the day, since it had been leaked to the press that Meghan would walk to the altar alone.
The bride and groom imposed their personal stamp with 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Kanneh-Mason was the first black musician to win the BBC Young Musician of the Year award in 2016.
Markle discovered the musician through videos on the web and without hesitation asked him to appear on her big day. "I was speechless when Ms. Markle called me to ask," Sheku Kanneh-Mason told the English press.
A multi-ethnic gospel choir entertained the royal wedding singing "Stand By Me" by the American singer, Ben. E. King, offering one of the most sublime moments of the event.
Princess Diana at Harry and Meghan's wedding
The memory of Princess Diana was present in details such as the decoration with white roses on the columns of the chapel, a request from Prince Harry, and the singing of the hymn "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer", a song that began the funeral of the so-called “princess of hearts”.
Several international media noticed that next to Prince William there was a deliberately empty seat, which was implied as a kind of tribute to “Lady Di”, since some media outlets point out, such as the newspaper “The Sun”, that that position would have been reserved for her.
"They would be like nails and nails, without a doubt. I think they would probably be the best friends," said Prince Harry in his first interview with Meghan in relation to his mother.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not stop exchanging affectionate glances during the ceremony that lasted exactly one hour and fifteen minutes.
Upon officially becoming “husband and wife,” the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex toured Windsor in a vintage carriage, accompanied by the royal guard in their brand new red suits, a symbol of the British monarchy.
The tour lasted approximately 25 minutes, passing through iconic streets and avenues such as King's Street, High Street and Long Walk.
