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Royal wedding LIVE: Meghan Markle's Givenchy dress and preacher Michael Curry steal the show

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Rachel Hosie,Chloe Hubbard
Saturday 19 May 2018 14:04 BST
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Royal wedding: Fans explain why they've come to Windsor to see Harry and Meghan marry

After months of build-up, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are now married and hold the titles the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The ceremony, which drew heavily on Meghan's African American heritage, took place at noon at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle and was watched by millions around the world.

100,000 people descended on Windsor, with many camping overnight in a bid to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.

Royal weddings have long been occasions steeped in tradition and ceremony, but when Harry and Meghan joined in marriage, it was diversity which was centre stage.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kiss on the steps of St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle after their wedding
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kiss on the steps of St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle after their wedding (WPA Pool/Getty)

The influence of African-American culture was apparent throughout the service at St George's Chapel in Windsor, from the rousing address of black Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry to the spine-tingling performance of a gospel choir.

Such departures from the conventional Church of England wedding indicates the impact Meghan has had on the House of Windsor.

For she is far from a conventional royal bride.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry leave St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle after their wedding
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry leave St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle after their wedding (PA)

Born in Los Angeles, California, to a white father and African-American mother, Meghan rose through the world of showbusiness with a plum role in the TV series Suits. By the time she met Harry, she was a divorcee, and today became the first mixed-race member of the royal family.

Few things illustrated the disparate cultural beginnings of bride and groom better than the religious figures who appeared at their wedding.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby officiated with the measured solemnity common to Church of England services, while Chicago-born Bishop Curry riveted the congregation with a fiery delivery of his "Power of Love" address.

His speech touched on issues including slavery and poverty, even channeling the spirit of another celebrated black orator, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

While the bishop's performance may have been a break from the norm for the royal family, it delighted viewers in America.

US journalist Elamin Abdelmahmoud tweeted: "A black reverend preaching to British royalty about the resilience of faith during slavery is 10000000% not what I thought I was waking up for, the royal wedding is good."

Staples of gospel music sat alongside traditional church hymns on the order of service handed out to wedding guests.

Bishop Michael Curry delivered a passionate sermon during the royal wedding ceremony
Bishop Michael Curry delivered a passionate sermon during the royal wedding ceremony (PA)

Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir captivated viewers around the world with a performance of Stand By Me, written by African-American singer Ben E King, and This Little Light Of Mine, a tune which coloured the sound of the civil rights movement.

Ms Gibson later told Sky News: "Both of those are gospel staples you know, they are very well known. Etta James has done this arrangement.

"We really enjoyed it, we really rocked up to that one you know? It was great fun."

Praising the address of Bishop Curry, she added: ""It's what we're actually used to that's the flavour of preachers we're used to, so we were getting very excited."

As the couple slipped away for the signing of the register during the service, another talented black musician, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, took centre stage.

The British cellist - winner of BBC Young Musician 2016 - held the attention of the chapel as he performed several moving pieces which had been selected by the palace.

The 19-year-old later told the broadcaster: "It's such an honour and it's something that you could never expect.

"I still don't quite believe it, so it's just an amazing experience."

In further break from tradition Meghan was due to make a speech at the lunchtime reception hosted by the Queen on behalf of herself and new husband Prince Harry.

(Getty Images)

The royal newlywed was one of three people due to address around 600 guests at the event, being held at Windsor Castle's St George's Hall.

Her new husband and the Prince of Wales will also make speeches, Kensington Palace said.

Harry's best man and brother, the Duke of Cambridge, will act as compere, it said in a statement.

(PA)

To read how we covered the day's festivities please read what was our live coverage below. If it was all a bit too much for you, please read our alternative live blog of the day below - it was a bunting-free zone.

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The royal family has started to arrive, with disappointingly understated hats from Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.

Rachel Hosie19 May 2018 11:23
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Wasps and England rugby player James Haskell will miss his potential final game with Wasps on Saturday after arriving at the royal wedding, just hours before his teammates take on Saracens for a place in the Premiership final.

Rachel Hosie19 May 2018 11:33
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Guests eagerly awaiting the groom's arrival, followed later by his bride, have laid down picnic blankets on the small lawn opposite the West Door at St George's Chapel.

Specially invited charity representatives are enjoying the warm sunshine, with many having brought snacks, and some indulging in Champagne.

Brightly-coloured vintage bunting hangs on the surrounding residences of Horseshoe Cloister, which are home to members of St George's Chapel's choir.

Chloe Hubbard19 May 2018 11:34
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He's here! Harry has arrived accompanied by older brother William to cheers from the crowd outside Windsor Castle.

The modern groom was driven to the grounds in an understated Mercedes people carrier. 

The prince is still boasting a full beard despite wearing his military number 1s - which usually mean a beard is banned, unless the soldier is posted overseas.

He is wearing the frock coat of the blues and royals army regiment, with his service medals and pilot's wings on full display.

Chloe Hubbard19 May 2018 11:38
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The bride is arriving at Windsor Castle! She's currently driving down the Long Walk with her mother in what would appear to be a frothy meringue-style gown, as fans lining the street go wild.

Rachel Hosie19 May 2018 11:47
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Doria Ragland, Markle's mother, has now entered the chapel having spent a whirlwind few days meeting all the senior members of the royal family.

Rachel Hosie19 May 2018 11:53
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Harry and William now have a ten-minute wait before the bridal party arrives. The pair are joking between themselves, but the ginger of the brothers is looking somewhat nervous.

Cheers and applause erupted at the West Door as they arrived at St George's Chapel.

The bridegroom and his best man were met by the Dean of Windsor.

They stopped for a few moments and had a brief conversation, before walking inside.

Chloe Hubbard19 May 2018 11:54
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Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are the latest to arrive, with Camilla in pink. She is wearing an ice pink silk marocain asymmetrical coat dress from designer Anna Valentine and an ice pink feathered Philip Treacy hat.

Her Majesty the Queen has just arrived with the Duke of Edinburgh too. 

The Queen is wearing a delicately flared dress in lime, lemon, purple and grey printed silk. The coat is an edge to edge coat with a frogging fastening in lime silk tweed. Both are by Stuart Parvin.

Her Majesty is wearing an Angela Kelly hat, using the same lime silk tweed with sinamay adorned across the crown with handmade lace crystals and pearls made by Lucy Price.

Her brooch is The Richmond Diamond Brooch with pearl drop.

Rachel Hosie19 May 2018 11:55
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The Duchess of Cambridge has arrived wearing a primrose yellow wool silk tailored coat by Alexander McQueen, a hat designed by Philip Treacy and shoes by Jimmy Choo.

Rachel Hosie19 May 2018 11:59
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Prince Philip arrives!

It's the first time the 96-year-old duke of Edinburgh has been seen in public since his hip operation. He accompanied the Queen, who was wearing a lime green outfit and absolutely beaming as they arrived in a Bentley.. 

Chloe Hubbard19 May 2018 12:00

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