The anticipation is finally over.
The rumors and speculation have finally come to an end.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have finally said the two words that literally millions of people have been waiting months to hear:
“I DO!”
Yup, they sure do alright!
Did all the planning go according to, well, plan? Were there any snafus? What details have been released regarding the Royal Wedding?
Scroll down to learn all about it and then join The Hollywood Gossip in wishing Markle and Harry nothing but the very, very best!
There Goes the Bride, Everyone!!
Meghan Markle is getting walked down the aisle by Prince Charles! It’s really happening, folks!!!!!!
The Where:
Markle and Harry exchanged vows at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. The nuptials took place on a Saturday, so British citizens did not need to leave work to cheer them on.
The When:
Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, arrived on the official scene at 6:42 a.m. EST, while Prince Charles arrived at 6:45 a.m to walk Markle down the aisle. The wedding began at 7:00 a.m.
The Who:
We could spend forever listing the celebrities that were in attendance, but among the A-Listers to have received invites: Serena Williams, George Clooney, The Spice Girls, Janina Gavankar and members of the Suits cast.
The Gown:
Simply stunning, don’t you agree? Meghan went with a dress designed by Clare Waight Keller. The long-sleeve elegant gown had a shallow boat-neckline.
And What Did Harry Wear?
Military regalia. Check him out inside the chapel here.
One of the Readings:
Lady Jane Fellowes, Princess Diana’s sister, dida reading. The late Diana’s older sister read a passage from the Song of Solomon.
The Vows:
This is what Markle told Harry: “I Meghan, take you, Harry, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part; according to God’s holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow.”
The Vows, Part 2:
This is what Harry told Meghan: “I Harry, take you, Meghan, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part; according to God’s holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow.”
The Rings:
Both Harry and Markle placed wedding bands on their fingers during the ceremony. This is only notable because Prince William did NOT have one for his ceremony to Kate Midddleton.
The Men in Charge:
The dean of Windsor, the Rev. David Conner, conducted the service; and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby officiated. Presiding Bishop Michael Bruce Curry gave the address at the wedding.
The Statement:
Markle was walked down the aisle by Prince Charles. Most of the aisle, that is. She actually walked the first section on her own in order to make what sources described as a “feminist statement.”
At the Altar
You are up close and personal with Harry and Meghan are they become husband and wife in this photo.
The Kiss:
Harry and Markle did NOT kiss inside of the church itself. They saved the big moment for after they left St. George’s Chapel, just following their ceremony.
Was Meghan’s Mother in Attendance?
Yup. As the public knows by now, the bride’s father could not make it, but here’s a photo of Doria Ragland with his daughter the day prior to the wedding.
The Music:
An orchestra was on hand for the walks down the aisle and then down again. Among the songs they played: a traditional Irish hymn sung by the congregatio; a gospel rendition of”‘Stand by Me” from Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir; and then Etta James’s “Amen/This Little Light of Mine” was played toward the very end of the ceremony, as Markle and Harry walked out together.
The Procession:
After making their relationship legal and official, Markle and Harry rode in the Ascot Landau carriage (pulled by Windsor grey horses). It left Castle Hill… traveled through Windsor… and then proceeded up the Long Walk all the way back to St George’s Hall by Windsor Castle.
The Reception:
We’re getting ahead of ourselves now, but there will be a small afternoon gathering and then a much larger night-time party, for which both brand new wife and husband will wear fresh outfits. It will be hosted by Prince Charles at Frogmore House.
The Titles:
What will the newlyweds now be called? Per the Palace: “The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince Henry of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. Prince Harry thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, and Ms. Meghan Markle on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex.”
The Cake:
Don’t tell us you haven’t been wondering about this! The spouses announced back on March 20 that they asked Violet Bakery owner Claire Ptak of London to create a lemon elderflower wedding cake that will be topped with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers. Sounds delish!
The Anthem:
The lengthy and romantic ceremony concluded with the playing of the Great Britain national anthem, “God Save the Queen.”
The Flowers:
The Palace confirmed a little while back that floral designer Philippa Craddock would church flowers, alongside the Crown Estate gardeners from Windsor. “The displays in St George’s Chapel will feature foliage from The Crown Estate and Windsor Great Park, and will use seasonal plants including branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, as well as white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves,” the statement said. “The designs will reflect the wild and natural landscapes from which many of the plants will be drawn.”
Now What?
The Royal couple has said they’ll delay their honeymoon so they can start on their work (and possibly attend Prince Charles’ 70th birthday party, scheduled for next week). They’ll likely head to Botswana, Namibia, New Zealand or Mustique once they do take their well-deserved vacation.
The Future:
What does it hold for these two? Who the heck knows at this point? But they’ve handled everything with the utmost class so far and we can only imagine they are legendary, romantic and charitable things ahead for this couple.
Oh, and a Baby!
You just know they’re gonna have a baby in the near future! Congrats to Meghan and Harry!!!!
One Last Photo from the Wedding
Just look at this happy couple! We are so very excited for them to start their life together.