Updated at 4.15pm
US TV STAR Meghan Markle joined Britain’s Prince Harry at the altar today wearing a flowing white dress in front of a celebrity-packed congregation as tens of thousands of fans cheered in the street and millions watched around the world.
The bride’s mother Doria Ragland looked visibly moved as the couple held hands and exchanged vows in a ceremony led by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
Harry’s 92-year-old grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip were in attendance as Markle arrived in St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, wearing a long white veil and a glittering tiara.
Guests at the ceremony included Elton John, George Clooney, David Beckham, Serena Williams and Oprah Winfrey.
The 36-year-old bride walked up the aisle on her own before being joined half way by Harry’s father Prince Charles. Her own father pulled out amid a media row that overshadowed the meticulous palace preparations.
Well-wishers cheered as Harry arrived at the church with his brother and best man Prince William, both wearing dark military uniforms.
Many had camped overnight to secure the best spots to watch the newlyweds, who took a ride in an open-topped carriage around Windsor after the ceremony.
The service in St George’s Chapel at noon mixed traditional Church of England ceremony with gospel music, with a choir singing “Stand By Me”, while a US pastor, Michael Curry, delivered a barnstorming main address.
Markle’s ring was made with Welsh gold, as is traditional for royal weddings, while Harry’s was made of platinum.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Church of England’s spiritual leader, declared them husband and wife.
The couple kissed on the church’s West Steps after the wedding, before going on their carriage procession ride through Windsor.
Windsor was decked out with flags and bunting, and there was a carnival atmosphere on the Long Walk, the grand tree-lined avenue on the procession route.
Revellers also packed into bars to watch the wedding as far afield as Sydney, Hong Kong and Markle’s native Los Angeles.
Hundreds of street parties were held around Britain and there were public screenings in pubs up and down the country. There were also a handful of viewing events in Ireland.
After the procession, Queen Elizabeth gave a lunch reception inside Windsor Castle for the 600 guests.
They were treated to canapes including Scottish langoustines, English asparagus and Windsor lamb.
The royal couple were to cut the lemon and elderflower cake, while Charles, Harry and Meghan were to make speeches introduced by William.
The Queen, before the wedding, conferred the title Duke of Sussex on her grandson Prince Harry, meaning Markle will be known as the Duchess of Sussex.
Harry’s ex-girlfriends Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas were also among the guests, along with singer James Blunt, US late night host James Corden and Markle’s former co-stars from US TV series Suits.
© – AFP, 2018 with reporting by Daragh Brophy
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