Royal wedding 2018: Royal Family thanks public

The Royal Family has thanked those who travelled to Windsor for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.The wedding celebrations ended with a black-tie dinner and fireworks display at Frogmore House, near Windsor Castle.More than 13 million people watched the TV coverage on the BBC - it peaked at 13.1 million just after 13:00 BST, with an average of 8.7 million viewers.As a wedding gift Prince Harry gave his bride an emerald-cut aquamarine ring which had belonged to his late mother - Diana, Princess of Wales.The Royal Family's twitter account posted a message of thanks to those who followed the wedding from the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world. The Royal FamilyThank you to everyone who came to Windsor and those who followed from around the UK, the Commonwealth, and the world today. Congratulations once again to the newly-married Duke and Duchess of Sussex. #royalweddingThe newlyweds - now to be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - spent the night at Windsor Castle.The couple are not expected to leave for their honeymoon immediately, choosing instead to remain in the UK before taking a break.Their first official engagement as husband and wife will be at an event to celebrate Prince Charles's 70th birthday at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.Meghan, who had changed out of her wedding dress into a lily-white, silk crepe Stella McCartney halter-neck gown, broke with royal tradition to give a speech at the evening reception.Among the close friends who attended the evening celebrations were Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra and tennis ace Serena Williams, who revealed their outfit changes on social media.Earlier, the prince and his bride exchanged vows and rings before the Queen and 600 guests at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.Ms Markle wore a white boat-neck dress by British designer Clare Waight Keller and Prince Harry was given special permission from the Queen to keep his short beard while wearing the frockcoat uniform of his former regiment, the Blues and Royals. Large crowds turned out in bright sunshine to see them driven around Windsor afterwards in a horse-drawn carriage.Media captionPrince Harry and Meghan share their first kiss on the steps outside St George's ChapelGuests at the wedding included Oprah Winfrey, George and Amal Clooney, David and Victoria Beckham and Sir Elton John, who later performed at the wedding reception.Prince George and Princess Charlotte were among the 10 young bridesmaids and pageboys.Prince Charles walked Ms Markle down the aisle, after her father, Thomas, was unable to attend for health reasons.Prince Charles also accompanied Ms Markle's mother, Doria, after the service finished 'A joyful thing'The wedding service combined British tradition with modernity and the bride's African-American heritage.The Most Rev Bishop Michael Curry, president of the US Episcopal Church, gave an address, the Rt Rev David Conner, Dean of Windsor, conducted the service and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, officiated.In a passionate speech, Bishop Curry - who was invited to speak by Ms Markle - referenced the African-American spiritual song Down by the Riverside, which was sung by slaves, and when he realised he had gone on too long, he told his audience he had better wrap up as “we gotta get you all married!”Speaking afterwards, Bishop Curry said it was “a joyful thing” to see diversity in the ceremony.He later joined Mr Welby at a prayer service in St Albans.Just got home from an amazing evening at St. Albans Abbey. Between 3,000 and 4,000 gathered to pray “Thy Kingdom come”. Many gave their lives to Christ. A privilege to serve with Archbishop Justin and Bishop Michael who left the royal wedding reception early to be with us! All 600 guests were invited to a lunchtime reception at St George's Hall, hosted by the Queen, where the best man, the Duke of Cambridge, acted as compere.Guests were served langoustine canapes, Windsor lamb, and champagne and pistachio macaroons. Instead of a formal sit-down dinner, food was served in bowls.Guest Suhani Jalota, founder of the India-based Myna Mahila charity, said Elton John performed a “mini-concert”. She said speeches by the Prince of Wales and the groom were “lovely”, adding: “Some people were even crying.”Posting on Instagram, David Beckham said: “Watching Harry as happy as he was makes us all proud of the man and person he has always been... what a day.”Other celebrities attending were TV personality James Corden, singer James Blunt, actress Carey Mulligan and former England rugby player Jonny Wilkinson.Prince Harry's uncle, Earl Spencer; the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson; and the Duchess of Cambridge's sister, Pippa Middleton, were also invited.About 1,200 members of the public - many who were recognised for their charity work - were invited into the grounds of Windsor Castle for the wedding.

Royal wedding 2018: Royal Family thanks public

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Royal wedding 2018: Royal Family thanks public

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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