Prince Harry told the Archbishop of Canterbury he would take Meghan Markle to be his wife at a glittering display of royal pageantry that supporters hope will inject a measure of modern Hollywood glamour into the 1 000-year-old monarchy.
Harry answered when asked by Justin Welby, the leader of the Anglican Communion, if he would take Markle -dressed in a flowing white gown created by British designer Clare Waight Keller – to be his wife, to love her, comfort her, honour her and protect her.
The declarations are being followed by a reading and the address, delivered by black US bishop Michael Bruce Curry.
The couple then give their vows, exchange rings, a WelshGold ring for Markle and a platinum band for Harry ” before the archbishop proclaims them husband and wife.
After entering St George’s Chapel unescorted, Markle made her way towards the Quire, halfway down the church where Prince Charles walked her to his son, Harry.
White roses, favourite flowers of Harry’s late mother Princess Diana, adorned the chapel. Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, 61, appeared tearful.
Prince Harry was dressed in a military frock coat uniform aswas his brother, best man Prince William. Earlier Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip arrived by car.
Tens of thousands of fans lined the route Markle took towards the castle, waving British flags and cheering as the Rolls-Royce limousine drove past with the bride and her mother.
Air traffic controllers for the nearby Heathrow Airport, oneof the world’s busiest, said the air space over Windsor was being closed for 15 minutes before the ceremony.
Hours before, Elizabeth bestowed the title of Duke of Sussex on her grandson, a step that means the American actress, star of the TV drama “Suits”, will become a duchess when she marries Harry.
Under clear skies and glorious sunshine, a military band inscarlet uniforms and bearskin hats entertained excited fans gathered behind barriers. Police armed with semi-automaticrifles patrolling streets and watching from rooftops.
