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Where to begin? Is it with the heavenly music selections that perfectly melded British and American traditions? The fresh array of blush pink and gentle green hats and outfits that lit up St. George’s Chapel?
Of course, the Stars and Stripes were represented almost as much as the Union Jack, and tennis star Serena Williams made one of the strongest showings from the other side of the pond. Her asymmetrical look played up two of the biggest trends of the day: blush pink and architectural headpieces.
Meaningful moments from the royal family
There were also some meaningful appearances that had nothing to do with fashion: Prince Harry’s aunt, Sarah Ferguson, was in attendance, smiling and waving as she walked into the chapel. The Duchess of York is divorced from her husband, Prince Andrew, and has been somewhat of a pariah in the royal family. She wasn’t invited to Prince William and Catherine’s wedding, and her presence was one indication of Prince Harry’s reputation as a peacemaker in the family.
And, in case you needed more evidence that the royals are a hardy bunch, Queen Elizabeth’s husband Prince Philip arrived and walked to his place at the front of the chapel unassisted, despite having hip surgery just a month ago.
It is reported that the Queen loves a wedding, and as CNN’s royal correspondents pointed out, this is likely her last royal union. The Queen is 92 years old, and the next person in her direct line to get married would be one of Prince William’s children, who are all under five.
Harry and William arrive; as princes, brothers and friends
Of course, everyone is always waiting for what the bride is going to wear, but Prince Harry and Prince William, acting as his best man, cut quite a figure in their black Household Cavalry Uniforms. There was some playful speculation over whether Harry would keep his jaunty beard, and it turns out he did! It’s not exactly a huge break with tradition, but a little scruff on the Prince on his wedding day was certainly a modern touch.
The dress is revealed
From the second Meghan set off from her hotel in a royal Rolls-Royce, people were squinting and screen-shotting, trying to get a glimpse of her outfit.
No surprise, it turned out to be a stunner: A simple boat-neck, all-white number that was conservative, yet bold in its simplicity. It was designed by acclaimed British designer, Clare Waight Keller, who last year became became the first female Artistic Director at the historic French fashion house Givenchy. Another feminist choice from the unconventional royal bride? Perhaps. Walking yourself partway down the aisle and wearing the creation of a groundbreaking female designer certainly makes a statement.
In case you were wondering whether the Queen approves of her new granddaughter-in-law, she reportedly invited Meghan to choose her tiara from a selection of historic pieces. She ended up wearing a low-profile diamond bandeau tiara owned by Queen Mary.
Harry and Meghan prove love is real
About halfway through, Prince Harry’s father Prince Charles joined her (Meghan’s father Thomas was supposed to do the honors, but could not attend due to health issues). Once she came to stand next to her future husband, the romance factor rocketed up and stayed there at an almost unbearable level throughout the ceremony. The nuptial couple couldn’t stop being sweet to each other. When he saw Meghan, the first thing Harry said to her was, “You look amazing.” When he lifted her veil, she gave him a radiant smile that will live on in GIFs and photos from now until the end of time. They held hands almost the entire service. Stiff upper lip? This royal couple would never.
The ceremony inspires and unites
From the outset, we knew the ceremony was going to be something different — a union of British royal traditions and American spirituality. The officiant was David Conner, Dean of Windsor, who did the usual honors.
During his engaging (and lengthy!) speech, Curry repeatedly quoted Martin Luther King, Jr., and mentioned slavery and the healing power of love.
“Two young people fell in love, and we all showed up,” he quipped, one of the many laughs that was drawn from the typically buttoned-up crowd.
Other than Meghan’s dress, and Harry’s smile, the real star of the ceremony was the MUSIC.
An array of gorgeous, traditional hymns and instrumental pieces by British composers was complemented by a truly majestic version of “Stand By Me” performed by the Kingdom Choir, a Christian gospel group based in southeast England. (Oh, and the choir members carried on that blush-pink trend, singing in coordinated shades of rose gold, pink, and blue.) Will the addition of a gospel choir be a big talking point over the next few days? Definitely. Did they sound great? Also definitely.
The music continued even as the newly married Harry and Meghan emerged into the sunlight under an arch of white roses and peonies. They climbed into the royal carriage as the strains of “This Little Light of Mine” rung in the air. It was an emotional end to an emotional service, and a joyous beginning for a joyous new royal couple.
CNN’s Max Foster, Hilary McGann, Roger Clark and Gianluca Mezzofiore contributed to this report
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