Newlyweds Harry and Meghan shared a tender kiss on the steps of St George’s Chapel after pledging their love to one another at their fairytale wedding.
The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex emerged from the historic church set in the grounds of Windsor Castle beaming with delight after saying their vows in front of 600 guests including the Queen, more than 30 royals and a host of celebrities.
Stars invited to join the happy couple in the chapel included US chat show queen Oprah Winfrey, tennis champion Serena Williams, actor George Clooney and his barrister wife Amal Clooney, Sir Elton John, David and Victoria Beckham and actor Idris Elba.
Sir Elton, who sang at the funeral service for Harry’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, later performed at a lunchtime reception which followed the ceremony.
An estimated 100,000 people turned out to see the couple as they sat in an open-top Ascot Landau for a carriage procession through Windsor.
The Queen’s grandson and the American former actress, who is now an HRH and a member of the British royal family, were watched by a global television audience of millions.
Meghan wore a stunning elegant, simple, pure white gown Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, with three quarter length sleeves and open bateau neckline.
He told his bride “You look amazing. I missed you”, to which Meghan replied “thank you” as they met at the altar.
The couple tenderly held hands and exchanged smiles during the wedding ceremony.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex – Harry and Meghan – begin their carriage procession. pic.twitter.com/zEmn6YYKKw
— PA Royal Reporters (@PARoyal) May 19, 2018
Meghan’s delicate veil was five metres long and made from silk tulle, with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza, with two of her pageboys carrying the ends as she made her way up the steps.
Her hair was styled in an up do and she wore the glittering Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau tiara, loaned to her by the Queen.
Harry replied with a discreet: “Yeah.”
The new duke and duchess travelled in the Ascot Landau waving to the thousands of royal fans lining the streets and up the Long Walk, with Meghan exclaiming “wow” at their rapturous welcome.
As the horse-drawn carriage returned to Windsor Castle ready for the lunchtime reception in the magnificent St George’s Hall, Harry quipped: “I’m ready for a drink now.”
The Duke of Cambridge, in his role as best man, stepped forward to deliver the rings, with the couple smiling as they placed the bands on each other’s hands.
Loud cheers could be heard from outside St George’s Chapel as the Archbishop of Canterbury proclaimed Harry and Meghan husband and wife.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte did not follow directly behind Harry and Meghan as they made their way back up the aisle, like the other bridesmaids and pageboys.
Meghan has become the first mixed race person in modern history to marry a British senior royal.
She found fame in the US legal drama Suits playing the character Rachel Zane, and a number of her former co-stars, including Patrick J Adams and Gabriel Macht, were there for her big day.
Just Married: Introducing The Duke and Duchess of Sussex #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/AJbqgiCNFR
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 19, 2018
Missing, though, was Meghan’s father Thomas Markle, who was thousands of miles away in Mexico after pulling out just days ago due to ill health.
He told celebrity website, TMZ: “My baby looks beautiful and she looks very happy.
“I wish I were there and I wish them all my love and all happiness.”
Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland was there for her daughter, and the Prince of Wales was asked by Meghan to step in and walk her up the aisle of the Quire to meet Harry.
Harry, 33, and 36-year-old Meghan became engaged following a whirlwind 16-month romance after going on a blind date in London.
The prince has told how “all the stars were aligned” when they met.
