Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Meghan reveals her halter-neck evening dress before driving into the sunset

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have become husband and wife in a moving ceremony at Windsor Castle.

An emotional-looking prince and his smiling bride exchanged vows and rings before the Queen and 600 guests at St George's Chapel.

Ms Markle, wearing a white boat-neck dress by British designer Clare Waight Keller, was walked down the aisle by Prince Charles.

At the altar, Prince Harry told her: "You look amazing."

After the service the couple - who will now be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - kissed in front of cheering well-wishers on the steps of the chapel.

Thousands of members of the public turned out in bright sunshine to see them driven around Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage.

Later, Prince Harry drove the couple to their reception in a 1968 silver blue Jaguar that has been converted to run on electric power, with a registration plate that referenced the date - E190518.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Highlights from the wedding ceremony

Guests 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.

Ms Markle's sculpted dress was designed by Ms Waight Keller for French fashion house Givenchy.

Most striking was a diamond bandeau tiara, loaned to her by the Queen, and a trailing five-metre silk veil embroidered with the flowers of each country in the Commonwealth.

Prince Harry, 33, and his brother and best man, the Duke of Cambridge, wore the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals.

He was given special permission from the Queen to keep his short beard as it is customary to be clean-shaven when dressed in Army uniform.

Image copyright Getty Images

Their 10 young bridesmaids and pageboys - including Prince George and Princess Charlotte - rose to the occasion.

However, the excitement became too much for one of the younger ones who started crying just before Ms Markle, 36, entered the chapel.

Prince Charles walked Ms Markle down the aisle, after her father, Thomas, was unable to attend for health reasons.

Mr Markle, 73, reportedly watched the ceremony from California. He told the US celebrity website, TMZ: "My baby looks beautiful and she looks very happy."

Ms Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, stayed with her daughter overnight before accompanying her to the chapel.

Dressed in a pale green Oscar de la Renta dress, with a neat hat, an emotional-looking Ms Ragland sat alone on the bride's side of the chapel for some time.

As the witnesses were called to sign the register, Ms Ragland appeared to accept an outstretched hand from Prince Charles with some relief.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption The couple gazed into each other's eyes as they exchanged vows

In her vows, Ms Markle did not promise to "obey" her husband, while the prince has broken with royal tradition by choosing to wear a wedding ring.

Prince Harry's ring is a platinum band with a textured finish and Ms Markle's has been made from a piece of Welsh gold.

'Power in love'

The wedding service combined British tradition with modernity and the bride's African-American heritage.

The Most Rev Bishop Michael Curry, the 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.

"There's power, power in love," said Bishop Curry, who was invited to speak by Ms Markle.

"If you don't believe me think about a time when you first fell in love. The whole world seemed to centre around you and your beloved."

In a fiery, passionate speech, he also 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, adding: "That happened today, in different ways, different songs, different perspectives, different worlds and all of it came together and gave God thanks."

Lady Jane Fellowes, the sister of Prince Harry's late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, gave a reading from the Song of Solomon.

Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir performed Ben E King's soul classic Stand By Me during the service.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Princess Charlotte with her mother, the Duchess of Cambridge

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, who is recovering from a hip operation, were among the last to arrive

As the bride and groom signed the register, 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason - who won the 2016 BBC's Young Musician - performed three pieces by Faure, Schubert and Maria Theresia von Paradis.

He was accompanied by musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia.

The gospel choir also performed Etta James' uplifting version of Amen/This Little Light of Mine as the newlyweds left the chapel.

Image copyright PA Image caption Prince Charles accompanied Ms Markle's mother, Doria, after the service finished

After the service, the duke and duchess travelled through Windsor along a route lined by tens of thousands of well-wishers.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead said more than 100,000 people visited the town on Saturday.

Analysis by BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond

It was a traditional wedding - the dress, the bridesmaids, the vows, the hymns. And it was very, very different.

The Palace made it clear in a stream of announcements that they wanted a different kind of wedding.

But it was the service that marked this out as a modern, diverse wedding for a modern, diverse couple: the Kingdom Gospel choir setting toes tapping, a young black cellist, and a breathtaking address from Bishop Curry, the President of the Episcopal Church.

Every royal wedding is a chance for the Royal Family to relaunch and reinvent. There may have been trouble in the week before the wedding. But that is in the past.

This wedding was about the future, a different future for the Royal Family.

All 600 guests were invited to a lunchtime reception at St George's Hall, hosted by the Queen. The best man, the Duke of Cambridge, acted as compere.

Guests were treated to a performance by Sir Elton John and were served langoustine canapes, Windsor lamb, and champagne and pistachio macaroons. Instead of a formal sit-down dinner, food was served in bowls.

The reception also included the cutting of the lemon and elderflower-flavoured wedding cake.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Crowds relive 'fairytale' procession

Guest Suhani Jalota, the founder of the India-based Myna Mahila charity, said Elton John performed a "mini-concert". She added that 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 tennis star Serena Williams, 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.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Royalty of the celebrity world arrive

Politicians, including Prime Minister Theresa May, were not invited, as it is not a state event.

But the former Prime Minister, Sir John Major - a special guardian on legal matters to Princes William and Harry after the death of their mother - was among the invited guests.

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.

Among them was 13-year-old Leonora Ncomanzi, who was overjoyed when she got a wave from the bride herself.

"Meghan waved at me! When she was in the carriage, she saw me and waved - we've got it on video," she said.

And Pamela Anomneze, in her 50s, said it had been a "wonderful feeling" to catch a glimpse of the Queen.

On Saturday evening, the newlyweds are celebrating with 200 close friends and family at a private reception less than a mile from Windsor Castle at Frogmore House, hosted by Prince Charles.

Ms Markle was expected to break with tradition for royal brides and make a speech at the event.

The Royal Family will pay for the wedding, including the service, music, flowers and reception.</s>Prince Harry and Meghan Markle couldn't stop smiling as they departed Windsor Castle for their evening wedding reception.

The couple - who tied the knot at St. George's Chapel on Saturday afternoon (19.05.18) - looked incredibly happy as they made their way to the nearby Frogmore House.

Kensington Palace wrote on Twitter: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart Windsor Castle for a reception hosted by The Prince of Wales at Frogmore House, in a silver blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero. This vehicle was originally manufactured in 1968, and has since been converted to electric power #RoyalWedding (sic)"

Around 200 people are expected at the event this evening, which is being hosted by Prince Charles, Harry's father.

Earlier today, Queen Elizabeth held a lunchtime reception for Harry, Meghan and their 600 guests, where Prince Charles gave a "heartfelt" speech and said how "happy" he was for his son and the 'Suits' actress.

A source shared: "Charles gave a brilliant speech. Harry was very emotional. It was very sweet actually, very heartfelt. He said how proud [he was of who his son has] grown into. He ended it calling him, 'My darling old Harry, I'm so happy for you,' which was very sweet. He said how he's really happy for them both. He said he was very pleased to be asked [to walk Meghan down the aisle] and happy to help out."

Sir Elton John also performed at the reception as a "recognition of the close connection" he has with Harry.

Kensington Palace shared: "Sir Elton John has performed at the Lunchtime Reception for guests celebrating the Wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle. Prince Harry asked Sir Elton to perform at the Reception which was hosted by Her Majesty The Queen at St George's Hall, Windsor Castle. Sir Elton performed for the newly married couple in recognition of the close connection he has with Prince Harry and his family."</s>Queen Elizabeth's wedding gift is in for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle!

The royal family announced Saturday — hours before the prince and his American fiancée tie the knot — that the queen has given the title of Duke of Sussex to Harry. Markle will thus be known as the Duchess of Sussex after the two marry at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, England. Dukedom is the highest title in the British peerage system and is reserved for members of the royal family.

"The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince Henry of Wales," a statement from the family said. "Prince Harry thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, and Ms. Meghan Markle on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex."

The last Duke of Sussex with Queen Victoria's third son Prince Arthur, who, like Harry, had a military career and was married in 1879 to Princess Louise Margaret.</s>Prince Harry will marry his 36-year-old American fiancée, actress Meghan Markle, Saturday, with the world watching.

The highly-anticipated royal wedding could become the most viewed event in history, with an estimated 3 billion people expected to watch.

Since Harry and Meghan are getting married within the smaller confines of Windsor Castle (instead of Westminster Abbey in central London), the couple sought to arrange their wedding so that as many people as possible could share the experience in person.

The couple have invited 2,640 people to watch them and their guests arrive at and depart from St. George’s Chapel, including 1,200 people nominated by authorities in nine of the United Kingdom’s regions, as well as charity workers, local school children, and employees of the queen. Six hundred guests will attend the ceremony inside the Chapel.

6 a.m. London time/1 a.m. EST: The first train from central London to Windsor left at 5 a.m. local time. It was packed full for the 45-minute ride.

Several hundred tourists, some with small children in tow wiping the sleep out their eyes, were in an excited, expectant mood for Harry and Meghan's big day.

About halfway to Windsor, a cry rang out from a voice in one of the carriages.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” a group of women from Florida shouted back, before erupting into giddy laughter.

James Turner, a 33-year-old from southern England who was seated near USA TODAY, asked: “Do Americans always get this worked up about weddings?”

He said he too was on his way to Windsor, but if not for his girlfriend’s insistence he would not have made the effort to get up so early to avoid the crowds. More than 100,000 people are expected in Windsor on Saturday.

By 6 a.m. tens of thousands were already on the streets cheering, waving flags and ready to party in Harry-and-Meghan royal memorabilia from earrings to scarves.

Earlier Saturday, Carol Ann Duffy, Britain’s poet laureate, published an ode to commemorate the royal wedding. It read:

“It should be private, the long walk on bereavement’s hard stones; and when people wave, their hands should not be mobile phones, nor their faces lenses; so your heart dressed in its uniform.

On. Then one blessed step and the long walk ended where love had always been aimed, her arrows of sweet flowers gifting the air among bells — yes, they all looked —and saying your name.”

Londoner Grace Gothard was wrapped in the flag of Ghana, where she originally hails from.

Gothard was wondering around the Long Walk, the three-mile, tree-lined avenue that the royal couple will ride down in an open-top, horse-drawn carriage after they are married in St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

Gothard, accompanied by her husband Mike, had some advice for Markle: “I want you to be yourself after you are married, Meghan. Be a great woman. Be a great human being. And be happy.”

Buckingham Palace announced the royal tiles bestowed by Queen Elizabeth for Harry and Meghan — the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

“The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince Henry of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel,” the palace said in a statement. “Prince Harry thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, and Ms. Meghan Markle on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex.”

Spectators heading into Windsor town center hoping for a view of the festivities were diverted by specially-appointed marshals down the winding streets with many closed.

Hawkers were selling memorabilia including royal wedding flags and scarves. Large groups of police officers were stationed on the banks of the River Thames, and close to the castle.

There was a carnival atmosphere opposite the castle, as the excited crowd waited for the day’s events to unfold.

In nearby Eton, a sign announced a road leading to the bridge to Windsor would be closed for a street party: one of many being held to mark the big day. Some here did’t have the day off to watch the festivities. Boys from the exclusive Eton College — Prince Harry’s old school — headed for lessons as usual on Saturday.</s>WINDSOR, England — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gazed into each other’s eyes and pledged their lifelong love Saturday as they married in front of hundreds of royals, celebrities and friends at St. George’s Chapel and millions of TV viewers around the world.

The pretty English town of Windsor sparkled on a warm spring day as tens of thousands of people jammed its quaint roads and parks to capture their own part of the spectacular yet elegant royal wedding extravaganza.

To kick off the festivities, Queen Elizabeth II honoured her red-headed, 33-year-old grandson with a new title: the Duke of Sussex, making Markle the Duchess of Sussex.

The wedding was a global event, thanks to Harry’s status as a senior British royal and Markle’s celebrity after starring on the U.S. television series “Suits” for seven years. Its pomp and ceremony embraced the couple’s trans-Atlantic union, mixing Anglican prayers and tradition, classical music and a gospel choir with a stately horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor in a spectacle beamed live to tens of millions.

The American actress embraced her new British role in a sleek white silk boat-necked dress designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller. Her sheer veil — down to her waist in front and billowing for what seemed like miles behind her — carried floral references to all 53 countries in the Commonwealth, the group of countries that roughly corresponds to the former British Empire and is headed by Markle’s new grandmother-in-law, the queen.

The palace said, in addition to the Commonwealth flowers, Markle also selected two other plants on the veil: Wintersweet and, in a nod to the bride’s birthplace, the California poppy.

Harry and best man Prince William wore white gloves and the frock coat uniforms of the Blues and Royals military regiment. Harry kept his full red beard intact — a style decision that had sparked British bets before the wedding.

Markle walked down the aisle alone at first, then was accompanied by Prince Charles and 10 young page boys and bridesmaids. As his father and his bride drew close to the altar, Harry said: “Thank you, Pa.”

To Markle, Harry said: “You look amazing.”

Markle seemed poised and confident as she delivered her vows without so much as a quiver in her voice. She smiled broadly as the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby declared them husband and wife. Harry seemed a bit nervous — but happy.

The sermon offered a particularly rousing U.S. touch, with the leader of the Episcopal Church quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on the “redemptive power of love.” The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry delivered the sermon with heartfelt emotion. The musical selections also included versions of Ben. E. King’s “Stand By Me” and Etta James’ “Amen/This Little Light of Mine.”

A host of celebrities and athletes — including Oprah Winfrey, Idris Elba, Elton John, George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, James Corden and David and Victoria Beckham — watched from the seats in the Gothic masterpiece at Windsor Castle.

As the newest royal couple emerged from the chapel, they kissed. The crowd roared — and just kept cheering —as Harry helped his wife fold her 5 metre (16 1/2 foot) long train into the Ascot Landau carriage as they began their procession through the streets of Windsor.

Police said more than 100,000 people lined the route. The open-topped carriage was pulled by four Windsor Grey horses and past crowds waving flags and holding cellphones aloft. The newlyweds smiled and practiced what royals must be very good at: waving and waving and waving to the crowds.

Relatives in the ceremony included 4-year-old Prince George and 3-year-old Princess Charlotte, children of William and the Duchess of Cambridge. Other relatives at the church included Charles Spencer, the brother of Harry’s late mother Princess Diana, and Harry’s cousins Zara Tindall and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Also in attendance was Harry’s sister-in-law’s family: Parents Carole and Michael Middleton, sister Pippa Middleton and brother James Middleton. Harry’s ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy was there, as was Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the ex-wife of Harry’s uncle Prince Andrew.

Irene Bowdry, a lawyer from California, was among those who jammed the early train to Windsor. She booked her trip to England as soon as the wedding date was announced.

“An American in the royal family, isn’t that so exciting?” she said.

The weather was balmy and clear, bathing the ancient stones of Windsor Castle in a beautiful spring light.

“Windsor is absolutely bursting with excitement,” said royal historian Hugo Vickers. “There are cardboard cutouts of Meghan and Harry in every shop window.”

It is a time of transition for the British monarchy, one that seems filled with hope as William and Harry — the two sons of Charles and the late Princess Diana — step ever more confidently into the limelight.

Many in the crowd, like Ana Karukin, a Brazilian nurse living in Florida, said they came to witness a moment of history.

“We’ve got to be here for him and for her, my Meghan, my special girl, to support them, because it’s a beautiful time,” she said. “I wish that Diana was here, but she’s in heaven watching over them.”

And it seems to be a time of joy for 92-year-old queen and her 96-year-old husband, Prince Philip, who was well enough to attend. The queen was able to see her grandson marry a woman who clearly has brought him the happiness he’s often said was missing from his life after his mother’s premature death.

The family tableau played out on the broadest possible stage. Dozens of broadcasters set up on the castle grounds for a visual feast. The chapel itself is a masterpiece of the late Gothic style, and Windsor Castle has been home to British sovereigns for nearly 1,000 years.

In the afternoon at the castle, the queen was hosting the first of two receptions, one with finger foods, wine and champagne. Saturday night, a second, smaller reception for 200 people was being thrown by Charles.

Harry invited buddies from his 10 years of military service — which included tours of duty in Afghanistan — and from many of the charities he supports, which have focused on helping wounded veterans or encouraging a more open discussion of mental health issues.

In honour of Harry’s mother Diana, her older sister Jane Fellowes gave a reading during the wedding service.

But it was the crowds in Windsor that seemed to capture the joy of the moment. Many had camped or arrived at dawn for a good spot. They cheered and screamed as the newlyweds passed by.

Arlene Prinsloo had flown from South Africa — just to be in Windsor.

“I went to William and Kate’s wedding, but this is a completely different vibe,” she said. “It’s much more relaxed, and I think that reflects who Harry is.”</s>Prince Harry has greeted well-wishers outside Windsor Castle on the eve of his wedding to Meghan Markle.

Joined by his brother and best man, the Duke of Cambridge, Harry looked relaxed during the 10-minute walkabout on his last night as a single man.

Wearing an open-necked white shirt and light jacket, he waved to the crowds and chatted to his brother before making a beeline to talk to a young girl waiting among the crowds outside.

The surprise walkabout echoed the eve of William’s own wedding in 2011 when the pair greeted royal fans with an impromptu public appearance on The Mall in central London.

Harry shook hands with dozens of well-wishers who shouted “good luck” to the groom.

At one point the prince was handed a small teddy bear wearing a red sweater, which he gave a quick hug before moving on to speak to a young boy sporting a red, white and blue crown-style hat.

When asked how he was feeling, Harry replied: “Great.”

The prince appeared to have a neatly-trimmed beard in preparation for his big day.

Fans, many decked out in the national colours of both Britain and the United States, are camped outside the castle and have been singing loudly in readiness for the festivities.

It was announced earlier that the Prince of Wales is to step in for the father of the bride and walk Meghan down the aisle.

Kensington Palace said that Charles would give his soon-to-be daughter-in-law away when she marries Prince Harry on Saturday in the historic surroundings of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

The palace said the American former actress had asked her future father-in-law to accompany her as she makes her way to the altar.

In statement, Kensington Palace said: “Ms Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George’s Chapel on her Wedding Day.

“The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to The Royal Family in this way.”

Meghan’s father Thomas Markle was forced to pull out of performing the fatherly duty after undergoing heart surgery in a dramatic upset just two days before the wedding.

Charles previously performed the duty for Alexandra Knatchbull, the daughter of his close friend, Lord Brabourne, in 2016.

Harry and Meghan were seen in the back of a Land Rover as they arrived at Windsor Castle earlier to join Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland and meet the Queen for afternoon tea.

The pair will spend their last night as an unmarried couple in separate luxury hotels, only meeting again at the altar.

A large security operation saw police manning the barricades outside the castle, snipers on the roofs of high street buildings and sniffer dogs carrying out checks before Saturday’s ceremony.</s>WINDSOR, England (AP) — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gazed into each other’s eyes Saturday at the altar in St. George’s Chapel as a soprano sang a work by Handel to celebrate their trans-Atlantic union in front of hundreds of celebrity guests and millions of viewers around the world.

The American actress arrived to a fanfare and walked down the aisle accompanied part of the way by Prince Charles, and by 10 young page boys and bridesmaids. The children included 4-year-old Prince George and 3-year-old Princess Charlotte, children of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.

[Click here for photos from the Royal wedding]

Markle’s sleek white dress, designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller, had a boat-neck and was made of silk. Her veil came to her waist in front and billowed out for many feet behind her long train.

Prince Harry and best man Prince William wore dark formal military dress, with white gloves and the frock coat uniforms of the Blues and Royals. Harry kept his full red beard intact.

As they stood at the altar, Harry said to Meghan: “You look amazing.”

A host of celebrities and athletes — including Oprah Winfrey, Idris Elba, Elton John, George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, James Corden and David and Victoria Beckham — arrived in the bright sunshine at Windsor for the ceremony.

Prior to the festivities, Queen Elizabeth II honored her red-headed, 33-year-old grandson with a new title: the Duke of Sussex. That means that Markle will become the Duchess of Sussex when she says “I will.”

The wedding is a global event, thanks to Harry’s status as a senior British royal and Markle’s celebrity after starring on the U.S. television series “Suits” for seven years. The wedding pomp and ceremony — complete with Anglican prayers and tradition, classical music, a gospel choir and a horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor — will be beamed live to tens of millions of TV viewers across the world.

Relatives at the ceremony included Charles Spencer, the brother of Harry’s late mother Princess Diana, and Harry’s cousin Zara Tindall and her husband. Also in attendance was the family of Prince William’s wife Kate: Parents Carole and Michael Middleton, sister Pippa Middleton and brother James Middleton.

Harry’s ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy was also among the congregation, as was Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the ex-wife of Harry’s uncle Prince Andrew.

Outside the castle, thousands of fans crammed the streets of Windsor. Irene Bowdry, a lawyer from California, was aboard the jammed early train to Windsor. She booked her trip to England as soon as the wedding date was announced.

“An American in the royal family, isn’t that so exciting?” she said.

The weather was balmy and clear, bathing the ancient stones of Windsor Castle in a beautiful spring light. Royal fans have been camping outside the castle for days, and British police have stepped up security, with sniffer dogs, barricades and patrols all over town.

“Windsor is absolutely bursting with excitement,” said royal historian Hugo Vickers. “There are cardboard cutouts of Meghan and Harry in every shop window, virtually. There’s bunting all over the place. I’ve never seen so many people in the streets of Windsor.”

Everyone is waiting to see which designer Markle has chosen for her wedding gown. Prince Charles, the groom’s father, will walk Markle to the altar after her own father became too ill to attend.

It is a time of transition for the British monarchy, one that seems filled with hope as William and Harry — the two sons of Charles and the late Princess Diana — step ever more confidently into the limelight. Many in the crowd, like Ana Karukin, a Brazilian nurse living in Florida, said they came to witness a moment of history.

“We’ve got to be here for him and for her, my Meghan, my special girl, to support them, because it’s a beautiful time,” she said. “I wish that Diana was here, but she’s in heaven watching over them.”

The brothers found the time amid the wedding hoopla to stroll outside the castle Friday evening to thank fans for coming. A smiling Harry gave a thumb’s up and answered “Great, thank you!” when asked how he was feeling on the eve of his wedding.

And it seems to be a time of joy for 92-year-old queen and her 96-year-old husband, Prince Philip, who plans to attend the ceremony despite his recent hip replacement surgery. She is seeing her grandson marry a woman who clearly has brought him the happiness he’s often said was missing from his life after his mother’s premature death.

The family tableau will play out on the broadest possible stage. Dozens of broadcasters set up on the castle grounds for a visual feast. The chapel itself is a masterpiece of the late Gothic style, and Windsor Castle has been home to British sovereigns for nearly 1,000 years.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds will ride a horse-drawn carriage through the streets of Windsor, flanked by a British military procession with many officers on horseback.

Then it will be off to the first of two gala receptions. The first will be hosted in the afternoon by the queen — with finger foods, wine and champagne. The second, smaller reception is being thrown by Charles. A three-hour break in between will allow for a rest and a change of outfits for the lucky 200 invited to the evening soiree.

The chapel service will reflect Markle’s American roots. The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, the African-American leader of the Episcopal Church, will deliver a sermon, and the musical selections will include versions of Ben. E. King’s “Stand By Me” and Etta James’ “Amen/This Little Light of Mine.”

Markle will be accompanied by her mother, Doria Ragland, when she is driven to the chapel, and many of her closest friends and some co-stars from “Suits” will be in the audience. She opted not to have a maid of honor but there will be 10 young bridesmaids and page boys, including 4-year-old Prince George and 3-year-old Princess Charlotte, the elder children of William and his wife Kate.

Harry will be joined by some of his buddies from his 10 years of military service — an experience that included tours of duty in Afghanistan — and from many of the charities he supports, which have focused on helping wounded veterans or encouraging a more open discussion of mental health issues.

The couple has made an effort to honor the memory of Harry’s mother Diana, whose older sister Jane Fellowes will give a reading during the wedding service.

After seeing the couple up close, Curry said Friday that he saw “two real people who are obviously in love.”

“When I see them, something in my heart leaps,” he said. “That’s why 2 billion people are watching them.”</s>WINDSOR, England (Reuters) - Prince Harry and his American bride Meghan set off on a carriage procession around the town of Windsor after marrying on Saturday in a dazzling ceremony in front of British royalty, celebrities and a global TV audience of millions.

The couple kissed on the steps of St George’s Chapel before climbing into a 19th-century open horse-drawn coach for a tour of Windsor, where tens of thousands of cheering well-wishers crammed the streets to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds.

Harry and Meghan were pronounced husband and wife at the chapel in the medieval Windsor Castle by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

Their glittering union brings a measure of modern Hollywood glamour into the monarchy, reflected in a ceremony that combined modernity and the ancient rituals of a royal house that traces its line back to 1066.

Markle entered the chapel unescorted, dressed in a flowing white wedding gown created by British designer Clare Waight Keller and wearing a veil and diamond tiara.

Prince Charles, heir to the throne and Harry’s father, accompanied Markle to the altar from the middle of the chapel, with her father too ill to attend.

Harry, looking nervous, appeared to say: “Thanks Pa” to Charles and “You look amazing!” to his beaming bride. Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, 61, shed tears. A gospel choir sang American soul singer Ben E. King’s 1960s hit “Stand by me”.

“There’s power in love,” black U.S. bishop Michael Bruce Curry told a congregation that included Queen Elizabeth, senior royals and celebrities such as U.S. mogul Oprah Winfrey, singer Elton John and former soccer star David Beckham.

“Do not underestimate it. Anyone who has ever fallen in love knows what I mean,” Curry told the congregation in an energetic, passionate address that quoted U.S. civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King.

The newlyweds will be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, putting them in the senior ranks of British royalty.

Alongside tradition, there was innovation, by British royal standards. Markle, 36, did not vow to obey her husband; Harry, three years her junior, will wear a wedding ring - unlike other senior male royals.

The world’s media have been gripped by the occasion, and television channels beamed the ceremony across the world.

To some Britons, the marriage of a senior member of the royal family to a divorcee whose mother is African-American and father is white embodied a modern Britain where race or background are no bar to even the most elite and traditional of institutions.

To others, it was an irrelevance or a mild distraction from the schism of Brexit, which has deeply divided the United Kingdom; polls suggested that most Britons would not bother tuning in.

But in Windsor, 30 miles (20 km) west of London, tens of thousands of fans lined the Long Walk promenade leading to the castle, waving British flags and cheering.

Air traffic controllers for the nearby Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest, closed the airspace over the town for the 15 minutes before the ceremony.

Hours before, Queen Elizabeth had bestowed the title of Duke of Sussex on her grandson, a step that meant the actress, star of the TV drama “Suits”, became a duchess when she married him.

Under clear skies and glorious sunshine, a military band in scarlet uniforms and bearskin hats entertained excited fans gathered behind barriers. Police armed with semi-automatic rifles patrolling streets and watching from rooftops.

Among the celebrity guests, American actor George Clooney and his wife Amal were joined by Beckham, his fashion designer wife Victoria and James Corden, British host of the American TV chat show “The Late Late Show”.

Other guests included tennis ace Serena Williams, the siblings of Harry’s late mother Princess Diana, Elton John, who sang at Diana’s 1997 funeral, British actor Idris Elba, and two of Harry’s ex-girlfriends.

The chapel was garlanded with white roses, Diana’s favorite flowers.

“This is a moment when we can all celebrate the rebirth of the royal family,” said Kenny McKinlay, 60, who had come down from Scotland for the wedding. “It’s a time when all the nation can come together rather than being divided. It’s a day when you can be proud to be British.”

The royal couple, who met on a blind date in 2016 and fell in love in a tent under the stars in Botswana, tied the knot in a castle that has been home to 39 English monarchs since 1066.

With security tight, tens of thousands of visitors had to pass through police search points set up around the castle to cram into Windsor’s narrow roads.

Markle’s own father Thomas Markle, 73, a former lighting director for TV soaps and sitcoms, pulled out of the ceremony this week, telling the U.S. celebrity website TMZ he had had heart surgery on Wednesday.

Confusion over his attendance marred the build-up to the wedding, which had been choreographed for months by royal aides, and his name was still present in the order of service.

After watching the ceremony from California, he told TMZ it had been “emotional and joyful”:

“My baby looks beautiful and she looks very happy. I wish I were there and I wish them all my love and all happiness.”

The service was conducted by the Dean of Windsor with Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual head of the Anglican Church, overseeing the exchange of vows.

A reception will be held in the castle’s St George’s Hall before 200 guests join the couple at an evening event at the nearby Frogmore House mansion.

Harry and Meghan will carry out their first official engagement as husband and wife next week.

The British remain broadly supportive of the monarchy, albeit with a sense of mild irony about the pomp and pageantry that accompanies it, though most have deep respect for Queen Elizabeth after her 66 years of service as head of state.

Harry, along with brother William and his wife Kate, are at the forefront of efforts to modernize the monarchy by talking openly about their feelings.

“It is patently obvious - the more you say, the more you can be examined,” said royal historian Hugo Vickers. “Everything moves on gradually - but there are certain risks, and there is a lot to be said for maintaining the mystique.”</s>Meghan Markle is on her way to St George's Chapel for her star-studded wedding to Prince Harry.

Waiting at the Windsor Castle chapel for the royal bride are guests including Elton John, David and Victoria Beckham, George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, Harry's uncle Earl Spencer and Oprah Winfrey.

Meghan left Cliveden House, in Taplow, Berkshire, where she spent the night, accompanied by her mother Doria Ragland.

The pair could be seen chatting, and a relaxed-looking Meghan gave a brief wave, as the vintage Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, left for the drive to the Windsor Castle.

The car was built in 1950 and was the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's first Rolls-Royce when she was still Princess Elizabeth.

The first glimpse of the white wedding dress suggests it has a boat neck. She was wearing a white veil.

READ MORE: Prince Harry given Earl of Dumbarton title



 Among the early arrivals for the ceremony were Earl Spencer, in a morning suit, and talk show host Winfrey, who is dressed in a pale pink suit, matching hat and sunglasses.

Other guests spotted taking their seats include the Duchess of Cambridge's Middleton family, Meghan's close friend, actress Priyanka Chopra and actor Idris Elba.

Community Champions invited to share in the couple's big day - including charity workers, local volunteers and community stalwarts - are gathered in the castle grounds with hampers to enjoy the celebrations.

Harry and his American bride will be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Hours before the ceremony, Buckingham Palace announced that Harry has been given the dukedom - the highest rank in the British peerage.

The Queen's grandson, who is sixth in line to the throne, will pledge to love, comfort, honour and protect the former actress as they become husband and wife in the historic surrounds of St George's Chapel.

Harry also received Scottish and Northern Irish titles, becoming the Earl of of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel, which means Meghan will become the Countess of Dumbarton and Baroness Kilkeel.

Other information to be released includes details of the couple's wedding rings - Harry's is a platinum band with a textured finish, while Meghan's has been fashioned from a piece of Welsh gold, gifted by the Queen.

Tens of thousands of royal fans have begun to descend on the Berkshire town to catch a glimpse of the bride and groom, as police have effectively created a ring of steel around the castle in a massive security operation.

Weather forecasters are expecting wall-to-wall sunshine, meaning the newlywed couple will be able to ride through Windsor town centre in the open top Ascot landau for their carriage procession.

Some 250 members of the armed forces will take part in the pomp and ceremony of the celebrations, with regiments closely connected to former soldier Harry lining the streets.

Around 30 members of the royal family including the Queen and 96-year-old Philip, who is well enough to attend after undergoing a recent hip operation, will gather in the 600-strong congregation.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, will marry Harry and Meghan.

The moving, soul classic Stand By Me by Ben E King will be performed by Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir, with the gospel singers also delivering Etta James' uplifting version of Amen/This Little Light of Mine - a favourite in African-American churches.

The presiding bishop of the American Episcopal Church Bishop, Michael Curry will give the address.

The Prince of Wales will take on the role of the absent father of the bride Thomas Markle, and walk his future daughter-in-law through the Quire up the altar to meet her groom.

There will be sadness amid the joy for Meghan with her father missing her big day.

The reclusive former TV lighting director will be thousands of miles away in Mexico after pulling out of attending on medical advice with just two days to go after undergoing heart surgery.

Harry too will be thinking of his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in car crash when he was 12.

He has invited her three siblings, Earl Spencer, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, as a way of honouring her.</s>Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding is currently taking place at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle!

Meghan's mom, Doria Ragland, is seated close to the bride and groom at the front of the chapel and can be seen tearing up during the ceremony. Photos show Doria, wearing a Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim of Oscar de la Renta dress and coat, overcome with emotion as she watches her daughter tie the knot.

On Friday evening, Meghan was photographed arriving to Cliveden House Hotel, where she stayed before the wedding, with her mom. When asked how she was feeling with hours to go before the ceremony, Meghan told reporters she's feeling "wonderful." The duo arrived to the hotel after meeting with Queen Elizabeth II for afternoon tea at Windsor Castle.

Shortly before Meghan and her mom arrived at the hotel, her soon-to-be husband mingled with the public outside of their wedding location, Windsor Castle. Harry and Prince William greeted people in the streets, shaking their hands and having chats before returning to Windsor Castle.

Harry was also asked how he's feeling ahead of his nuptials, to which he replied, "Great."
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle takes place at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. They are given the titles the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.