Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in fairytale Windsor wedding

More than 100,000 people are expected at Windsor to celebrate the royal wedding. Credit: PA
  • Video report by ITV News Correspondent Paul Davies

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have kissed on the steps of St George's chapel in Windsor, after being pronounced husband and wife.

The couple tied the knot at a ceremony conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and attended by royals, celebrities and friends and family of the bride and groom.

At least 100,000 people flocked to Windsor for the event, which was watched all over the world as Harry, sixth in line to the throne, exchanged rings with his American wife, who becomes a member of the royal family.

As Harry greeted his bride at the alter he said: "You look amazing," before the newlyweds delighted the crowds outside with their first kiss as husband and wife.

Two page boys held up her train as she made her way up the chapel's steps alone, before being met by the Prince of Wales, who walked her down the aisle.

The happy couple gazed into each other's eyes as they exchanged vows.

The Duke of Cambridge, in his role as best man, stepped forward to hand over the rings, with Harry and Meghan smiling as they placed the rings on each other's hands.

Loud cheers could be heard from outside St George's Chapel as the Archbishop of Canterbury proclaimed them husband and wife.

Members of the Royal Family arrived shortly before the bride, with the Queen being accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Earlier, the wedding guests filled up St George's chapel, with many famous faces in the crowd, including Oprah Winfrey, David Beckham and Elton John.

A number of the cast of Suits, the legal drama Meghan Markle starred in, were also in attendance.

At the end of the day the royal couple left Windsor Great Park in a silver blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero, which was originally manufactured in 1968 and has been converted to electric power.

  • After the wedding

The 600 guests at the royal wedding were invited to a lunchtime reception, hosted by the Queen, where they enjoyed a vast selection of canapés, as well as a slice of wedding cake.

Following the ceremony at St George's Chapel, guests made their way to St George's Hall in Windsor Castle where they enjoyed foods such as Scottish langoustines, slow-roast Windsor pork belly, and Champagne and pistachio macaroons.

Sir Elton John performed at the lunchtime reception "in recognition of the close connection he has with Prince Harry and his family". Sir Elton sang at the funeral service for Harry's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The reception also featured the cutting of the lemon elderflower wedding cake created by baker Claire Ptak and decorated with 150 fresh flowers

At the lunchtime reception Prince Charles, Prince Harry, and Prince William all gave speeches.

The wedding cake contains a type of sponge specially made for the couple. Credit: Twitter/Kensington Palace

Following the lunchtime reception, Prince Charles hosted an evening reception for 200 specially selected guests at Frogmore House where the now Duchess of Sussex also gave a speech.

  • The bride and groom's arrivals

Meghan Markle arrived in a vintage Rolls-Royce Phantom IV - which was made for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1950 - wearing a white dress designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy.

She was accompanied in the car by her mother Doria Ragland, who looked happy and emotional throughout the ceremony.

Harry smiled and waved at cheering crowds as he walked towards the chapel after getting out of a vehicle with his brother.

  • The outfits

Kensington Palace said Meghan chose to work with Ms Waight Keller in early 2018 for her dress, "for her timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour".

Meghan Markle's dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. Credit: ITV News

The British designer last year became the first female artistic director at the historic French fashion house.

Crowds lined the streets of Windsor, with more than 100,000 people estimated to have turned out in the sunshine for the event.

Harry and William's uniforms were tailored at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row. Credit: ITV News

Harry and the Duke of Cambridge wore the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals.

The Queen gave her permission for Harry to get married in his uniform, and their outfits were tailored at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row.

Meghan Markle's wedding ring is made of Welsh Gold Credit: ITV News

The wedding rings were made by Cleave and Company.

"Ms. Markle's ring has been fashioned from a piece of Welsh Gold, gifted by Her Majesty The Queen. Prince Harry's ring will be a Platinum Band with a textured finish," Kensignton Palace said.

People on the Long Walk to Windsor Castle early this morning Credit: PA
  • The guests

There were many celebrities at the ceremony, with some of the biggest names from the worlds of sport, TV, film and music.

David and Victoria Beckham, George and Amal Clooney, and Tom Hardy were joined by a number of the cast from Meghan's legal drama Suits.

Her co-star Patrick J Adams - who her character Rachel Zane married in the series finale - Gabriel Macht, and Sarah Rafferty all attended.

Meghan emerged from the hour long televised ceremony as an HRH, a member of the British royal family - and as the Duchess of Sussex.

The Queen gave Harry the title of the Duke of Sussex on the morning of the wedding.

ITV News Royal editor Chris Ship explained that the title Kilkeel has never previously been granted.

"It is a fishing town on the coast of County Down, below the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland," he said.

They became the sixteenth royal couple to be wed at Windsor Castle since 1863.

The Prince of Wales accompanied Meghan down the aisle, because her father, Thomas Markle, was not able to attend due to medical advice following heart surgery.

St George's chapel where the wedding took place Credit: ITV News

One of Princess Diana's sisters, Lady Jane Fellowes, gave the only reading during the ceremony, with a passage from the Song of Solomon, which stresses the strength and power of love.

The Ben E King song Stand by Me was also be sung by the choir.

Guests awaited the bride and groom in the chapel. Credit: ITV News
  • The vows

The bride did not promise to "obey" her husband when the two made their vows.

Instead, the couple pledged themselves to one another: “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part”.

Following the ceremony, they travelled through Windsor in an open top carriage, where thousands of well wishers were able to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds.

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

Well-wishers from all over the globe travelled to Windsor for the occasion, with many of Meghan Markle's fellow Americans making the trip across the Atlantic.

Credit: PA

Irene Bowdry, a lawyer from California, was on the 5.50am train from Waterloo to Windsor with four friends from the US.

She said: "My mum actually lives around the corner from Meghan's mum in View Park in Los Angeles.

"We booked as soon as it was announced. An American in the royal family, isn't that so exciting?"

Also on board was German surgeon Ralph Dubitscher, who said he came because "it's the last chance to get a royal wedding for, what, 30 years?".

Street parties are taking place up and down the country - but significantly for Harry, celebrations are taking place in the southern African country of Lesotho.

The prince set up his Sentebale charity together with Lesotho's Prince Seeiso, after spending time there as a young man.

The charity works to support children affected by HIV and poverty in both Lesotho and Botswana.

The Prince and Meghan Markle announced their engagement in November last year.