Their big day is less than a month away and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finally confirmed the musicians they’ve booked to perform at their wedding.
While rumours have circulated around an array of bands and artists including everybody from Elton John to Ed Sheeran and the Spice Girls, Kensington Palace has confirmed a 19-year-old cellist will actually be amongst the musicians to wow Prince Harry and his bride-to-be when they get married on May 19.
“Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have shared some further details about the music for their wedding service at St George’s Chapel,” a statement read. “The music will be under the direction of James Vivian, Director of Music, St George’s Chapel, including the Choir of St George’s Chapel, and a selection of choral groups, soloists, and musicians.”
The palace added that the couple have been hands-on when it came to selecting music for their ceremony.
“Both Prince Harry and Ms. Markle have taken a great deal of interest and care in choosing the music for their Service, which will include a number of well-known hymns and choral works,” it said.
Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason is a rising star who won the BBC Young Musician 2016 award and one of the musicians personally selected by the couple. Kensington Palace said Kanneh-Mason’s talent captured Prince Harry’s attention last year.
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“19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, winner of 2016 @BBCYoungMus. Last June, Prince Harry saw Sheku play at an event in London in support of the work of Antiguan charity the Halo Foundation,” the palace said.
Markle personally phoned Kanneh-Mason to ask him if he’d be part of her special day. He said he “bowled over” when he got the call and said yes immediately. He also took to social media to share his delight in being offered the opportunity of a lifetime.
“I’m so excited and honoured to perform at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding,” he gushed. “I was bowled over when Ms Markle called me to ask if I would play during the ceremony, and of course I immediately said yes!!! What a privilege. I can’t wait!”
If that wasn’t enough, Prince Harry and Markle have also asked Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir to offer their vocals during the ceremony.
“The Choir is made up of a group of British artists dedicated to creating a sound that demonstrates the community they share, and has been performing both nationally and internationally for over 20 years,” Kensington Palace said.
Gibson said she was thrilled to be part of an iconic moment in history.
“The Kingdom Choir is truly honoured to be invited to sing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Markle, and very excited to be taking part in such a historic moment,” she said. “It will be a moment that we will always treasure, and we’d like to take the opportunity to wish the couple all the very best for their coming union.”
The orchestra will be conducted by Christopher Warren-Green and will include musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia.
Earlier this year, Prince Harry and Markle revealed other details of their wedding, including the fact they will ride in a horse-and-carriage through the streets of Windsor. They will be married by the Justin Welby, who is the Archbishop of Canterbury, while the full service will be led by David Connor, the dean of Windsor.