Royals

Royal wedding Order of Service revealed – and it still lists Meghan’s dad

May 19, 2018

The full Order of Service for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding.

The full Order of Service for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding has been released, just hours before they exchange vows.

However, there is one glaring error in the 22-page booklet, as the Palace didn’t have time to remove Meghan’s father Thomas from the proceedings, after he revealed he’s unable to attend due to heart surgery.

The lengthy order reveals both bride and groom have combined their passions to decide on processions, music, hymns, prayers and readings.

A statement from Kensington Palace said the couple had “taken a great deal of care in selecting all elements for their service”.

They added: “This has been a collaborative effort led by Prince Harry and Ms. Markle. They have also sought the advice of The Prince of Wales for the orchestral music before the Service begins.”

The Official Order of Service for the Wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle is now available to download.https://t.co/dRHckWM0j8

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 18, 2018

While the service will be led by the Right Reverend David Conner KCVO, Dean of Windsor, it will be solemnised by The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.

The state trumpeters will sound a fanfare as Meghan enters the church to officially join the royal family, before a gospel choir, The Kingdom Choir, sings music from Ben E King and Etta James, including ‘Stand By Me’ – a nod to the bride’s American roots.

In a break from older traditions, Meghan will not make the promise to obey her husband in her vows, and will walk part of the way down the aisle by herself – before she’s joined by her future father-in-law, Prince Charles.

The couple will however use the words “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part” when exchanging vows.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will ask the 600 guests: “Will you, the families and friends of Harry and Meghan, support and uphold them in their marriage now and in the years to come?” To which the guests will answer: “We will.”

The full Order of Service for the royal wedding has been revealed. Source: Kensington Palace.

While the bride will initially be referred to as Rachel Meghan, her given names, she’ll then be named Meghan in proceedings.

Among the hymns are Welsh rugby anthem ‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer’, no doubt chosen by Harry, meanwhile he has paid a moving tribute to his mother, as Princess Diana’s sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, will deliver a reading from the Song of Solomon.

Music will begin before the service, after guests have arrived, around 10.35am UK time. That will include Ralph Vaughan Williams’ ‘Fantasia on Greensleves’ and Elgar’s ‘Chanson de Matin’.

At 11.25 am UK time, members of the Royal Family will arrive at the Galilee Porch where they will meet the Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Around 15 minutes later, Harry and his best man William will make their entrance.

Currently, Prince Charles and Camilla are due to arrive shortly after, but that has likely changed since Charles agreed to walk Meghan down the aisle. Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, is scheduled to arrive five minutes after the groom. The Queen will be the last of the family to arrive, around 11.52am.

And in keeping with tradition, the National Anthem will be sung at the end – a nod at Harry’s grandmother the Queen, who will be in attendance.