A royal wedding unlike any other

WINDSOR (AP):

The son of British royalty and the daughter of middle-class Americans wed yesterday in a service that reflected Prince Harry's royal heritage, Meghan Markle's biracial roots and the pair's shared commitment to putting a more diverse, modern face on the monarchy.

British reserve criss-crossed with American verve in a service that broke moulds and created new ones. Choirboys and a gospel choir; the archbishop of Canterbury and the African-American leader of the Episcopal church; a horse-drawn carriage and flowers hand-picked by the groom.

The wedding was a global event, thanks to Harry's status as a senior British royal and Markle's celebrity after starring on the US television series Suits for seven years. Yet it seemed somehow so personal and they both beamed like a couple who couldn't take their eyes off each other.

Joining the couple were a phalanx of celebrities, many of whom shared their wish to change the world. Oprah Winfrey, Idris Elba, Elton John, George and Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, James Corden and David and Victoria Beckham all watched from rows of seats in the Gothic masterpiece that is St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

The British weather was gasp! sunny and balmy, bathing the ancient stones of Windsor Castle in a beautiful spring light.

Many in the throng who waited outside also embraced the transatlantic symbolism of the moment. Sheraton Jones, 22, who is from California but studying in Britain, described it as a melding of cultures.

"It was very touching, it's two different cultures kind of coming together, it was just so surreal," she said.

In the United States, this royal wedding was embraced for its diversity and inclusivity.

"This was black history," said Joy Widgeon, who attended a house party in Burlington, New Jersey, with her six and eight-year-old daughters.

"African-Americans were front and centre at the royal wedding. This was the first time, and hopefully it won't be the last. I am here for it."

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 the 36-year-old Markle the Duchess of Sussex.

The American actress drew raves for her sleek white silk boatnecked dress by UK designer Clare Waight Keller of the French fashion house Givenchy.

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, countries drawn mostly from the former British Empire, headed by Markle's new grandmother-in-law, the queen.

Harry and best man Prince William wore white gloves and the frock coat uniforms of the Blues and Royals army regiment, in which Harry was once an officer. Harry also kept his full red beard a style decision that had sparked British betting earlier.

The queen hosted the first of two royal wedding receptions after the service Saturday, one in the afternoon for 600 people with finger foods, wine and champagne. On Saturday night, a second, more lively reception for 200 people was being thrown by Charles.