On May 19, 2018, the world watched as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in a royal wedding that captivated global audiences. The event, held at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, was a blend of royal tradition and modern touches that reflected the couple's unique bond. Let's delve into the meticulously planned wedding schedule that made their special day truly extraordinary.
Pre-Wedding Events
The day began with Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, arriving at Windsor Castle. Meanwhile, Meghan, accompanied by her mother, Doria Ragland, and her bridesmaids and page boys, made her way to the castle in a vintage Rolls-Royce. The couple's wedding schedule was carefully crafted to ensure a seamless and meaningful ceremony.
Groom's Arrival and Guests' Seating
- 8:30 AM: Prince Harry and his best man, Prince William, arrived at Windsor Castle.
- 9:30 AM: Guests began to arrive and were seated in the quire of St. George's Chapel.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was a blend of royal tradition and personal touches, with Meghan walking down the aisle unescorted for part of the way, a historic moment for a royal wedding. Here's a breakdown of the ceremony's key moments:

Processional
- 11:00 AM: The ceremony began with the entrance of the bridal party, including Meghan's 10 bridesmaids and page boys.
- 11:05 AM: Meghan made her grand entrance, accompanied by her father, Thomas Markle, for part of the way, before walking alone.
Ceremony Highlights
- 11:06 AM: The couple exchanged vows and rings, with Meghan choosing a Welsh gold ring for Harry, following royal tradition.
- 11:20 AM: The couple shared their first kiss as a married couple on the chapel's west steps, to the delight of the waiting crowd.
Post-Ceremony and Reception
After the ceremony, the newlyweds embarked on a carriage procession through Windsor, giving well-wishers a chance to see the couple up close. The day concluded with a private reception hosted by the Queen at Windsor Castle.
Carriage Procession and Reception
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Carriage procession through Windsor. |
| 7:00 PM | Private reception hosted by the Queen. |
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a celebration of love, tradition, and modernity, with a wedding schedule that ensured every moment was perfectly executed. As the couple continues their lives as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, their wedding day remains a cherished memory for them and their global audience.