Guess who’s coming to Windsor? Royal ceremony weds cultures
BURLINGTON, New Jersey (AP) — With a gospel choir, black cellist and bishop, Oprah, Serena and Idris Elba in the audience and an African-American mother-of-the-bride, Saturday’s wedding of Prince Harry to American actress Meghan Markle was a blend of the solemn and the soulful.
Guess who’s coming to Windsor?
The ceremony married the pomp and circumstance of Britain’s most sacred institution with elements of black culture, drawing viewers not normally drawn to the spectacle of the monarchy.
“This was black history,” said Joy Widgeon, who attended a house party in Burlington, New Jersey, with her 6- and 8-year-old daughters in tow. “African-Americans were front and center at the royal wedding. This was the first time, and hopefully it won’t be the last. I am here for it.”
Race has loomed over the couple’s relationship from the beginning. After the pair went public in 2016, Harry lashed out in a public statement at what he described as “racial undertones” in media coverage and overt racism toward his then-girlfriend, who has lamented such views. At the announcement of their engagement last fall, many black women around the world cheered the news as a fairytale that doesn’t always include them.
Markle, 36, became the first black member of the British royal family in modern history. Her mother, Doria Ragland, is black. Her father is white.
A diverse group of about 20 — mostly black women — gathered before dawn on the rainy Saturday at a house party in Burlington, New Jersey, right outside Philadelphia. They were among the scores of African-Americans and British Americans participating in the global event in person, at home and online.
Decorated with a banner reading “Congratulations Harry and Meghan!,” with the bride’s biography on a nearby table and glasses of tea and mimosas and the smell of breakfast cooking in the background, the guests gathered in two rooms.
“We were keen to see who was going to look like us,” said socialite David Alexander Jenkins, who has ridden horses in the same Windsor countryside where the wedding was held.
As Markle emerged from the burgundy Rolls Royce that brought her to St. George’s Chapel, Paula Jackson gasped with approval.
“Oh, she looks lovely! Gorgeous! Beautiful!” Jackson exclaimed, wearing a jeweled blazer and sparkling tiara, sitting on a couch with a spot marked on a note in capital letters: RESERVED FOR THE QUEEN.
“I’m just so happy for her,” Jackson said of Markle. “She will be an example for our young African-American women.”
The couple also asked Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to participate in the ceremony. Elected the first African-American to his role in the Episcopal Church in 2015, Curry is based in Chicago. His theology, rooted in social justice, was on full display Saturday, as he invoked the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King in his lengthy address to the couple and audience.
For Angelita Byrd, the moment reminded her of being in church with her grandmother.
“He brought a little bit of Southern Baptist America to Europe,” said Byrd, of Philadelphia. “You know what I love about all of this? She’s adding a little spice to the royal family.”
The bride personally called to invite 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who is black, to play at the wedding after Prince Harry saw him perform at a London event supporting an Antiguan charity. The diverse, Christian gospel group Kingdom Choir performed a stirring rendition of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me.”
Church hats — a shared tradition in black and British culture — were a fashion highlight. And Markle’s dress, designed by Givenchy, was reminiscent of the dress Princess Angela of Liechtenstein wore when she wed Prince Maximillian in their groundbreaking January 2000 ceremony.
Sanya Brown, already a fan of the royals who watched Princess Diana’s funeral, as well as Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton, initially planned to watch alone in her pajamas, but made a last-minute decision this week to watch with a girlfriend at her house in the west Philadelphia suburb of Wynnefield.
“In the time of the ‘black girl magic’ moment we are currently living in … for this black girl from Los Angeles to be marrying into the royal family is a really dope and historic moment, so why not have that with someone and celebrate her magic?” she explained.
“We’ve seen (Harry), but never like this,” Brown said. “This is different. She is different.”
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Whack is The Associated Press’ national writer on race and ethnicity. Follow her work on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emarvelous.
Paula Jackson of Philadelphia, left, receives makeup from makeup artist Pietra Dunmore, right, while Jenice Armstrong of Burlington, N.J. looks on during a television viewing party of the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Saturday, May 18, 2018, at the Armstrong-Turner residence in Burlington, N.J. The ceremony married the pomp and circumstance of Britain’s most sacred institution with elements of black culture, drawing viewers not normally drawn to the spectacle of the monarchy.(AP Photo/Corey Perrine)
People mingle during a television viewing party of the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Saturday, May 18, 2018, at the Armstrong-Turner residence in Burlington, N.J. The ceremony married the pomp and circumstance of Britain’s most sacred institution with elements of black culture, drawing viewers not normally drawn to the spectacle of the monarchy. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine)
Royal fans gather on the Long Walk ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle n St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle near London Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)
A dog wears a Union flag bandana in Windsor ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle near London Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Peter Summers/PA via AP)
Flowers and foliage surround the West Door and steps of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle for the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle in Windsor near London Saturday May 19, 2018. (Danny Lawson/pool photo via AP)
A woman with an inflatable crown looks through binoculars prior to the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Well-wishers with Union Flags stand at the barriers on the Long Walk leading to Windsor Castle aheadof the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Oli Scarff/pool photo via AP)
Women wear masks of Britain’s Prince Harry, Britain’s Prince William and Meghan Markle, from left, prior to the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Royal fans gather on the Long Walk outside Windsor Castle ahead of the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Hannah McKay/pool photo via AP)
Royal fans waiting at the barriers cheer ahead of the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
A Royal fan waits for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Oprah Winfrey waves as she arrives at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Ian West/pool photo via AP)
People wave flags prior to the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Amal Clooney and George Clooney arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Gareth Fuller/pool photo via AP)
David Beckham arrives for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Gareth Fuller/pool photo via AP)
A military brass band plays outside the castle prior to the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
David and Victoria Beckham arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Chris Radburn/pool photo via AP)
Serena Williams arrives for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Gareth Fuller/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle, right, and her mother Doria Ragland leave Cliveden House Hotel in Taplow, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018 where she stayed before Markle’s wedding ceremony with Prince Harry at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Meghan Markle looks at Prince Harry during their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Gareth Fuller/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle smile during their wedding ceremony in St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Jonathan Brady/pool photo via AP)
Serena Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Odd Anderson/pool photo via AP)
The Most Rev Bishop Michael Curry, primate of the Episcopal Church, speaks during the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/pool photo via AP)
In this frame from video, Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle look at each other after their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (UK Pool via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave after their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Andrew Matthews/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle reacts as she rides in a carriage with her husband Britain’s Prince Harry after their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (John Sibley/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry, left, and Meghan Markle leave in a carriage after their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, pool)
In this frame from video, Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand during their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (UK Pool/Sky News via AP)
In this frame from video, Meghan Markle walks down the aisle with Prince Charles for her wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (UK Pool/Sky News via AP)
Meghan Markle arrives for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Andrew Matthews/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle arrives for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Andrew Matthews/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, during their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Gareth Fuller/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hold hands during their wedding ceremony oin St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Dominic Lipinski/pool photo via AP)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave after their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Ben Birchhall/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hold hands during their wedding ceremony oin St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Dominic Lipinski/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle and Britain’s Prince Harry stand on the steps of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle following their wedding in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Jane Barlow/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle leaves after her wedding ceremony to Prince Harry, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Brian Lawless/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle leaves after her wedding ceremony to Prince Harry, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Brian Lawless/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave after their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Andrew Matthews/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave after their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Andrew Matthews/pool photo via AP)
A dog wears a Union flag collar in Windsor ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle near London Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Peter Summers/PA via AP)
A Royal fan smiles as she stands near the Long Walk before the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Hannah McKay/pool photo via AP)
Armed police officers cast shadows as they patrol outside Windsor Castle ahead of the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Members of the public pass a security screening as they arrive on castle hill ahead of the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Odd Andersen/pool photo via AP)
Armed police officers patrol ahead of the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (John Sibley/pool photo via AP)
Idris Elba, right, and Sabrina Dhowre followed by Oprah Winfrey, forth right, arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Chris Radburn/pool photo via AP)
Royal fans pose for a photo prior to the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
British actor Idris Elba, right, arrives with his fiancee Sabrina Dhowre for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Chris Radburn/pool photo via AP)
A military brass band player plays a tuba prior to the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Spectators gather along the Long Walk ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor castle in Windsor near London, England, Saturday May 19, 2018. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)
Spectators gather along the Long Walk ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor castle in Windsor near London, England, Saturday May 19, 2018. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)
Joss Stone, right, arrives for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Ian West/pool photo via AP)
Armed police secure the route of the carriage procession prior to the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, pool)
Serena Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Odd Anderson/pool photo via AP)
George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Odd Anderson/pool photo via AP)
Serena Williams arrives with her husband Alexis Ohanian arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Toby Melville/pool photo via AP)
From left, George Clooney, Amal Clooney, Silver Tree, Abraham Levy, Celine Khavarani, Markus Anderson, Janina Gavankar, and Jill Smoller are seated prior to the start of the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Dominic Lipinski/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry, left and his brother Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Ian West/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry, left, and Prince William arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Chris Radburn/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry, left, and best man Prince William arrive for the wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Odd Anderson/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry walks with his best man, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, as they arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Ben Birchhall/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry, left, and best man Prince William arrive for the wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Odd Anderson/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry arrives for his wedding to Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Ben Birchhall/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle arrives for the wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Chris Radburn/pool photo via AP)
In this frame from video, Meghan Markle listens during her wedding ceremony with Britain’s Prince Harry at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (UK Pool/Sky News via AP)
Doria Ragland takes her seat, prior to the start of the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Dominic Lipinski/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand, prior to the start of their wedding ceremony, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Dominic Lipinski/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle arrives for her wedding at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Ben Stansall/pool photo via AP)
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, foreground left and Jessica Mulroney arrive with the bridesmaids for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Jane Barlow/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry pulls back the veil of Meghan Markle watched by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby during their wedding at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle and her bridal party arrive for the the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Ben Birchhall/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry pulls back the veil of Meghan Markle watched by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby during their wedding at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle and her bridal party arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Ben Birchhall/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand in front of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby during their wedding at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hold hands during their wedding ceremony oin St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Dominic Lipinski/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry places the ring on Meghan Markle during their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Jonathan Brady/pool photo via AP)
Britain’s Prince Harry places the ring on Meghan Markle during their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Jonathan Brady/pool photo via AP)
In this frame from video, Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pray during their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (UK Pool/Sky News via AP)
Meghan Markle reacts as she rides in a carriage with her husband Britain’s Prince Harry after their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Jeff J Mitchell/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle waves from a carriage after the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, pool)
Britain’s Prince Harry, left, and Meghan Markle wave from a carriage after their wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, pool)