Windsor, United Kingdom: From Meghan Markle’s solo walk up the aisle to marry Prince Harry to celebrity guests and a fiery sermon, here are five highlights from Saturday’s royal wedding:
* Meghan’s entrance
After days of discussion over who would escort her to the altar, the bride made her way down the aisle of St George’s Chapel on her own in a striking show of independence.
Meghan had asked her father Thomas Markle to walk with her but when he pulled out at the last minute, undergoing a heart operation after a furore over staged photos, Harry’s father Prince Charles stepped in.
The order of service — printed before the change — made clear Meghan had always planned to make a solo entrance, taking an escort for only the last few steps.
* The celebrities
The royal couple decided not to invite any political leaders, in contrast to the wedding of Harry’s brother Prince William in 2011, but the congregation was packed with celebrities.
Elton John attended in pink glasses, along with Hollywood star George Clooney, who patted a police officer’s shoulder as he walked in.
Football icon David Beckham drew laughs from the crowds watching the ceremony on big screens when he was filmed chewing gum in the church — the ultimate breach of etiquette.
* The preacher
Twitter was awash with clips of bemused senior royals — including William seemingly trying not to laugh — listening to the passionate oratory of US Anglican leader Michael Curry.
It is rare to find references to slavery and the power of love to change the world during traditional Church of England ceremonies.
But there was a lighter moment when Curry noted that “two young people fell in love and we all showed up”, prompting an outburst of laughter.
* Harry’s exes
Harry’s two most serious ex-girlfriends, Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas, were among the guests.
Their expressions were scrutinised by the media, and when Davy was filmed looking pensive, some commentators blamed reports that she had not been invited to the evening reception.
