Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married on Saturday, 19 May 2018, in a ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, followed by a reception at Windsor Guildhall. The wedding was part of a multi-day royal occasion that included the Maundy Thursday service and the inaugural Royal Windsor Horse Show headlined by the newlyweds. This summary outlines the key dates and milestones of their relationship and wedding timeline, drawing on official announcements and reputable media reporting to provide a clear, factual account.
Key Wedding Dates and Events
The principal wedding day on 19 May 2018 was preceded by public and private engagements that framed the celebration as both a personal milestone and a formal royal occasion.
Pre-Wedding Timeline
- 26 November 2017: Buckingham Palace announces the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, noting the wedding planned for spring 2018.
- Thursday, 17 May 2018: The Maundy Thursday service at Windsor Castle, with the couple attending together.
- Friday, 18 May 2018: The Royal Windsor Horse Show, featuring the couple’s first shared public appearance as fiancés and marking Meghan’s first official engagement.
Wedding Day Sequence
| Time (BST) | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–10:00 | Procession begins from Frogmore House | Meghan traveled from Frogmore House to Windsor Guildhall with Harry and senior royals. |
| 10:45 | Carriage arrival at St George’s Chapel | Meghan walked to the chapel accompanied by her mother, Doria Ragland. |
| 12:30 | Ceremony begins | The ceremony lasted approximately 35 minutes; officiant was the Dean of Windsor. |
| 12:45 | Vows and ring exchange completed | Harry and Meghan exchanged vows and rings; music included Handel and a soloist. |
| 13:05 | Recessional and carriage procession | The couple traveled to Windsor Guildhall for the reception. |
| 14:00 | Reception at Windsor Guildhall | Speeches from Harry, Meghan, and senior royals; dinner and toasts held. |
Relationship Background and Engagement
Harry and Meghan met in July 2016 through mutual friends in London. Their relationship became public in November 2016, and they confirmed their intention to marry in February 2017 after discussions with senior members of the Royal Family. The engagement was officially announced on 27 November 2017, with Buckingham Palace noting that the wedding would take place in spring 2018 at a location to be confirmed. This announcement aligned with protocol, allowing for necessary planning with the Church of England and the Royal Household.
Venue and Ceremony Details
The ceremony took place at St George’s Chapel, an active royal peculiar and parish church within the Windsor Castle grounds, chosen for its historic and spiritual significance. The reception was held at nearby Windsor Guildhall, which had undergone restoration and offered space for family and a limited guest list. Approximately 600 guests were invited across the events, including family, friends, and public figures. The wedding reflected a blend of traditional royal elements and personal touches, including a gospel choir and readings selected by the couple.
Notable Guests and Public Reaction
Attendees represented a cross-section of global media, public figures, and members of other royal families. Public interest was substantial, with an estimated global television audience in the millions and widespread social media engagement. The couple’s stylist choices, including Meghan’s Givenchy dress and veil, and Harry’s morning suit, were widely discussed in fashion and lifestyle coverage. The ceremony and reception were broadly covered as a modern royal wedding that signaled a more diverse and media-focused era for the institution.
Post-Wedding Milestones
In the months following the wedding, Harry and Meghan carried out official duties as a married couple, including joint tours and public engagements. They stepped back from senior royal roles in early 2020, marking a significant shift in their public lives. While the wedding date remains fixed as 19 May 2018 in any timeline of the couple’s relationship, their long-term path has evolved toward greater independence and international projects.