Members of The Queen’s Guard march through the streets of Windsor as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave for the procession in their Ascot Landau carriage

At precisely 12 noon, the bride entered St George’s Chapel through the magnificent West Door, as simply Ms Meghan Markle. The focus of all attention, she walked down the centre aisle, a picture of composure and poise, through the congregation seated in the Nave, to the entrance to the Quire where she was met by the Prince of Wales, who escorted her to the altar. Just an hour later she emerged on the arm of her husband as Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex, as Prince Harry had been created Duke of Sussex (a royal Dukedom) by the Queen to mark the occasion. Meghan is now also the Countess of Dumbarton and Baroness Kilkeel. After signing the marriage register, the couple began their procession back through the Chapel. It was a magical moment and every one of the guests inside the Chapel, and indeed those watching from all over the world, was fully appreciative of the grandeur and significance of this very special occasion.

The 15th-century St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle is one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings in the land. It has been the venue for countless state and royal ceremonies throughout the centuries: marriages, funerals, and christenings of kings, queens, princes and princesses, including the baptism of Prince Harry in 1984, and of course, the annual service for the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the highest Order of Chivalry. On Saturday, 19th May 2018, another glittering and memorable chapter was written to add to this historic and illustrious list.

The wedding of Prince Harry (or to give him his full name, His Royal Highness, Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales) and his American fiancée, (Rachel) Meghan Markle, was a royal event with international overtones, more than a touch of glamour and glitz, and it was an entirely democratic occasion with all the elements intertwining perfectly. The invited guests at the wedding were shown to their specially allocated seats by the 25 Lay Stewards, resplendent in their morning dress and decorations. The Stewards, who act as ushers, are appointed by the Dean of Windsor, subject to the approval of the Queen, and theirs are voluntary, but nevertheless, highly sought after positions.

To ensure their privacy, the Queen and members of the royal family sat in the Quire, which they entered through the 13th-century Gilbertus Door at the side of the Chapel. They were conducted to their seats by the Gentlemen Ushers, or to give them their correct titles, Ushers-in-Ordinary. These are 10 retired senior service officers whose origins go back to the 15th century. To distinguish them from the Lay Stewards, they wear a brassard – or armband – bearing the royal cypher, and have privileged access to Her Majesty.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and the rest of the royal family occupied the Garter Stalls on the right-hand side, with Meghan’s mother and guests immediately opposite. The senior Gentleman Usher handed an Order of Service to the Queen, with the only difference between hers and everyone else’s was that Her Majesty’s was surmounted by a small crown. As with everything organised by the Royal Household, nothing was left to chance; the day ran like clockwork with military precision, timed to the last second.

There was an outpouring of joy and affection for Harry and Meghan, as they paraded through the town after the ceremony in their open-top carriage in a two-mile procession, so everyone could get a good view. Thousands lined the streets surrounding Windsor Castle, many of whom had been there since early morning, some even days before. The couple were given the use of the beautiful Ascot Landau, built in 1883 for Queen Victoria, drawn by four of the famous Windsor Greys: Milford Haven, Storm, Plymouth and Tyrone (with Storm and Tyrone being father and son), with two outriders. Throughout Britain, numerous street parties were held to celebrate this joyous occasion. As the wedding captured attention worldwide, and an audience of over two billion royal fans tuned in to witness this most significant moment in history.

Harry and Meghan exchanged their wedding vows before the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, and the groom placed a ring made of Welsh gold on Meghan’s third finger, continuing a royal wedding tradit