When England's Prince William married Katherine Middleton, something like 24.5 million people watched, breaking barriers set by the Charles and Diana affair, which was viewed by a mere(?) 17 million folks.
On Saturday when Prince Harry married American actress Meghan Markel, some other types of barriers were broken—for this wedding was infused with color and youth in a way the buttoned-down, emotionally controlled Brits had never seen.
Whether it was the fact that Markel is bi-racial, or because the Prince is deeply involved with African ministries he started in his mother's name, there was an emphasis on inclusion that made the whole affair more loving, more meaningful and definitely more fun.
If you missed it, a Gospel choir sang a soulful rendition of "Stand By Me" during the service and rocked "Amen" as the couple left the church, causing many of the ladies to hold on to their fascinators. There was a featured cello player of color who wowed the attended throng, and instead of bridesmaids and groomsmen from the landed gentry, a flock of children under the age of seven walked down the aisle with the bride. Meanwhile, heads of state were conspicuously absent.
But the star of the show was African-American Bishop Michael Bruce Curry who sealed the deal when he delivered an impassioned and moving address—which in spite of the Queen's stated opinion earlier that an appropriate wedding message should be no longer than three minutes—lasted 13. The Bishop spoke with a zeal and energy that was new to this staid community about the love that binds us all, quoting Martin Luther King, Jr. with the words, "We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love. And when we do that, we will be able to make of this old world a new world. Love is the only way."
Early estimates say that up to 1.9 billion people may have been watching this wedding thanks to constant world-wide coverage and it was a beautiful event full of pretty people. But, if some of the traditions this couple put aside are any indication, they may go on to do a great deal of good in the world. And we all have a part in that.
Blessings,
Nancy
