Prince Harry, the younger son of Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales, married American actress Meghan Markle on 19 May 2018. The ceremony took place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle and followed a widely publicized relationship that included a private wedding ceremony on 16 May and the official public wedding the next day. The couple’s marriage is well-documented by official records, royal communications, and global media, making the date and context clear in public records.
Background to the wedding
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle began their relationship in mid-2016, and their engagement was announced on 27 November 2017. The forthcoming marriage was confirmed by Kensington Palace with details of the date, venue, and arrangements gradually released as the day approached. Preparations involved extensive royal, ceremonial, and security planning, and the wedding was framed as a modern occasion blending traditional royal elements with personal choices.
19 May 2018: the public wedding
The principal ceremony occurred on Saturday, 19 May 2018. Key points include:
- Venue: St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, England.
- Date: 19 May 2018; private ceremony on 16 May 2018.
- Notable detail: The wedding followed a traditional pattern with modern adaptations, including a shorter processional and a sermon focused on inclusivity.
Private ceremony on 16 May 2018
Before the public wedding, the couple held a small, private ceremony on 16 May 2018, officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Guests included close family and friends, and this intimate event allowed the couple to formalize their vows in a personal setting prior to the larger public celebration.
Guest list and global interest
The public ceremony on 19 May 2018 featured a mixed guest list of family, friends, and public figures from entertainment, politics, and charitable sectors. Global television audiences and online viewers numbered in the millions, with significant coverage emphasizing the couple’s backgrounds, the multicultural nature of the wedding, and its symbolic resonance.
Official documentation and recognition
Following the wedding, the marriage was registered according to UK law, with official records noting the date, venue, and participants. The couple’s legal status as married was publicly acknowledged by royal communications, government departments, and international bodies, confirming the validity and recognition of the union.
Subsequent status and family milestones
Since marrying, Harry and Meghan have expanded their family with the birth of two children: Archie Harrison (born 6 May 2019) and Lilibet Diana (born 4 June 2021). The couple stepped back from senior royal duties in early 2020, establishing financial independence and residing partly in the United States while retaining connections to the UK.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage date | 19 May 2018 | Official royal statement |
| Private ceremony date | 16 May 2018 | Royal communications |
| Venue | St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle | Historic venue records |
| Guest count (public wedding) | Approx. 600 | Event planning disclosures |
| Children | Archie (2019), Lilibet (2021) | Official birth records |