Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (May 23, 2018)
May 23, 2018 The Skanner Page 13 Arts & Entertainment A Royal Wedding Bridges the Atlantic and Breaks Old Molds This weekend Meghan Markle, the 36-year-old star of “Suits,” became the Duchess of Sussex WINDSOR, England — The son of British royalty and the daughter of mid- dle-class Americans wed Saturday in a service that reflected Prince Harry’s royal heritage, Meghan Markle’s biracial roots and the pair’s shared commitment to putting a more diverse, modern face on the monarchy. British reserve criss- crossed with American verve in a service that broke molds and creat- ed new ones. Choirboys and a gospel choir; the archbishop of Canter- bury and the African American leader of the Episcopal church; a horse-drawn carriage and flowers hand-picked by the groom. The wedding was a global event, thanks to Harry’s status as a se- nior British royal and Markle’s celebrity af- ter starring on the U.S. television series “Suits” for seven years. Yet it seemed somehow so per- sonal — and they both beamed like a couple who couldn’t take their eyes off each other. In a rousing sermon that highlighted a bit of a culture gap between outgoing Americans and reserved Brits, the Most. Rev. Michael Curry of the U.S. stirred the congre- gation from its fairy-tale reverie, quoting Mar- tin Luther King in in a sermon that had some reaching for hankies and others shifting in their chairs. “There’s power in love,” Curry said, his voice ris- ing. “Love can help and heal when nothing else can. There’s power in love to lift up and liber- ate when nothing else will.” He also quoted from the Song of Solomon in the Bible: “Many waters can- not quench love, neither can floods drown it.” Joining the couple were a phalanx of celebrities, many of whom shared their wish to change the world. Oprah Winfrey, Idris Elba, Elton John, George and Amal Cloo- ney, Serena Williams, James Corden and David and Victoria Beckham all watched from rows of seats in the Gothic masterpiece that is St. George’s Chapel at Wind- sor Castle. The British weather was — gasp! — sunny and balmy, bathing the ancient stones of Wind- sor Castle in a beautiful spring light. Many in the throng who waited outside also embraced the trans-At- lantic symbolism of the moment. Sheraton Jones, 22, who is from Cali- fornia but studying in Britain, described it as a melding of cultures. “It was very touching, it’s two different cultures kind of coming together, white silk boat-necked dress by U.K. designer Clare Waight Keller of the French fashion house Givenchy. Her sheer veil — down to her waist in “ DOMINIC LIPINSKI/POOL PHOTO VIA AP By Danica Kirka, Jill Lawless and Gregory Katz, Associated Press Doria Ragland takes her seat, prior to the start of the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. it was just so surreal,” she said. In the United States, this royal wedding was embraced for its diversi- ty and inclusivity. “This was Black histo- ry,” said Joy Widgeon, who attended a house party in Burlington, New Jersey, with her 6- and 8-year-old daughters. “African Americans were front and center at the royal wedding. This was the first time, and hopefully it won’t be the last. I am here for it.” Harry also invited bud- dies from his 10 years of military service — which included two tours of duty in Afghanistan — and from many of the charities he supports, which have focused on helping wounded veter- ans and encouraging a more open discussion of mental health issues. To kick off the festivi- ties, Queen Elizabeth II honored her red-headed, 33-year-old grandson with a new title: the Duke of Sussex, making the 36-year-old Markle the Duchess of Sussex. The American actress drew raves for her sleek African Americans were front and center at the roy- al wedding front and billowing for what seemed like miles behind her — carried floral references to all 53 countries in the Com- monwealth, countries drawn mostly from the former British Empire, headed by Markle’s new grandmother-in-law, the queen. Caroline Burstein, owner of Browns Bride, a top London bridal bou- tique, called the bridal gown “a nod to Grace Kel- ly, Audrey Hepburn and every iconic wedding we have witnessed through- out the 20th and 21st cen- tury. It’s perfect for her and for the occasion they are celebrating.” The palace said Markle also selected two other plant designs to be on the veil: Wintersweet, which grows at Kensington Pal- ace, where the royal cou- ple will live, and the Cali- fornia poppy, in a nod to the bride’s birthplace. Harry and best man Prince William wore white gloves and the frock coat uniforms of the Blues and Royals army regiment, in which Harry was once an of- ficer. Harry also kept his full red beard — a style decision that had sparked British betting earlier. Markle at first walked down the aisle with 10 young page boys and bridesmaids, then was accompanied by Prince Charles to the altar. As his father and bride drew close, Harry said: “Thank you, Pa.” To Markle, Harry said: “You look amazing.” Markle seemed poised and confident as she de- livered her vows with- out so much as a quiver in her voice. She smiled broadly as Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Wel- by declared the couple husband and wife. Har- ry seemed a bit nervous, but happy. Other relatives in the ceremony included 4-year-old Prince George and 3-year-old Princess Charlotte, the oldest chil- See WEDDING on page 14
