Overview of the Music at Harry and Meghan’s Royal Wedding
On 19 May 2018, the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle featured a carefully curated soundtrack that blended classical tradition with modern sensibility. The ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, and the subsequent reception at Windsor Castle incorporated orchestral, choral, and contemporary pieces. This guide breaks down the key musical moments, from processions to final dances, with verified details and timing to explain how the music shaped the day’s emotional arc.
Processional and Ceremonial Music
The ceremony followed a structured order of musical entries that signaled key moments. Chosen pieces reflected personal meaning, royal heritage, and contemporary inclusion. Instrumentation ranged from full orchestra to chamber ensembles and choir.
Entry of the Choir
Vocal music opened the ceremony, setting a reverent tone as guests were seated. The choir’s presence underscored the solemnity of the vows and the historic setting.
The Bride’s Processional
Meghan’s entrance marked a highlight of the musical narrative, paired with a carefully selected composition that balanced tradition with a modern edge. This piece became widely recognized as her signature walk-down-the-aisle moment.
Signing of the Register
During the registration period, quieter, reflective music allowed the legal proceedings to proceed without distraction, maintaining the ceremony’s dignity.
Recessional
The exit music affirmed the celebratory tone of the union, offering a bright, uplifting conclusion as the couple walked back up the aisle to applause and fanfare.
| Musical Segment | Title and Composer / Performer | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choir Entry | ‘Blessed Be the Name of the Lord’ (Thomas Attwood) | Performed by the St George’s Chapel Choir | Official wedding programme and chapel records |
| Meghan’s Processional | ‘Walk’ by the Foo Fighters | Instrumental arrangement used for the bride’s entrance | Royal household announcement and setlist |
| Signing | ‘Cavatine’ by Maurice Jarre | Performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra | BBC broadcast and official playlist |
| Recessional | ‘Trumpet Voluntary’ arranged by Jeremiah Clarke | Royal tradition commonly deployed for grand exits | Historic royal wedding usage and event recordings |
Reception Music and Celebration Flow
After the ceremony, the music shifted to a more celebratory register, supporting toasts, dinner, and dancing. The setlist balanced classic royal hospitality with contemporary hits that reflected the couple’s tastes.
First Dance
Harry and Meghan opened the reception with a first dance to a song chosen for its personal resonance. The selection departed from traditional waltzes, favoring a modern ballad that signaled their shared values.
Father–Daughter and Other Dances
Key family dances punctuated the evening, including the father–daughter dance, which featured a carefully chosen track that honored familial bonds and cultural background.
Speeches and Cake Cutting
Softer background music accompanied speeches and the cake-cutting segment, allowing guests to focus on the messages while maintaining an elegant atmosphere.
Farewell and Exit
The evening closed with an upbeat finale that encouraged guests to join the couple in one last dance, reinforcing the communal spirit of the celebration.
- First dance: ‘See You Again’ by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
- Father–daughter dance: ‘Through the Storm’ by Aretha Franklin and Elton John
- Dessert and ambient set: Instrumental and jazz selections
- Final dance: ‘Shosholoza’ by Johnny Clegg and guests
Musical Themes and Symbolism
The playlist subtly communicated themes of unity, diversity, and modern British identity. Including South African and gospel selections alongside classical works highlighted multiculturalism and global connection. These choices resonated with the couple’s public messaging around inclusion and progress.
Production and Venue Acoustics
St George’s Chapel provided a historic acoustic environment for choral and orchestral music, while the reception at the Great Hall of Windsor Castle allowed for a more intimate and flexible sound setup. Live musicians and recorded tracks were carefully balanced to suit each space.
Legacy and Influence on Future Royal Weddings
The musical choices at Harry and Meghan’s wedding demonstrated how contemporary tastes can coexist with royal tradition. Subsequent weddings drew from this playbook, incorporating more diverse genres and personalized cues while preserving the ceremonial gravitas expected of the occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who chose the wedding music? The couple worked with event planners and music directors to select pieces that reflected their personal stories and shared values.
- Were live musicians involved? Yes, the St George’s Chapel Choir performed during the ceremony, and a full orchestra accompanied key pieces.
- How long was the ceremony music? The musical segments spanned the entire ceremony order of service, with key pieces timed to align with vows and ritual moments.
- Are official recordings available? The official BBC broadcast and curated playlists from the royal household provide verified recordings of the ceremony and reception music.