Kensington Palace made a huge mistake in its royal wedding program
Kensington Palace has released nitty-gritty details on the royal wedding ceremony with one glaring oversight — Thomas Markle is still included in the program.
On Friday, the palace tweeted a 22-page document titled “The Official Order of Service” for the nuptials of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, an overview of music, prayers, processions, and readings that will occur at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday.
But it seems that no one gave the document a final proofread (or it was sent to the printer before all decisions were finalized) because included in the literature was the following passage: “The Bride, having been greeted by the Dean of Windsor, moves in procession through the Nave where she is joined by her Father, Mr. Thomas Markle, to the High Altar. The Bridegroom and his Best Man await.”
The Official Order of Service for the Wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle is now available to download.https://t.co/dRHckWM0j8
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 18, 2018
Shortly after the palace’s tweet, royal editor Robert Jobson tweeted a correction.
“The Order of Service was produced before it became clear that Mr. Thomas Markle would be unable to attend the wedding on medical advice,” the palace said
— Robert Jobson (@theroyaleditor) May 18, 2018
Thomas’s RSVP has been a hot topic recently until Thursday when Meghan clarified the 73-year-old’s attendance.
Last week, Thomas was caught staging paparazzi photos of him sitting at an internet cafe gazing at photos of Meghan and Harry, a ruse that reportedly made the queen “very angry.” He then disclosed he had a heart attack and would no longer be attending the wedding — a decision he reneged on, then ultimately affirmed due to a heart procedure this week.
“Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding,” Meghan said in a palace statement. “I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health. I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday.”
A statement from Ms. Meghan Markle: pic.twitter.com/TjBNarmuBU
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 17, 2018
On Friday, the palace tweeted that Harry’s father, Prince Charles, will walk Meghan down the aisle in place of Thomas.
An update on the #RoyalWedding: pic.twitter.com/wfJ6ZFyzHi
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 18, 2018
The Order of Service offered another surprise: Harry and Meghan will exchange rings, unlike William and Kate Middleton at their 2011 wedding, during which only Will gave Kate a band (it’s his “personal preference” to not wear jewelry).
During the ceremony, Meghan and Harry will state: “I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honor you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
However, just like Middleton and Diana, Princess of Wales, Meghan will omit the word “obey” from her vows, a decision that was considered shocking for Diana’s era but will likely surprise none of Markle’s fans.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to say “I do” on Saturday, May 19, at Windsor Castle. Yahoo will cover the historic event live from London from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. BST (5 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET). Bookmark this link to follow along LIVE.