Presenting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex: Harry and Meghan

Excited Americans willing to forgo a few hours of sleep watched the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on TVs, smartphones, and computers, transported to majestic St. George’s Chapel in London for a lavish affair befitting royalty.

“I loved the infusion of culture…it was a piece of her culture and his fused together beautifully,” said Karen Walker, a television producer in Arkansas, who began her wedding watching around 5:00 a.m. CST. 

For Michelle Rudolph, another wedding well-wisher traveling on business watched from her hotel room. Rudolph is a judge in the Miss America Pageant system.

“The wedding brought tears to her eyes,” she said. “I love the pageantry, the order and the simple excitement to see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex finally marry.”

Generations of African American women tuned in as a show of support for Markle, who is bi-racial.

“For about three hours, I was one of the Royals,” said Joyce Smith who watched from her home in the Missouri. “I had pecan rolls, oranges, cheese and strawberries. The only thing I needed was my fascinator, and it needed to match my pajamas!”

The couple invited 600 guests to their marriage ceremony, and among those were global media superstar, Oprah Winfrey, who dressed in a lilac dress and hat; tennis star Serena Williams wore a pink dress and fascinator and was joined by her husband, Redditt co-founder Alexis Ohanian; and, Britain’s native son and one of America’s favorite actors, Idris Elba, and his fiancée milled about before the wedding visiting with fellow Brit, talk show host James Corden.

Walker commented, “It was what, I think, a real picture of diversity looks like. From Bishop Curry’s powerful message to the African American cello player, it showed that side of African Americans that we usually are not privy to seeing. It demonstrated that you don’t have to cancel who you are to be dignified.”

As Prince Harry and his brother Prince William, second in line to the throne, arrived at the Chapel, memories of the two walking together as young boys the day of their mother’s, Princess Diana, funeral most likely came to the minds of the millions watching.

Walker said, “I’m very proud of the way Princess Diana’s kids have grown up and lived lives that honor her. And, I felt this was the crowning moment for the youngest child as he builds his life and his legacy.”

“I cried, and I prayed with them,” Smith added.

In the days leading up to the wedding, all eyes focused on the bride and her father who bowed out of escorting her down to aisle due to “health issues.” But, in a sign of family unity, Prince Charles, Markle’s new father-in-law, met her midway the long walk and ushered her to the groom. The bride, wearing a modest Givenchy-designed gown  with a boat neck and a tiara the Queen loaned her, carried a bouquet made of flowers picked by Prince Harry.

“The thing that stood out the most for me was how evident it is that this man loves this woman,” observed Walker. “The way they moved in to each other during the ceremony, and his eyes danced when he looked at her.” And, the world watched the two held hands during a gospel choir’s rendition of Stand by Me.

As the newlyweds walked into the bright sunshine, there were cheers, applause, and hope. With the words of the last wedding song, This Little Light of Mine, still ringing in her ears, Walker said “It should challenge us to be better and love the people around us.”