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Saturday, 19 June, 1999, 17:11 GMT 18:11 UK

Traditional service for royal couple

A specially-written fanfare was followed by traditional hymns at the wedding of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones.

Royal Wedding

The fanfare was played by the Band of the Royal Marines as the royal bride, accompanied by her father, Christopher, arrived at the West Door of St George's Chapel at Windsor.

For the bride's procession to the Altar Screen, the couple chose the Marche Heroique by Sir Herbert Brewer.

After introductory remarks by the Bishop of Norwich, the congregation sang Ye Holy Angels Bright while the bridal party moved to the Sanctuary Step in the Quire of the Chapel.

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, was sung after the marriage ceremony, followed by the Lesson, the First Letter of John, chapter 4, verses 7-11, read by Sophie's brother, David.

Prayers were then led by the Dean of Windsor and, while the congregation remained kneeling, the choir sang A Latin Anthem (Where There Is Charity And Love, There Is God). This was followed by the Blessing by the Bishop.

The final hymn, Let All The World In Every Corner Sing, My God and King, was sung while the bridal party moved to the Ambulatory to sign the Registers.

The choir then sang The Spirit Of The Lord Is Upon Me, the Prologue to the Oratorio The Apostles, opus 39, by Sir Edward Elgar, followed by The Amen Chorus from Messiah by George Frederick Handel.

The congregation all stood to sing the National Anthem, before the bride and groom walked to the West Steps.

For this, they were accompanied by the Toccata from the Fifth Symphony by Charles Marie Widor and the Coronation March - Crown Imperial by Sir William Walton.


Related to this story:
Shoes hitch for Sophie (19 Jun 99 | royal wedding) Wessex titles for Edward and Sophie (19 Jun 99 | royal wedding)


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