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Royal wedding: Meghan Markle officially a royal after marrying Prince Harry

Meghan Markle is officially part of the royal family after she and Prince Harry exchanged their vows in front of 600 guests in an incredible ceremony.

Justin Welby, the head of the Church of England, made the proclamation after the couple promised to love and cherish one another “till death us do part”, and exchanged rings.

The British-American pair are now officially known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and the duchess will take her place among senior members of the royal family.

The pair were met by booming fanfare as they shared their first kiss as husband and wife on the steps of St George’s Chapel.

A livestream of the wedding and procession is available here.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kiss on the steps of St George’s Chapel. Source: AAP
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kiss on the steps of St George’s Chapel. Source: AAP
Ms Markle makes her way down the aisle. Source: AAP
Ms Markle makes her way down the aisle. Source: AAP
Harry’s father Prince Charles walked his new bride down the aisle. Source: AP
Harry’s father Prince Charles walked his new bride down the aisle. Source: AP
The pair were all smiles as she made her way to the alter. Source: 7 News
The pair were all smiles as she made her way to the alter. Source: 7 News

Ms Markle arrived to an adoring crowd and walked down the aisle accompanied part of the way by Prince Charles, and by 10 young page boys and bridesmaids.

The children included four-year-old Prince George and three-year-old Princess Charlotte, the son and daughter of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.

The couple smiled at each other as a soprano sang a work by Handel. As they stood at the altar, Harry said to Meghan: “You look amazing.”

Prince Harry had sat nervously alongside best man Prince William after they arrived at the chapel moments before his new bride.

The pair were all smiles as they read their vows to one another. Source: AP
The pair were all smiles as they read their vows to one another. Source: AP

Thousands roar as procession begins

The royal newlyweds are taking a short trip through Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage to the delight of thousands of well-wishers.

The crowd roared as Harry and Meghan emerged from St George’s Chapel and kissed at the top of the steps.

The couple, now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will travel through Windsor in the Ascot Landau carriage before looping back to Windsor Castle for their reception.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry leav after their wedding at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Gareth Fuller/pool photo via AP)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry leav after their wedding at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Gareth Fuller/pool photo via AP)

Tens of thousands of people have come to Windsor in hopes of catching a glimpse of the couple.

Ms Markle waved for the cameras as she made her way in a vintage Rolls-Royce with her mother, Doria Ragland, who struggled to hold back tears.

In the lead up to the ceremony, the Queen announced the royal titles that would bestowed upon them.

Meghan Markle meanwhile arrived with her mother, Doria Ragland. Photo: Getty Images
Meghan Markle meanwhile arrived with her mother, Doria Ragland. Photo: Getty Images
Meghan Markle with her mother Doria Ragland depart for the chapel.
Meghan Markle with her mother Doria Ragland depart for the chapel.
Prince Harry arrives with his best man Prince William, Duke of Cambridge for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel. Source: Getty
Prince Harry arrives with his best man Prince William, Duke of Cambridge for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel. Source: Getty

Previous speculation has been proven correct and the happy couple will indeed be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Ms Markle’s ring has been made with Welsh gold, as is traditional for royal weddings, while Harry’s will be made of platinum.

Hollywood actor George Clooney and wife Amal, British singer Elton John, footballer David Beckham and his fashion designer wife Victoria Beckham were among the guests, along with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey and tennis champion Serena Williams.

Harry’s ex-girlfriends Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas were also in attendance, along with singer James Blunt, an army veteran like Harry and author of the hit song – “You’re Beautiful”.

David and Victoria Beckham make their way to the chapel. Source: Reuters
David and Victoria Beckham make their way to the chapel. Source: Reuters
Amal Clooney and George Clooney wave to the crowd. Source: AP
Amal Clooney and George Clooney wave to the crowd. Source: AP

Harry’s cousin Zara Tindall and husband Mike, members of the Duchess of Cambridge’s family – including her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, brother James and sister Pippa – were also in attendance.

The Duchess of York, Sarah ‘Fergie’ Ferguson, was seen walking into the chapel, however it remains to be seen if she has been invited to the smaller reception at Frogmore House.

Meghan’s former on-screen husband Patrick Adams, who plays Michael Ross, was among a series of ‘Suits’ stars who were invited.