The music It has a fundamental role in weddings: it helps create more intense memories, transmits the personality of the couple and makes each ‘I do’ unique. Something that also happens in royal relationships. Although their religious ceremonies had a solemn character, in many of them very special pieces could be heard that revealed the character of the couple. Of the emotional Stand by Me at the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to the tango version Goodbye Nonino in the union of the current Kings of the Netherlands; We review the musical pieces that were played in the weddings of the royals.
‘Imperial Crown’ at Kate Middleton’s wedding
The couple, who married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, chose to close the ceremony and leave the temple Crown Imperial. This piece is the work of the British William Walton and was composed for the coronation of King George VI in 1937. Due to its strength and solemnity it has become a piece that the British Royal Family has resorted to on important occasions, such as the aforementioned wedding. of the current princes of Wales or during the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
‘Stand by Me’ at Meghan Markle’s wedding
On May 19, 2018, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry said ‘I do’ at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony was when the gospel group The Kingdom Choir performed a version of Stand by Me. This ballad was written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1960 and is inspired by a traditional spiritual hymn and talks about love, loyalty and support.
‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’ at Diana of Wales’s wedding
For her entrance to St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on July 29, 1981, Lady Di chose I Vow to Thee, My Country. It is a composition that comes from the suite orchestral The Planetsspecifically the movement Jupitercomposed by Gustav Holst in 1916. The lyrics were written by Cecil Spring Rice in 1908 and adapt a poem that highlights love and devotion to both country and a heavenly ideal.
‘Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven’ at the wedding of Elizabeth II
The wedding of Elizabeth II and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, on November 20, 1947, was the first royal wedding broadcast around the world by radio through the BBC. When the then princess arrived at Westminster Abbey it began to ring Praise, My Soul, the King of Heavena very emblematic piece within Anglo-Saxon sacred music. This piece was composed by Henry Francis Lyte in 1834 and its text, a powerful message of praise, adoration and gratitude to God, is based on Psalm 103.
‘Wedding March’, by Felix Mendelssohn, at Doña Letizia’s wedding
At the wedding of Doña Letizia and Felipe VI, held on May 22, 2004 in the Almudena Cathedral, music marked the solemnity of the event. Classical compositions and sacred works such as Gloryby Antonio Vivaldi or Hail Maryby Franz Schubert. One of the most remembered is the Wedding March, by Felix Mendelssohn, who accompanied the current Queen to the altar. It is one of the most popular and chosen pieces at weddings.
‘Goodbye Nonino’, at the wedding of Máxima of the Netherlands
On February 2, 2002, the wedding of the current Kings of the Netherlands was held in Amsterdam. During the ceremony there was a particularly emotional moment when the Goodbye Noninoby Astor Piazzolla. It is a tango arranged especially for the ceremony. This piece was included as a tribute to Máxima’s Argentine roots and in memory of her father.
‘Alle Menschen werden Brüder’, at the wedding of Mary of Denmark
The music chosen by Mary and Frederick of Denmark for their wedding, held on May 14, 2004 in Copenhagen Cathedral, was marked by solemnity, tradition and modernity. All Menschen werden Brüderthe final chorus of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, was the piece chosen for the newlyweds’ exit. A composition full of grandeur that symbolizes union and universal celebration.
‘Där kärleken bor’, at the wedding of Victoria of Sweden
Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling were married on June 19, 2010 at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Stockholm. As in all weddings, music had a very special role, but it was Där kärleken bor one of the most significant pieces. This melody, whose title could be translated as Where Love Lives, was composed by Benny Andersson, one of the members of ABBA. It was composed especially for this link and stood out for its emotionality.
‘This Little Light of Mine’ at Eugenie de York’s wedding
On October 12, 2018, Eugenie of York and Jack Brooksbank said ‘I do’ at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Although there were many pieces that were played throughout the ceremony, This Little Light of Mineperformed a cappella, was one of the most special. This gospel hymn, which was also played at the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, was actually composed around 1920 by Harry Dixon Loes as a children’s song.