Anne Denholm is the official harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales, a position she has held since 2015.

Behind the scenes at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

It was a brilliantly beautiful day—the sun dazzled from a cloudless blue sky. The historic town of Windsor had been adorned with Union Jacks, bunting, and pictures of the happy couple. Its large leafy trees dappled the sun on the ground, and the river Thames glistened nearby. A palpable buzz of excitement hung in the air as people made their way on foot towards the town center carrying picnics, collapsible chairs, and even more flags. This air of anticipation permeated into the musicians’ bus, increasing as we entered the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Anne Denholm, the official harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales, performed for the May 19 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Denholm played on the royal harp, which was custom made by Salvi harps and presented by Victor Salvi to HRH The Prince of Wales in 2006. (photo by Julian Dodd)

Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest castle in the world that is still in use as a place of royal residence. The immaculate grounds stretch for kilometers around the castle itself, scattered with small houses, beautiful outbuildings, and fields of horses and cattle. On our way up to the castle the bus had to slow down for a passing group of handsome Windsor Grey horses that we guessed might be pulling the carriage for the procession of the newly married couple later that day. We were correct!

The sight that greeted us on reaching one of the main gates to the castle—the Henry VIII Gate—was incredible. Jubilant people lined the quaint winding streets of Windsor as far as the eye could see. As well as anticipation, there was joy, celebration, and community, and it was quite overwhelming to witness.

Inside the castle, there was a bustle of final preparations. Watching the whole scene were rows of small, temporary television studios perched in the most unlikely places, some with full sets open at the back onto the castle grounds. Some members of the public lucky enough to have houses or offices overlooking the castle grounds had set up parties on their balconies and roofs. We made our way to the dressing rooms, and before long it was time for me to go and unpack and tune the harp.

I was very fortunate to use the royal harp belonging to HRH The Prince of Wales for the performance at the wedding. This is a unique Salvi harp, designed especially for His Royal Highness by Victor Salvi, and presented in 2006. Its design incorporates many emblems of Welsh national identity, from the dragons around the base of the harp, to the daffodils and love spoons on the soundboard. The top of the column is shaped like the heraldic badge of HRH The Prince of Wales, with three ostrich feathers sitting in a gold coronet. The blue ribbon that sits at the bottom of the official badge reading Ich Dien, “I Serve,” spirals down the column of the harp, the words imprinted around halfway down.

St. George’s Chapel, where the couple was married, was completed during the reign of King Henry VIII and is a beautiful and historic place of worship, high ceilinged with walls of colourful stained glass. During the wedding ceremony the harp stood at the edge of the orchestra, framed under magnificent stone arches on the steps leading from the nave to the quire. The arches were wound with flowers and foliage, and the overall effect was magical.

After all the anticipation, preparation, and organization, it was time. The orchestra was seated as guests arrived, and the microphones turned on. We played British classics such as Elgar’s Chanson de Matin and Vaughan-Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves as guests gathered. And then, after two brilliantly loud fanfares, the bride entered to Eternal Source of Light Divine by G. F. Handel, performed by Elin Manahan-Thomas and David Blackadder, accompanied by the orchestra. Time stood still—what a beautiful moment: from Ms. Markle’s stunning dress, the serene music, the light through the stained glass windows, to the calm anticipation of the guests. As the wedding ceremony continued through the vows, the giving of rings, and the address, I was struck by the beauty and integrity of the ceremony. It was still slightly surreal, however, as mass cheers from the crowds watching in the grounds permeated through the ancient chapel walls after each stage of the vows.

During the signing of the register the young British star cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, played three solos with the orchestra. He was a joy to accompany, and I still have the beautiful arrangements by Chris Hazell ringing in my ears. As the happy couple processed from the church, they were greeted at the door by The Kingdom Choir, a brilliant gospel choir who gave two moving and uplifting performances as part of the wedding. TRH’s The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were also, of course, met by crowds of delighted onlookers and the dazzling sunshine.

I feel incredibly lucky to have been a very small part of such a special and iconic event. Not only was this an historic royal wedding, but a sincere and beautiful celebration of love.