Almost a month after Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary, Prince Charles has opened up about one of the thoughtful contributions he made to the pair’s big day.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, which was attended by celebrities including David and Victoria Beckham and Elton John, before they celebrated with a wedding reception at Clarence House.
Earlier this week, Prince William’s father reflected on the pair’s nuptials during a two-part programme with Alan Titchmarsh on Classic FM.
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During the discussion, the 71-year-old – who recently recovered from Covid-19 – revealed that he offered his musical wisdom for the historic occasion.
‘I love trying to organise some interesting, I hope, pieces of music for certain occasions…particularly for weddings if people want,’ he explained.
‘I know my eldest son was quite understanding and was perfectly happy for me to suggest a few pieces for their wedding.’
As guests were seated for the wedding service, organ pieces included songs such as ‘Fantasia in G (Pièce d’orgue à 5)’ and ‘Prelude on St. Columba Op. 28’
Kate chose the ‘Bridal March’ from The Birds and Sir Parry’s ‘I Was Glad’ which has been used for every coronation since that of King Edward VII and at Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee.
The couple and the congregation went on to sing three hymns during the service including ‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer’, ‘Love Divine All Love Excelling’ and ‘Jerusalem’ which are all thought to be favourites of the couple.
Speaking about the songs he suggested for the wedding, Charles added: ‘I hope that gave some people pleasure, but it's rather fun having orchestras in for great occasions like that, and why not suggest a few pieces occasionally? Anyway... I do enjoy it.’
Meanwhile, Prince William’s brother Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle chose for several more modern songs for their 2018 nuptials at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
Schubert’s ‘Ave Maria’ and Rutter’s ‘The Lord Bless You and Keep You’ were among the newlywed’s ceremony choices, as well as Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’ and Etta James’ ‘Amen/This Little Life Of Mine’.
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