Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Hadn't Heard the Choir Performance at Their Royal Wedding Until The Big Day
The Kingdom Choir performed "Stand By Me."
![Event, Musician, Music, Ceremony,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cjfmNRW7AF7AxaGg2fMXRE-415-80.jpg)
With an audience of a casual 29 million tuning in across the world, you’d assume that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had every tiny detail fine-tuned for their royal wedding back in May. Everything from the Duchess’s stunning bridal gown, all the way through to the intricate invitations, and even the thank-you cards were absolutely perfected. But, despite months of hard work and endless attention to detail, there was still one fairly major risk that Harry and Meghan ended up taking for their big day.
It turns out that the royal couple had actually never heard the final rendition of "Stand By Me," that The Kingdom Choir performed before they exchanged their vows. So, phew, it’s a good job that it was nothing less than flawless.
The choir, who performed to guests inside St George’s Chapel during the royal wedding, changed their version of the song 11 times before settling on the final arrangement. But some changes were so last-minute that the Duke and Duchess had to put their faith and trust in the vocalists, without actually hearing a rehearsal of the completed song before the ceremony.
Speaking to Hello! about the lengthy process of perfecting their performance, Karen Gibson of The Kingdom Choir said: "We were asked to sing "Stand by Me", so we put down an arrangement that was pure gospel, it was a very full-on sound, which we are used to singing… But we got word back that they wanted something a little less, so we did a second version which had an Etta James arrangement, but again we had word back that it wasn’t right.”
Later on in the process, the choir were invited to meet with Meghan and Harry in person to discuss the sound they were envisioning—an experience which Karen described as “quire surreal.” She explained: "We went to Kensington Palace and had tea and biscuits and a chat. You could see how very much in love they were just from the way they look at each other and listen to what each other says. Then we went into a few new arrangements and heard what they had to say.”
Karen recalled: "The day of the wedding, I knew they were going to hear the 12th version, which was our most stripped back yet. They hadn’t had time to hear it before because the 11th version needed tweaking so this was going to be it. None of us were nervous on the day about performing but I was nervous as to whether this would be exactly what they wanted. It felt incredible on the day.”
Having thankfully given the perfect performance, The Kingdom Choir are now firm favorites for Harry and Meghan, and are even set to close the Duke’s own Invictus Games, taking place next month in Sydney.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
RELATED STORY
Lucy Wood spends most of her time writing about celebrity news, reading books, and waiting for the glorious day that she have enough millions for a pet sloth. She also has a YouTube channel on the go where she pretends to know things about fashion and life advice.
-
'Too Hot to Handle' Rule Breakers Katherine LaPrell and Charlie Jeer Are Sexy Pair to Watch This Season
The two models have had a rocky road toward coupling up, but could they be in it to win it?
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Ice Spice Hits Back at Claims Taylor Swift Became Friends With Her for "Clout"
She's insulted by people's assumptions.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Bette Midler Swears the Secret to Her 40-Year Marriage Is "Separate Bedrooms"
She's been married to Martin von Haselberg since 1984.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published