The Promises: Here’s what Harry and Meghan will promise each other. It’s a traditional-but-not-quite prayer book service.
Well, that’s our guess based on the royal family’s form. They appear to like a 1966 text “Series One: Solemnization of Holy Matrimony”, which omits the traditional promise by the bride to “obey” her husband.
• 1981 – Charles and Diana didn’t use the vow to obey and appear to have used the 1966 text.
• 2011 – William and Kate used the 1966 text, omitting the vow to obey.
• 2018 – It is anticipated that Harry and Meghan will follow suit.
So, we predict Harry, just like his brother, will be asked: “Henry Charles Albert David wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together according to God’s law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health and: forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
He answers: “I will.”
Meghan is asked: “Rachel Meghan wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together according to God’s law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
She answers: “I will.”
She is unlikely to be asked: “Rachel Meghan wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
The Intro: Just before the promises, marriage is described this way: “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God himself, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee, and is commended in Holy Writ to be honourable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly; but reverently, discreetly, soberly, and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained.
“First, it was ordained for the increase of mankind according to the will of God, and that children might be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy name.
“Secondly, it was ordained in order that the natural instincts and affections, implanted by God, should be hallowed and directed aright; that those who are called of God to this holy estate, should continue therein in pureness of living.
“Thirdly, it was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.
“Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.
“Therefore if any man can shew any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.”
The Preacher: In a break with tradition a rather interesting preacher has been chosen, Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal church in the US. He is an African American who combines the traditional preaching style of black preachers with the more progressive theology of the Episcopal church, where he is regarded as a moderate.
Pray
Some prayer points to help
IF you watch this on TV, join in the prayers!