SAT'S WHY
Why was there an empty seat at the Royal Wedding and was it really a tribute to Princess Diana?
BILLIONS tuned in to watch Prince Harry tie the knot with Meghan Markle during the Royal Wedding.
There were numerous touching nods to his late mum during the ceremony, and an empty seat at the front of the chapel grabbed a lot of attention.
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Watch highlights of Royal Wedding as millions in the UK and across the world celebrate the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Was the empty seat at the Royal Wedding for Princess Diana?
Eagle-eyed TV watchers were quick to spot an empty seat next to Prince William in St George’s Chapel during his brother’s wedding.
It has been suggested that an empty seat was Harry's way of paying respects to his adored mum, Princess Diana, who died when he was just 12 years old.
However, as poignant as the gesture would have been, the real reason is more practical.
Protocol dictates that no one can sit in front of the Queen and obstruct her view, which is why the seat was left vacant.
Further to this, St George’s is the Queen’s private chapel and this seat is said to be one that she doesn’t find comfortable.
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How was Princess Diana honoured at the Royal Wedding?
The newly-weds ensured that the essence of Diana was part of their wedding day through other subtle touches, making her part of the ceremony 21 years after her death.
Meghan carried a bouquet with Diana’s beloved forget-me-nots, with the same flowers making up hairbands worn by bridesmaids.
Adorning the walls of the 500-year-old chapel were arches of flowers, including white roses, another of Diana’s favourites that were planted in her memory at the palace gardens over the summer.
Diana’s sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, who rarely makes public appearances, did one of the readings.
"Set me as a seal upon your heart," she read, "for love is strong as death."
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More on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding
Did Prince Harry cry during Princess Diana’s favourite hymn?
A visibly emotional Prince Harry appeared to wipe away a tear as Princess Diana's favourite hymn was played during his wedding.
The moment was during Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, which was picked as one of the songs for the service on their big day.
The young Royal reached up to his face as he stood next to a beaming Meghan Markle inside St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
The hymn was sung at Diana’s funeral at Westminster Abbey 20 years ago, when Harry was just 12.
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