By Gale Beeby
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex upon their marriage at Windsor Castle on May 19, an event that was closely watched by millions of people around the world.
The wedding was itself a marriage of real royalty and Hollywood royalty, combined with a mix of African American pageantry. I have to say; I thoroughly enjoyed watching some of the British royals squirm in their seats during some of the events, most especially the “electrifying” address delivered by Rev. Michael Curry, the first African American Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church.
There were also enough celebrities present to bring out the red carpet, including George and Amal Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian, Elton John and David Furnish, David and Victoria Beckham, Idris Elba (who also emceed the evening reception), James Blunt, Carey Mulligan, James Corden, Joss Stone, Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy, to name but a few.
But enough about the wedding.
The new Duke and Duchess are now ready to embark on their new lives and have been given Apartment 1 at Kensington Palace, right next door to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — Prince William and Kate Middleton — who occupy Apartment 1A.
The two apartments are connected by an adjoining door, but it might be noted that Harry and Meghan’s apartment is one room larger than his brother’s — not that size matters.
However, for now the couple will continue to reside at Harry’s pre-marriage home, Kensington’s Nottingham Cottage, as Apartment 1 is currently occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester — the Queen’s cousin Richard — who will be moved to another apartment at Kensington.
Other neighbours include Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, who share Ivy Cottage; The Duke and Duchess of Kent — the Queen’s cousin Prince Edward and his wife Katherine — who live at Wren House; Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, another one of the Queen’s cousins, who live in Apartment 10.