Archbishop Announces Sussexes’ Marriage Voided Due to Vow Discrepancy

Archbishop Welby Sheds Light on Meghan and Harry's Secret Backyard Wedding

In a recent interview with media mogul Oprah Winfrey, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, revealed that she and Prince Harry had a private ceremony in their backyard before their grand royal wedding on May 19th.

However, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has now announced that their official marriage took place on the designated day.

During the interview, Meghan Markle disclosed that she and Harry wanted to have a sacred celebration with only three people.

This unusual request was the first of its kind, according to Archbishop Welby.

However, it didn't end there.

Meghan also asked the archbishop to refer to them as Meghan and Harry instead of their legal names, Rachel and Henry, during the official wedding ceremony.

The use of correct Christian first names is a legal requirement in wedding vows, as emphasized by the archbishop.

He further explained that he would have committed a serious criminal offense if he had knowingly signed a false wedding certificate.

The couple's failure to register their legal names ultimately voided their marriage.

An annulment, which relates to fraud or mistakes made by the parties involved, is now a possibility for Meghan and Harry.

It appears that the royal family was aware of the discrepancy in their marriage.

During the wedding ceremony, Prince Charles reacted when the archbishop referred to Harry as “Harry.”

This momentary slip caused the queen to give a disapproving look, as she had personally instructed the couple to use their full names, Rachel and Henry, during their vows.

The requirement for using full names during wedding ceremonies is stipulated by the Marriage Act of 1961.

While some individuals may not like their middle names, it remains a legal obligation.

However, celebrants can say the full names on behalf of the couple if they prefer.

In the case of the Church of England, the full baptismal name is typically called during the marriage ceremony.

Interestingly, Meghan Markle's legal first name is not Meghan, but Rachel Meghan Markle.

She has chosen to go by her middle name publicly.

Similarly, Prince Harry's real name is Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales.

Kensington Palace referred to Meghan as Miss Meghan Markle in all statements leading up to the wedding, including on the wedding invitations.

However, Queen Elizabeth II used her given name, Rachel, in the official consent letter, which provided a clue about the order of service.

The letter stated, “I declare my consent to a contract of matrimony between my most dearly beloved grandson, Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales, and Rachel Meghan Markle.”

This naming convention aligns with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding in 2011.

During their ceremony, conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Kate Middleton was referred to as Catherine Elizabeth, while Prince William was called William Arthur Philip Lewis.

Both individuals used their official titles.

The revelation of Meghan and Harry's secret backyard wedding adds another layer of complexity to their already controversial journey.

As the legal implications of their vows come to light, the possibility of an annulment looms.

The royal family's knowledge of this discrepancy raises questions about the authenticity of the Sussexes' marriage.