The reception guests reportedly cheered when Harry referred to Meghan as his wife. Photo / Getty
The reception guests reportedly cheered when Harry referred to Meghan as his wife. Photo / Getty
Tears were flowing as Prince Harry went "off-the-cuff" while delivering a heartfelt speech at his royal wedding lunch reception.
The beaming groom paid special tribute to his now wife Meghan Markle while thanking everyone who helped play a part in the couple' special day.
"He did all the 'Thank you's,' " a guest told People.com, who also attended the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
But it was his humour that shone through when he went "off the cuff" telling guests they should leave quietly to avoid waking up the neighbours.
"It was very off-the-cuff, which was lovely," says the guest. "He promised that all the Americans wouldn't steal the swords and said, 'Please, when you leave, be quiet as you don't want to wake the neighbors,' which was quite fun."
"It was more than you would ever imagine it to be," adds the guest. "It did feel like we were really part of their very special occasion. It just felt about the two of them, which was great."
Prince Harry's address followed an emotional speech from his father Prince Charles revealing details about Harry's childhood before Elton John surprised guests with an impromptu concert.
In his final song, the 69-year-old is believed to have paid tribute to Meghan Markle complimenting the couple on how beautiful they are together.
Prince Harry delivered a heartfelt speech at the afternoon reception for family and friends. Photo / Getty
Charity boss Suhani Jalota told how the speeches left guests wiping their eyes — and added that a raucous cheer went up when Harry finally referred to Meghan as his wife.
She said: "Some people were even crying. I think it was just a very, really nice atmosphere to be in where everybody felt really loved."
"Essentially it was just about how Harry was as a child and growing up. And now just about the couple and how beautiful they are together.
"So I think it was just about their personalities and how they gel really well together."
In a break from tradition, Meghan Markle will give her speech at the evening wedding reception, choosing to speak at the star-studded line up in front of 250 guests.
The after-party is being held by Prince Charles in a £300,000 ($538,000) glass marquee in the grounds of Frogmore House.
Prince Charles also gave a touching speech at the afternoon reception. Photo / Getty
It is the latest break in royal tradition for the couple, who were today hailed for their multicultural ceremony.
Their nuptials at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle featured a rip-roaring sermon from an American preacher and a moving rendition of Stand By Me by a black gospel choir.
The Most Reverend Bishop Michael Curry had some royal wedding guests stifling a laugh with some fans suggesting he'd gone off script and joking that his sermon had exceeded the allotted time.
The Duchess of Sussex was seen smiling at him throughout the sermon, while former talkshow queen Oprah Winfrey was seen eagerly nodding at his words.
