By Shashi Narasimhiah

This Royal wedding was branded to be the wedding of the century for a reason.The wedding marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the British Royals with a mixed race bride joining their family for the first time – something that would have seemed far fetched if not impossible even a few years/decades ago. Given the level of social and political attention and influence the British Royal Family commands, this not only marks a significant change in the world order in terms of racial neutrality, but also brings about a new era in the concept of inclusive behavioural pattern – something that is being promoted in the contemporary political, corporate and social circles.

For centuries, England has been the cradle of many significant pioneering activities commencing with the introduction of Magna Carta, introduction of democracy and parliamentary form of government, introduction of local government, leading the Industrial Revolution, abolition of slavery, invention of the game of Cricket all the way to the modern times when a person of Indian origin was appointed as the captain of England Cricket team to election of a Muslim mayor of London. This recent most event of a mixed race person becoming a part of the Royal family too will be of significance to the entire world in making the world a place of lesser racial bias. Given the juxtaposition of the Royal Family vis-à-vis world politics and the influence it wields across the world this event although just a wedding like any other, would not be too far removed  from Barack Obama becoming the leader of the free world in terms of the hierarchy of significant world events.

To add credence to the above, the American Bishop Michael Curry made use of the opportunity with a fiery, passionate and emotional speech. The Bishop said:  the occasion was all about love, that love was contagious and that one could feel it in the room, the people were joyful, happy and thankful. He did not forget to mention slavery and the civil rights movement and quoted Dr Martin Luther King Jnr and the Old Testament.

While the British Royal family has a place of its own on the world stage, Meghan Markle too has carved out a place of her own as an accomplished actor with her powerful role in TV show Suits and has a bachelor’s degree and a double major in theatre and international studies. She is famous for the quote: “I wasn’t black enough for the black roles and I wasn’t white enough for the white ones, leaving me somewhere in the middle as the ethnic chameleon who couldn’t book a job”.

The theme of the guest list which appears to include personalities who have made a positive impact to their communities is rather unique and deserves applause. The list included three persons of Indian Origin all women – our one and only film and TV star Priyanka Chopra (in her stylish hat) a friend of Meghan Markle, Suhani  Jalota, who is  an activist working to improve public health in India. Suhani has set up the social enterprise Myna  Mahila Foundation along with three women, establishing a factory that produces sanitary products employing poor women in Mumbai by giving them jobs and Rosie Ginday, born to Punjabi parents in the UKwhose ‘Miss Macaroon’, a business which not only produces and sells small biscuits called ‘macaroons’ but also uses its profits towards employment and training opportunities for young people.

While the speech by Prince Harry was funny, Prince Charles who walked Meghan down the aisle  was at his graceful best when he ended his speech with ‘My darling old Harry, I’m so happy for you’

The guest list included such personalities as Amal and Gorge Clooney, Sir Elton John, Victoria and   David Beckham, Serena Williams, Oprah, Meghan’s co-stars in the TV show Suits – Patrick J Adams, Gabriel Macht,  Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres and Rick Hoffman. And as the Bishop mentioned love was in the air.

Mother-of-the-bride Doria Ragland was notably, Meghan’s sole family member in attendance. Her face was overcome with emotion and she wept throughout the service. Her pride in her daughter, a bi-racial actor and divorcee marrying into the British royal family was evident.

There is already some speculation on whether the wedding will last. Much research has been done on this matter even before the wedding!! Here are some indicators: Both are marrying in their 30’s and research shows that the maximum divorce rate is among those who marry while in their 30’s. They are both children to divorced parents. Meghan has already divorced once which tends to increase the risk of another. But there are many positive signs though – the chemistry between them is great, they are very affectionate towards each other. So for now, let us just wish them well for a happy and blissful married life.