Turns out it was Prince Charles’ idea to have gospel music at the royal wedding.
The Kingdom Choir, directed by Karen Gibson, shut it down at the royal wedding. Now, the BBC is reporting that it was the Prince of Wales who suggested Meghan Markle and Prince Harry add a gospel element.
“The couple didn’t actually ring us at first, the call came from Clarence House,” Gibson told reporters. “I understand that Prince Charles really likes gospel music.”
The choir sang a stirring rendition of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” along with a performance of “This Little Light Of Mine.”
In a statement via Instagram, the choir said: “We are extremely excited to be taking part in such a historic moment and know that it is one that we will always treasure. We’d like to take this opportunity to wish the couple all the very best for their coming union and thank them once again for their kind invitation.”
And, while the idea may have been Prince Charles’, the newlywed royal couple were happy to add a gospel element to the ceremony.
“The couple were very intentional about what they wanted sung and how they wanted it sung” Gibson added, “but the actual idea came from Prince Charles – although they were very happy to have gospel music.”