Black royal watchers in Toronto happy to see diversity at wedding celebrations

TORONTO – People in Toronto gathered in theatres, hotels and pubs to watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marry in a ceremony at St. George’s Chapel on Saturday, where the Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry gave a passionate sermon quoting from the Bible and Martin Luther King Jr. Among the spectators were royal watchers who found the event particularly significant for members of the black community. Here are a few of their reactions:

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“Having African-Americans … participate is a highlight for me, as a black woman. Some folks say we’ve arrived. We haven’t arrived. We’ve always had a rightful place, and it’s so nice to see it today.”— Yolanda McClean, audience member at the Princess of Wales theatre

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“The Royal Family have embraced diversity. They’ve come a long way and it’s just great to see that.” — Yvonne Brown, retired banker from Mississauga

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“The royal family is progressing and changing. I think (Markle) is a good role model for young people, both male and female.”— Judy Joseph, 42-year-old Caribbean-Canadian

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“The bride is everything that a royal bride couldn’t have been 20 years ago. And she represents diversity and inclusion. … She represents the opportunity for all the little girls out there who didn’t think they could be a princess.”— KC Goundiam, board member of the British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce

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“I loved the bishop, his speech about love, that was very important and very pivotal. Because I know people around the world are watching that and it was a very important message…I feel very proud and connected.”— Charlee Chiappa, British citizen living in Toronto