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Royal wedding album: Decca to record Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's ceremony for special vinyl release

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend an official photocall to announce their engagement at The Sunken Gardens: Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend an official photocall to announce their engagement at The Sunken Gardens: Getty Images

Decca Records is planning to release a recording of the music that will be performed at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The entire ceremony will be available globally, on all streaming platforms, on 19 May (the day of the wedding) while a special vinyl release is out on the 25th.

For those who, like this writer, aren't quite so fussed about the approaching nuptials - don't turn up your nose at the recording just yet. Prince Harry and Ms Markle have already announced, via Kensington Palace, a fantastic lineup of musicians to perform at their ceremony.

Among the artists confirmed so far is British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason - who said he was "bowled over" when he received a phonecall from Ms Markle herself, after Prince Harry saw him perform at a charity concert in London.

The first black musician to win the BBC Young Musician competition; Kanneh-Mason added he was "excited and honoured" to perform. His album of classical pieces and arrangements of modern songs went to No.1 on the classic chart last year, and 18 in the main chart - making him the youngest cellist ever to feature in the countdown.

(Decca)
(Decca)

Also performing are Welsh soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, the Choir of St George's Chapel, and Christian gospel group The Kingdom Choir. The album is being produced by Anna Barry, one of the world's most renowned classical record producers, who has worked on over 500 recordings over 25 years.

Rebecca Allen, president of Decca Records, said: "Decca is hugely proud of its historical connections to the royal family and is very much looking forward to recording, and making available within hours, this truly special event. This unique and prestigious occasion will be available to stream across all music platforms globally - a first for a royal wedding."

A donation will be made per album by Decca to support the charitable work of the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Ms Markle will join as a fourth patron of the foundation following her marriage to Prince Harry.