Meghan Markle read an emotional poem during Misha Nonoo and Michael Hess’s star-studded wedding at the Villa Aurelia in Rome.
Insiders say the Duchess of Sussex, who was rumored to have been introduced to husband Harry by Nonoo, personally picked Roger McGough’s ‘The Vow’ for her reading during Friday’s ceremony.
The poem is a popular pick for weddings, emphasizing the importance of love and commitment in good times and bad.
Meghan Markle read Roger McGough’s emotional poem ‘The Vow’ during Misha Nonoo and Michael Hess’s star-studded wedding at the Villa Aurelia in Rome on Friday. The Duchess of Sussex is seen arriving at the spectacular venue with husband Harry
Hess and Nonoo’s first public appearance as a couple was at Meghan and Harry’s royal wedding in May 2018. The pair tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony on Friday
‘I vow to honor the commitment made this day which, unlike the flowers and the cake, will not wither or decay,’ the passage by acclaimed British poet McGough reads.
‘A promise, not to obey but to respond joyfully, to forgive and to console, for once incomplete, we now are whole.
‘I vow to bear in mind that if, at times things seem to go from bad to worse, they also go from bad to better. The lost purse is handed in, the letter contains wonderful news. Trains run on time, hurricanes run out of breath, floods subside, and toast lands jam-side up.
‘And with this ring, my final vow: to recall, whatever the future may bring, The love I feel for you now.’
According to The Daily Mail’s senior royal correspondent, Rebecca English, Meghan was the only guest invited to give a reading.
The Duchess of Sussex dazzled in a $13,500 (£8,900) black Valentino dress with a V-neck cut and voluminous sleeves.
She paired the pricey frock with $6 (£5) vintage gold earrings she borrowed from a friend.
Meghan Markle dazzled in a $13,500 (£8,900) black Valentino dress with a V-neck cut and voluminous sleeves. She paired the pricey frock with $6 (£5) vintage gold earrings
It was rumored that Nonoo and Hess chose to have their nuptials on a Friday so that Harry and Meghan could attend ahead of their tour of Africa with baby Archie.
The royals arrived in Rome on Thursday and stayed for less than 48 hours before jetting home on Saturday afternoon to pack for Africa.
On Thursday night they were invited to an intimate gathering by the bride and groom that was comprised of only family and VIP guests, including Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, as well as Hess’ best friend Joshua Kushner and his wife Karlie Kloss.
One night later, the star wattage was on full display for the couple’s big night.
The Sussexes weren’t the only royals in attendance as Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also made an appearance.
Paul McCartney attended with his wife Nancy Shevell – and the former Beatle even performed a funny song alongside James Corden and Hess.
CBS anchor Gayle King was seated at the bride and groom’s table, despite only having met the couple a handful of times.
Meghan Markle and Misha Nonoo have been friends for years, and its rumored that the fashion designer introduced the actress to her husband Harry. The pair are seen at the 12th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in New York City in November 2015
Meghan is seen greeting Misha at the launch of the designer’s Smart Works capsule collection in London on September 12
Nonoo proved her close bond with Meghan when she invited the duchess to read.
According to Nonoo, the pair met in 2010 at a luncheon in Miami during Art Basel. Nonoo has said in the past that they struck up a friendship almost immediately.
Meghan wrote in her now-shut blog that it was actually at Art Basel in 2014, and during a night of drinking and dancing in Miami.
It is Meghan’s timeline that stands up, with photos confirming the two both attended an event at the Soho House that year.
The two were then introduced by Markus Anderson, one of the founders of the Soho House and a friend of Meghan’s.
Anderson was also a friend of Nonoo and her husband at the time, Alexander Gilkes, who three years prior had started his own auction house for fine art, Paddle8.
The impressive guest list included former Beatle Paul McCartney (right), who performed a singing skit with the groom and comedian James Corden
Gayle King was seated at the bride and groom’s table despite only having met the couple a handful of times. The CBS This Morning host is seen arriving at Friday’s nuptials
Nonoo (left) is seen arriving at the venue alongside Princess Eugenie (right)
Sparkle motion: Nicky Hilton in a golden Oscar de la Renta on Friday with husband James Rothschild (left) and Colby Mugrabi in Prada on Saturday (right)
Karlie Kloss arrived with her good friends Dasha Zhukova and Stavros Niarchos on Friday
James Corden (left on Friday) was also part of the skit with McCartney and Hess, while Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner got a warm welcome (right on Friday)
Vogue’s Allie Michler (left) and Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom (right) arrive for the ceremony
Princess Beatrice dressed in what appeared to be a sequin jacket designed by Nonoo
The graph above shows Mikey Hess and Misha Nonoo’s links to their high-profile guests