Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding had only one reading from the Bible and the choice is actually a popular verse for marrying couples.
Lady Jane Fellowes, the sister of Prince Harry's late mother Princess Diana, read Song of Solomon 2:10-13, which is also regarded as "My Beloved Speaks," and Song of Solomon 8:6-7. The particular verses talk of a mother's love for her son. It also describes a new beginning for couples in love and a strong marriage with God at the center.
"My beloved speaks and says to me: 'Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone," part of the verses read. "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave."
Earlier, Kensington Palace revealed that the couple invited Fellowes to take part in the wedding to represent Princess Diana's family and honor the memory of Prince Harry's mother.
Prince Harry was only 12 years old when Princess Diana died in a car accident in Paris in 1997. Fellowes was the first person authorities called to confirm her sister's death and she was in Paris with Prince Charles to bring home the Princess' body to London for her burial.
Over the years, Prince Harry and his brother Prince William have maintained a close relationship with their relatives on their mother's side of the family – Fellowes, Earl Charles Spencer and Lady Sarah McCorquodale. Fellowes' daughter is godmother to Princess Charlotte, the Duke and Duchess of Cambrige's second child. Fellowes and Prince Harry are also patrons of Only Connect, a charity organization that helps with juvenile delinquents.
Song of Solomon is also a long form poem that celebrates genuine love and its quotes are often found in anniversary and Valentine's day cards. It's quite a bold choice for the royal couple, however, because the book deals with sexual intimacy.
