"Solemnization of Matrimony" Excerpt,

Taken from the Official Programme of the Wedding Ceremony of Prince Charles and the Lady Diana, St. Paul's Cathedral, 29 July 1981

At the day and time appointed for solemnization of Matrimony, the persons to be married shall come into the body of the Church with their friends and neighbours: and there standing together, the Man on the right hand and the Woman on the left, The Dean shall say,

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate instituted of God himself, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adored and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee, and is commended in Holy Writ to be honourable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly; but reverently, discreetly, soberly, and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.

"First, It was ordained for the increase of mankind according to the will of God, and that children might be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his Holy name.

"Secondly, It was ordained in order that the natural instincts and affections, implanted by God, should be hallowed and directed aright; that those who are called of God to this holy estate, should continue therein in pureness of living.

"Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help and comfort, that the one ought to have the other, both in prosperity and adversity.

"Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined..."

VOWS MADE:

"I CHARLES PHILIP ARTHUR GEORGE take thee DIANA FRANCES to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth."

"I DIANA FRANCES take thee CHARLES PHILIP ARTHUR GEORGE to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth."

RING FOR PRINCESS DIANA AND BLESSING SAID OVER IT:

Then shall they again loose their hands; and the Man shall give unto the Woman a ring, laying the same upon the book. And the Archbishop shall say a prayer for the blessing of the ring.

"Bless, O Lord this ring, and grant that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other, and abide in thy peace and favour, and live together in love until their lives' end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen"

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