In Britain, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married Saturday at Windsor Castle, in a ceremony that many heralded as ushering in a new era for the royal family. Meghan Markle, a former American actress, is biracial, divorced and a self-proclaimed feminist. The wedding celebrated black culture and history, including with a rousing gospel choir performance of the song “Stand by Me.” Bishop Michael Curry, the first African American to preside over the Episcopal Church, also delivered a powerful sermon in which he preached about slavery, poverty and the enduring power of love.

Bishop Michael Curry: “The late Dr. Martin Luther King once said—and I quote—’We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love. And when we do that, we will make of this old world a new world, for love—love is the only way.’ There’s power in love. Don’t underestimate it. Don’t even over-sentimentalize it. There’s power, power in love. If you don’t believe me, think about a time when you first fell in love. The whole world seemed to center around you and your beloved.”

Another performer at the royal wedding was the 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. He was the first black British musician to win the BBC’s Young Musician of the Year award in its 40-year existence. And among the songs performed was Etta James’s civil rights anthem “This Little Light of Mine.” The royal wedding is estimated to have cost $45 million.