Meet the LGBT-friendly US bishop who will preach at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding

Bishop Michael Curry, the first African-American to preside over the Episcopal Church, follows in the footsteps of father, a racial equality activist, by fighting for gay marriage

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The Reverend Michael Bruce Curry gives a thumbs up as he arrives for his Installation ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral, in Washington, November 1, 2015. He will preach at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Photo: Reuters

The Washington Post

Published: 7:14am, 13 May 2018Updated: 10:14pm, 13 May 2018

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship is transatlantic, and now their wedding ceremony will be too.

Kensington Palace announced on Saturday that Bishop Michael Curry, the first African-American to preside over the Episcopal Church, will deliver a sermon at the couple’s wedding on May 19.

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Curry does not know the couple personally, said Neva Rae Fox, a representative for the Episcopal Church, but he will meet them before the ceremony.

“It was my understanding that given the fact that he was the first African-American bishop and is a wonderful preacher and speaker, it would be appropriate for him to be invited to speak,” Fox said. “The bishop is honoured and thrilled to be participating.”

Britain's Prince Harry stands with his fiancée, US actress Meghan Markle, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace in west London on November 27, 2017, following the announcement of their engagement. Photo: AFP

Curry applauds as he begins his sermon after his Installation ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, on November 1, 2015. He is the first African-American Episcopal presiding bishop. Photo: Reuters