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19-year-old cellist to play at royal wedding

PICTURED: 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason

SHEKU KANNEH-Mason, a 19-year-old cellist, has been invited to play at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding.

Kanneh-Mason, who is from Nottingham, is the first black winner of the BBC Young Musician competition.

Kensington Palace made the announcement via Twitter yesterday and provided some insight into how the young musician was chosen.

“Last June, Prince Harry saw Sheku play at an event in London in support of the work of Antiguan charity the Halo Foundation,” the palace said on Twitter.

The teenager said: “I’m so excited and honoured to perform at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. I was bowled over when Ms Markle called me to ask if I would play during the ceremony, and of course I immediately said yes!!! What a privilege. I can’t wait!”

Kanneh-Mason released his debut album Inspiration in January of this year.

The young cellist’s debut album peaked at number 18 in the UK charts, making him the first BBC Young Musician winner to enter the charts with a debut.

Kanneh-Mason donated £3,000 to Trinity Catholic School in Nottingham, his former school, to go towards the continuation of cello music lessons there.

Kensington Palace also announced that Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir, an award-winning Gospel choir, will be performing at the ceremony.


PICTURED: Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir

The palace said: “Both Prince Harry and Ms Markle have taken a great deal of interest and care in choosing the music for their service.”

The royal couple are set to get married at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19. There will be a reception at the castle afterwards.

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