NEATH GUARDIAN | More about THE wedding

06 October 2014

More about THE wedding

First picture of Mrs Katherine Levitas - Katherine Jenkins

Source: Daily Mail Online

Katherine Jenkins Weds

Report by Jeff Griffiths

Neath celebrity mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins wed the American film director and artist Andrew Levitas at Hampton Court Palace on Saturday 27th September. Although the world’s media were kept at bay, Neath's Rector Canon Stephen Ryan had a ringside seat at the wedding. The couple had a civil marriage ceremony followed by blessings delivered by a Rabbi, in respect of Levitas's Jewish background, and by Canon Ryan.

Above - With Canon Ryan of Neath - photo James Davies
Right - The Great Hall at Hampton Court - photo Jeff Griffiths

Details of the marriage had been kept closely under wraps, with just close family and friends invited. It was at Neath's St David’s Church that the classical star developed her singing talents as a chorister. Canon Ryan said “The wedding ceremony was a wonderful occasion in the historic royal palace at Hampton Court and it was enjoyed by everyone present. There were many Welsh touches to the service and the reception including the Welsh flag flying from the palace tower. It was lovely to meet Andrew’s family who had travelled from New York to be present. Everyone at St David’s and the Parish of Neath send their very best wishes to Katherine and Andrew and it was important to them both that their wedding was blessed by the priest from her home parish in Wales.” The couple had been given permission from Buckingham Palace to fly the Welsh dragon flag at their wedding venue.

The wedding banquet was held in the impressive surroundings of the palace's medieval Great Hall.
In May last year Katherine held a concert at St David’s Church to launch the St David’s Church Tower Restoration Appeal which aims to raise £500,000 to secure the future of the iconic Neath landmark. In March this year Katherine was invested with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to music and charity, especially her work in support of the British Armed Forces.

Jeff Griffiths