The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge may have only just welcomed the third royal baby on Monday 23 April but the nation is now eagerly awaiting the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Here’s everything you need to know…
When is the Royal Wedding?
The royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be held on Saturday, 19 May 2018, which is the same day as the 2018 FA Cup Final.
The couple’s decision to wed on a Saturday goes against tradition, as royal weddings usually take place on a weekday. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wed on a Friday and the Queen on a Thursday.
The wedding service will begin at midday – meaning that a clash with the football is unlikely because recent FA Cup Finals have kicked off at 5.30pm.
At 1pm, the newlyweds will embark on a carriage procession along a route including Castle Hill, High Street, Sheet Street, Kings Road, Albert Road, Long Walk and finally Windsor Castle.
In a statement, Kensington Palace said: “They hope this short journey will provide an opportunity for more people to come together around Windsor and to enjoy the atmosphere of this special day,
After the service, there will be a reception at St George’s Hall for the couple and guests from the congregation.
And later that evening, the Prince of Wales will give a private evening reception for the Harry and Meghan as well as their close friends and family.
The marriage of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle will take place at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle in May 2018. pic.twitter.com/lJdtWnbdpB
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 28, 2017
Where are Harry and Meghan getting married?
Harry and Meghan will say “I do” at St George’s Chapel, the same church where Harry was christened when he was just three months old.
St George’s Chapel is nestled within the grounds of Windsor Castle – where the Queen and Prince Philip live for most of the year.
In a statement, Clarence House said: “Her Majesty The Queen has granted permission for the wedding to take place at the Chapel. The Royal Family will pay for the wedding.”
Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle will take part in a Carriage Procession around Windsor after their wedding on May 19th.
🎥 Go behind the scenes at The Royal Mews to learn more the Carriages and Horses that will be used: https://t.co/cKM7KpTgAF pic.twitter.com/HDHj2awXBq
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 2, 2018
Who’s on the guest list to attend?
Kensington Palace has said that “around 600” guests will be in attendance, a small crowd in contrast to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who wed in front of 1,900 guests.
As Prince Harry is sixth in line to the throne, he is not obliged to invite diplomats from across the globe to the celebration, which will be less of a state occasion.
A spokesperson said: “It has been decided that an official list of political leaders — both UK and international — is not required for Prince Harry and Ms Markle’s wedding.
“Her Majesty’s government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by the royal household.”
Who is walking Meghan Markle down the aisle?
The Prince of Wales will accompany Meghan Markle down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry, Kensington Palace has confirmed.
In statement, Kensington Palace said: “Ms Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George’s Chapel on her Wedding Day.
“The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to The Royal Family in this way.”
It comes after the news that Meghan Markle’s dad Thomas W Markle will not be attending the royal wedding after all.
A statement from Ms. Meghan Markle: pic.twitter.com/TjBNarmuBU
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 17, 2018
Who is Prince Harry’s best man?
The Duke of Cambridge will be Harry’s best man, missing the FA Cup final to be at his brother’s side.
In a statement, Kensington Palace said Prince William is “honoured” to have been asked.
Back in 2011, Prince Harry served as best man to The Duke of Cambridge at his wedding to Kate Middleton.
Prince Harry has asked his brother The Duke of Cambridge to be his Best Man at his wedding to Ms. Meghan Markle. pic.twitter.com/7TvZ2VlEk2
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 26, 2018
Who are the royal wedding bridesmaids?
Kensington Palace has announced that Ms Markle will have no adult bridesmaids “because she’s unable to choose between her friends”, and will instead be surrounded by children as page boys, bridesmaids and flower girls.
- Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge (Aged 3)
- Miss Florence van Cutsem (Aged 3 – goddaughter of Prince Harry, daughter of Mrs. Alice van Cutsem and Major Nicholas van Cutsem)
- Miss Remi Litt (Aged 6 – goddaughter of Ms. Markle, daughter of Mrs. Benita Litt and Mr. Darren Litt)
- Miss Rylan Litt (Aged 7 – goddaughter of Ms. Markle, daughter of Mrs. Benita Litt and Mr. Darren Litt)
- Miss Ivy Mulroney (Aged 4 – daughter of Mrs. Jessica Mulroney and Mr. Benedict Mulroney)
- Miss Zalie Warren (Aged 2 – goddaughter of Prince Harry, daughter of Mrs. Zoe Warren and Mr. Jake Warren)
Who are the royal wedding page boys?
- His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge (Aged 4)
- Master Jasper Dyer (Aged 6 – godson of Prince Harry, son of Mrs. Amanda Dyer and Mr. Mark Dyer M.V.O.)
- Master Brian Mulroney (Aged 7 – son of Mrs. Jessica Mulroney and Mr. Benedict Mulroney)
- Master John Mulroney (Aged 7 – son of Mrs. Jessica Mulroney and Mr. Benedict Mulroney)
Details about the Bridesmaids’ dresses and the Page Boys’ uniforms will be made available on the wedding day.
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