It's just around the corner! The Royal wedding that the world has been waiting for where charming Prince Harry will wed the equally charming Meghan Markle, and they both will be off the market.
And while we will all be glued to our screens watching the proceedings come May 19, until then, we will try and keep up with all the information about the wedding. Get ready to find out everything we know!
The Invitation and Guest List
When the invitation was unveiled, a spokesman said: "The invitations follow many years of Royal tradition and have been made by @BarnardWestwood. They feature the Three-Feathered Badge of the Prince of Wales printed in gold ink." Many would want to find this in the mail, but only few are to be invited. The complete list is still secret, but some have confirmed arrival. Politicians, by the way, are out.
What we think
Among the people who definitely will crack an invite is the Spice Girls who are said to be performing at the event, the cast of Suits because how could they not make it to Meghan’s big day, and it is widely reported that Cressida Bonas and Chelsy Davy, both Prince Harry’s ex-girlfriends, will be in attendance too!
Elton John, a longtime friend of the royal boys (and their late mother), could also attend and hopefully perform.
Hold your crown, there's more
The Dress
The closer we get to the wedding date, the more we know despite the royal family’s hard work in keeping the lid shut. In the past few days, we’ve heard some strong rumors about Meghan's wedding dress.
The Daily Mail says: "Multiple royal and fashion industry sources have revealed the actress has opted for London-based Australian couturiers Ralph & Russo to make the first of two gowns she plans to wear on May 19."
The Search is Off
Something in the lines
The dress reportedly costs US$ 135,000 and it will be hand-stitched and heavily-beaded. "It sounds a lot but this is the wedding of the year and hundreds of hours of manpower have gone into making it, almost all by hand," a source said of the cost of the dress. Meghan will reportedly change into a second dress for the reception.
The Menu
Instagram/ Wedding Cakes
Foodies would consider this the most important detail- what will guests enjoy at this royal celebration? The pastry chef Claire Ptak has been tasked with the making of the wedding cake, he has disclosed that it will be a non-traditional lemon elderflower cake with buttercream and fresh flowers as decoration.
Keeping it Close
Ptak, who owns a London-based bakery in California is friends of Meghan Markle and appeared as a chef on her former lifestyle blog.
The embarrassing letter by half-brother Thomas Markle Jr
Meghan Markle's half-brother will probably NOT be on the guest list. He has sent a public handwritten letter to Prince Harry telling him "It's not too late" to call off the wedding. This letter comes just three weeks before the big day. Meghan hasn't been in touch with Thomas since 2011.
In the letter, Thomas writes that his half-sister is “jaded, shallow, conceited woman that will make a joke of you and the royal family heritage”.
He then added, “Meghan Markle is obviously not the right woman for you." So, do you think he'll be invited?
Meghan Markle and half-brother Thomas in better times / COLEMAN-RAYNER
Never be invited
Thomas Markle Jr, 51, shares the same father with Meghan. He is reportedly an embarrassment to the Markle family and was arrested after holding a gun to his fiancé’s head. He was charged with menacing, pointing a firearm at another person, and unlawful use of a weapon.
He pointed his gun at Darlene Blount when under the influence because he wanted her to leave. He has apologized since that happened, and said he is "seeking help".
How to watch?
Instagram/ The Royal Family
In the UK, the BBC, Sky News and ITV are expected to give live coverage of the big day with all the biggest anchors and TV celebrities.
E! News The celebrity network will be airing live From the Royal Wedding starting at 5:00 A.M. ET. It will not only show us what's going on, it will include coverage, interviews and whatnot.
Decca Records Hours after the royal wedding wraps, Universal Music's streaming platform Decca Records will release a digital view options. Physical copies will be available on May 25.
PBS The network will also broadcast the royal wedding live with a before and after programs starting on Saturday morning.
CBS Gayle King and Kevin Frazier will host an extensive, multiplatform royal wedding coverage just like CBS know how to. It will begin at 4:00 A.M. ET. CBS' streaming platform will also have full coverage, hosted by Vladimir Duthiers.
ABC Robin Roberts and David Muir will host a special five-hour edition of Good Morning America.
NBC Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb will host a special four-hour edition of Today.
24 million viewers
We know that royal weddings attract a lot of viewers to tune in. it is reported that when Prince William and Kate married in 2011, some 24 million viewers tuned into BBC to watch the wedding unfold.
Missed The Wedding? Don't worry
soprano Elin Manahan Thomas
You would be able to stream it on Spotify or Apple Music just hours after the wedding. Decca Records announced that it would digitally release the recording of the entire ceremony. You will be able to find it in stores on May 25, even on vinyl.
What will you be able to hear?
Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason
The Music at the ceremony will include a mix of gospel music with choral works. Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, the St George’s Chapel Choir and The Kingdom Choir are expected to perform at the wedding.
Who will be bridesmaids and groomsmen?
Of course, it is widely assumed Prince William will take the role of best man, although he joked in January that his brother had not asked him yet!
Meghan’s Posse
When it comes to who Meghan will ask to stand by her side, there are many high-profile friends who could make the list. Markle is close to the likes of Serena Williams, Priyanka Chopra and Olivia Palermo, but I guess we will have to wait and see!
The Venue
These two will be wed in St. George’s Chapel on the grounds of Windsor Castle. It is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world! Not to mention the official residence of Queen Elisabeth II who spends her weekends on the ground.
Why There?
Although not all royals have married in this chapel, such as Harry's older brother Prince Williams, who wed Kate at Westminster Abby, Royal officials say Windsor Castle is a "special place" for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The Décor
Philippa Craddock
When it comes to decking out the chapel to look its finest for the day of love, London florist Philippa Craddock has been given the task. It is reported that she plans to use white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves as well as beech, birch, and hornbeam for those flower enthusiasts among us.
A Flower Fortune
But these decorations, while over the top, will be distributed to local charities after the wedding to make sure there is no waste!
Not one, but two receptions
It is reported that following the carriage ride, post official ceremony, there will be two receptions. The first, a formal affair for 600 guests hosted by the queen in a banquette styled dinner.
Family and Friends
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
The second reception is speculated will be for 200 close friends and family, a more casual and close affair thrown at Frogmore House by the Prince of Wales.
Hair Stylist Confirmed?
Celebrity hairstylist Miguel Perez will probably be Meghan Markle's hair stylist for her big day. Perez is based in London and was introduced to the Meghan by the amazing Amal Clooney. Amal and husband George are on the guest list.
His Style
Perez has talked to The Mail and said that he will be attending the wedding!! And also that he has been doing Markle's hair for some of her recent events. Perez has a unique style which is voluminous with sleek waves, so we can expect to see of that on Markle for the wedding day.
The Entertainment
Instagram/ Mel B
Although nothing has been confirmed yet, it is highly speculated that the Spice Girls will be performing! A fact that has gotten everybody pretty excited.
English Artists
Other artists that could be on the list of performers are Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and as we said Elton John, but I guess we will wait impatiently to find out.
The Honeymoon
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
While more details of the wedding will be a public eventually, when it comes to the honeymoon, destinations are totally unknown though of course, we can guess!
Potential Paradise
A list of locations is suggested as possible honeymoon destinations such as Botswana, where the couple vacationed early on in their relationship, and Seychelles.
How Meghan’s Family will be involved
Although it is known Meghan has had a rocky relationship with her father who is a retired lighting director residing in Mexico, she has asked him to walk her down the aisle and wants him fully included in the wedding ceremony.
Meghan’s Mama
As for Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, she will have a more significant role as the two have an ongoing close relationship. Meghan recently gushed about her mom stating in an interview with Glamour "We can just have so much fun together, and yet, I'll still find so much solace in her support,"
Meghan’s Christening and Confirmation
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
Leading up to the royal wedding some important details had to be met, like the christening of Meghan Markle. She was recently baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury in an intimate service which formally introduces the divorced actress into the Anglican church.
Tradition Tradition
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
Although Markle is officially Protestant, all royals-to-be are required to be baptized before they can marry into the royal family.
Post Wedding Titles
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
Another area of major speculation is what will their titles be post-marriage? Will Meghan be Princess Megan? Duchess Meghan like Kate Middleton? What about Lady Meghan?
Duke and Duchess?
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
Although the royal family has not yet revealed whether Harry and Meghan will become a duke and duchess post-wedding like Kate and William?
It is believed Harry may retain his current rank, His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Meghan will take on the feminine version of his title, known as Her Royal Highness Princess Henry of Wales.
How Meghan’s family is preparing for the ceremony
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
Let’s not forget that Markle is the first American to marry into the British royal family sine 1937! It is quite a thing, and Meghan’s family are said to be preparing for their visit to England for the royal wedding.
Meghan’s dad is precious in his preparation
Proof of this recently came out when an adorable photograph of Thomas Markle, Meghan’s father was snapped which showed him reading up on the country in his spare time.
How Harry’s family is preparing
Of course, Harry’s family is more prepared in the royal wedding department, but it doesn’t mean preparation is not still important! One aspect of preparation for the wedding day is securing the queen's support of the match as Harry is fifth in line to the throne.
Queen’s Permission
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
The queen consented to her beloved grandson’s upcoming wedding with a statement "I declare My Consent to a Contract of Matrimony between My Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales and Rachel Meghan Markle, which Consent I am causing to be signified under the Great Seal and to be entered in the Books of the Privy Council."
What hymns will be played?
The bride and groom will have at least two hymns played at their wedding- and we can guess which ones! If they choose to follow royal wedding tradition they will opt for Love Divine, All Loves Excelling- the hymn that has featured in many royal weddings recently.
Who has had this hymn?
Charles Wesley
This beautiful hymn, written by Charles Wesley, featured in an intimate moment in Kate and William’s wedding, right after they said their vows. The Queen's grandchildren, Zara Phillips and Peter Phillips also had this hymn performed on their big day.
Who will be allowed at Windsor on the day
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
Fans and well-wishers are more than welcome to go to Windsor and be involved in the royal wedding spirit. However, there will be airport-style security in the town and metal barriers will be in place to prevent vehicle attacks.
For the fans
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
Although this wedding is not planned to be on the scale of Kate and William’s vows, there will certainly still be many people in England flocking to the scene and buying merchandise to support the exciting day.
What will Harry wear at the ceremony?
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
While everyone is focussed on what Meghan will be wearing ta her special day, what about Prince Harry? Since he served in the army for ten years, it is likely that he will decide on a military uniform rather than a suite for his big day.
Uniform of choice
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
Historical advisor Alastair Bruce discussed which uniform he will probably wear stating "If he wears a uniform it would probably be that of Captain in the Blues and Royals, part of the Household Cavalry Regiment, which was his uniform while serving. With this, he often selects the Army Air Corps light blue beret because he was an Apache helicopter pilot, memorably during his service in Afghanistan."
What roles will Prince George and Princess Charlotte play?
via Pinterest
The adorable children of Kate and William have already proved themselves the perfect Paige boys and flower girls at Pippa Middleton’s wedding, so it is fully expected that they have starring roles at Harry and Meghan’s wedding too!
Stealing the show
Instagram/ Jess Mulroney
Four-year-old George and his little sister Charlotte who will be three by then may just steal the spotlight. It is reported that Meghan also asked her friend Jessica Mulroney to let her daughter Ivy be a flower girl.
Hotels will be exorbitant
As soon as a wedding date was set, local and international tourist b-lined to book hotel rooms and experience the action first hand.
The price for a view
Due to the demand, it was revealed that some hotels are charging up to £10,000 for suites with balconies overlooking the High Street which will be the best view of the newlyweds when they take part in the carriage procession down that street.
Can we expect any royal surprised?
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
Although many aspects of the royal wedding are planned in accordance to royal tradition, this modern couple will certainly throw in a few surprises. Rumours are that Meghan even plans to make a speech at the reception!
Breaking Tradition
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
A royal spokesperson, when asked about the wedding, has stated that it will "reflect the characters of the bride and groom," and that it will be full of "fun and joy".
The Royal Photographer
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
When it comes to capturing the beautiful day on film, they have asked Alexi Lubromirski to be their official photographer. He is the same photographer who took the stunning photos of the newly engaged couple at Frogmore House to announce their engagement.
Part of the story
Instagram/ Alexi Lubomirski photo
Being their engagement photographer, Alexi feels especially close to the couple’s love story. After being asked to be the wedding photographer he stated, "Having taken Prince Harry and Ms. Markle's engagement photos, it brings me such joy to be able to witness again, the next chapter in this wonderful love story."
Who is paying for the big day?
Instagram/ The Royal Family
Despite the old-school etiquette which heaps the responsibility of payment for the wedding on the wife’s family, when Meghan and Harry wed, the royal family will be the one picking up the tap.
We got this
Instagram/ The Royal Family
A statement released by a Kensington Palace official reads "As was the case with the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Royal Family will pay for the core aspects of the wedding, such as the church service, the associated music, flowers, decorations, and the reception afterward."
Guess Meghan’s folks can breathe a sigh of relief!
Any embarrassing guests?
We all know about Kate Middleton’s Uncle Gary who has been a continuous source of embarrassment to the Middleton family, does Meghan have her own Uncle Gary? It seems she does!
Tell-all book
Taking the spot for the ‘please-stop-talking-to-the-press’ family member is Meghan’s half-sister, estranged Samantha Grant who has said some foul things about Meghan and has confirmed she is working on a book about the Markle family.
Will the wedding warrant a day off?
Ultimately what regular British civilians are worried about is does the wedding warrant a day off?? Prince Williams and Kate’s wedding fell on a bank holiday, so everyone got to sit back, relax and enjoy the festivities, but what will happen on Harry and Meghan’s big day?
Disappointing no
Unfortunately, it looks like the answer is no since Prince Harry is not going all out with a Westminster Abbey wedding, there will most probably not be a day off.
The Beginning
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
So let's get down to business. How did the proposal go down? Meghan said about the proposal evening that it was just another “cozy night” at the couple’s Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace. They were preparing dinner and were both in the midst of roasting a chicken!
Eager Beaver
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
It gets cuter, Meghan recalled "It was so sweet and natural and very romantic. He got down on one knee," she said. "As a matter of fact, I could barely let him finish proposing. I said, 'Can I say yes now?”… and then the planning began!
Who we know was snubbed
While it was previously reported the Barack and Michelle Obama would be invited while the current president, Donal Trump, would not be, things have cleared up lately. It has been confirmed that no political leaders what so ever will be in attendance.
No Politics Here
Instagram/ Kensington Palace
A Kensington Palace spokesperson cleared it up when he stated "It has been decided that an official list of political leaders – both U.K. 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,”
The Ceremony
All of us know royal weddings are quite the production, with the streets of London basically shutting down. For the day itself, more than 250 members of the British Armed forces will be involved as a tribute to Prince Harry’s time serving in the army.
Secured Streets
Members of a few units including the Royal Marines and the Windsor Castle Guard will line the streets and the music will be provided the Band of Irish Guards.
The Security Operation
