What we know so far about Harry and Meghan’s big day
With just a month to go before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle exchange vows, here’s what the couple has planned.
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It’s a matter of weeks before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk down the aisle so they could be forgiven a few nerves as they put the finishing touches to the Wedding of the Year.
But spare a thought for the wedding dress designer, cake maker and florist who are also racing the clock to complete work that will be scrutinised by the world.
And what bridesmaid would not be apprehensive about following in the elegantly-clad footsteps of the spotlight-stealing Pippa Middleton.
Here’s everything we know about the wedding to date:
WHEN AND WHERE
The wedding is taking place in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on Saturday May 19 at noon UK time (9pm, AEST) . “The Dean of Windsor will conduct the service and The Archbishop of Canterbury will officiate as the couple make their vows,” Kensington Palace said. The couple did not choose Westminster Abbey like Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, instead opting for the more intimate venue in Windsor. The couple has asked for donations to charity instead of gifts.
BRIDAL PARTY
Forget Pippa and her bottom stealing the show at Catherine’s wedding, Meghan is tipped to have an equally glamorous Maid of Honour in the form of Jessica Mulroney, a socialite wedding planner known as Canada’s Gwyneth Paltrow. Her children, twins Brian and John, and daughter Ivy, could be pageboys and bridesmaid alongside Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Although recently royal bridal parties are made up of children, it used to be the custom to have adult bridesmaids — The Queen had eight at her 1947 wedding. If Meghan revives the tradition, we could see friends such as actor Priyanka Chopra and designer Misha Nonoo accompany her down the aisle. As for Prince Harry, he will no doubt ask William to be his best man — William broke tradition by making Harry his best man, as royal weddings previously had a “chief supporter”.
GUESTS
Some 600 people have been invited to the ceremony and 200 to the evening reception at nearby Frogmore House. The couple also invited 2640 members of the public, including 1200 community champions into the grounds of Windsor Castle.
As to the guest list, Meghan’s father Thomas is expected to give her away and her mother Doria be there. Her estranged half-sister Samantha Grant is unimpressed she hasn’t had an invite, tweeting, “Out of respect, tradition and humanitarianism, the #Markles should be invited if 2000 complete strangers are invited.” Possibly the fact she’s writing a tell-all book about Meghan and is going to Windsor to cover the wedding for a TV station lost her some goodwill.
Meghan’s Suits cast mates, including on-screen love Patrick J Adams, are tipped to be there, as well as friends Serena Williams and Olivia Palermo and Harry’s posh boy best mates Hugh van Cutsem, Tom Inskip, whose Jamaica wedding he attended with Meghan, Arthur Landon, one of the richest young men in the UK, Jake Warren and Guy Pelly. It’s also been reported his ex-girlfriends Cressida Bonas and Chelsy Davy are on the list.
Unlike William’s wedding, the palace said, “It has been decided that an official list of political leaders — both UK and international — is not required,” so even British PM Theresa May is off the list.
DRESS
Frontrunner designers of the wedding dress are Australians Ralph & Russo who made Meghan’s engagement portrait gown, as well as Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Erdem.
It’s thought she’ll have two gowns — one for the evening too, like Catherine. As to the style, Meghan has previously said she likes, “classic and simple … perhaps with a modern twist. I personally prefer wedding dresses that are whimsical or subtly romantic.”
FLOWERS
Kensington Palace recently announced society florist Philippa Craddock has been chosen to oversee the flowers. Craddock, who works for brands including Alexander McQueen, Dior and Vogue will use locally-sourced in-season foliage.
“Where possible, Philippa will use flowers and plants that are in season and blooming naturally in May, including branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, as well as white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves,” the official statement read. The flowers will be donated to charity after the ceremony.
CAKE
The couple has eschewed fruit cake and gone for a lemon elderflower one instead by trendy East London baker Claire Ptak of Violet Cakes.
“Prince Harry and Ms. Markle have asked Claire to create a lemon elderflower cake that will incorporate the bright flavours of spring,” said the palace. “It will be covered with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers.”
RECEPTION
After the service, guests will attend a lunchtime reception hosted by The Queen in Windsor Castle. In the evening, Prince Charles will host a reception for 200 in Frogmore House. This is where the party will really get started, with The Spice Girls tipped to perform and possibly Elton John, as it’s reported he’s cancelled his Las Vegas gigs on that date.
But best of all, The Foo Fighters told UK newspaper The Sun they wanted to play the wedding. “I’ve saved the date,” Dave Grohl said. “It’s nice to feel like a wedding band when everyone’s at tables eating tiramisu.”
HONEYMOON
Insiders suggest Harry and Meghan might go to Namibia to a luxury game lodge such as the new Hoanib Valley Camp, or return to Botswana, Harry’s “second home”.
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