Meghan Markle’s plan to break with royal wedding tradition

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding is shaping up to be different from any we’ve seen before. The bride plans to break centuries of royal tradition.

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding will be far from traditional.

From the get-go, the couple made it clear they’d be doing things their way, choosing the chapel at Windsor Castle for the ceremony in instead of Westminster Abbey, which has been used for most royal weddings since the 17th century.

But that’s not the only way they’re bucking trends. According to the Sunday Times, Markle is planning to give a speech at her wedding in an “affectionate tribute to her new husband, while also offering thanks to the Queen, her family and friends, in a move that breaks centuries of royal tradition.

It’s understood the former actor was inspired to step up after it emerged her 73-year-old father will walk her down the aisle — but is unlikely to make a speech at the reception.

The paper also reports her decision has Prince Harry’s full support.

Here’s what else we know about the wedding so far:

THE DATE

Kensington Palace announced last year that Prince Harry — formally known as Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales — will marry Markle on May 19th, 2019.

The date is a Saturday — unusual, as most British royal weddings take place on a weekday, according to the Associated Press.

Unfortunately for some, the wedding is the same day as one of the biggest English sports events of the year, the FA Cup final. It’s especially tricky for Harry’s older brother William, who is president of the Football Association and is usually expected to present a trophy to the winning team.

THE VENUE

The wedding will take place at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

The venue holds a central place in the history of the royal family. Windsor Castle, west of London, is one of Queen Elizabeth II’s main residences. The 15th century chapel is as historic but more intimate than Westminster Abbey, where Prince William married Kate Middleton in 2011. The queen is also very involved in the College of St George, according to its website.

When the engagement was announced, the palace said the wedding will “reflect [the couple’s] characters and personalities” and be a moment of “fun and joy”.

PRE-WEDDING EVENTS

Markle will need to be baptised and confirmed in the Church of England before the wedding goes ahead, according to a Kensington Palace spokesman. She’s also currently in the process of becoming a British citizen.

THE GUEST LIST

Of course, the full suite of royals, including Harry’s grandmother the Queen, will be invited, plus Markle’s parents, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland.

The rest of the guest list remains a mystery so far, but given that the chapel holds 800 people — it will be no small affair.

Originally published as Meghan Markle’s plan to break with royal wedding tradition