Royal wedding: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to marry on May 19 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle

PRINCE Harry’s and Meghan Markle’s wedding date is set but it’s not the only major event on that day and it could leave guests in a bind.

KENSINGTON Palace has confirmed the date of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, that could leave some guests in a bind, especially the best man Prince William.

The highly anticipated Royal wedding will be held on May, 19, the same day as one of the biggest English sports events of the year, the FA Cup final, which is especially tricky for Harry’s older brother William.

His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle will marry on 19th May 2018.

Today's announcement follows earlier confirmation of the month of the wedding and its location at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/7pgdRM90Na

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 15, 2017

While most British royal weddings are on weekdays, this one is a Saturday, and the same day as the soccer showdown at London’s Wembley Stadium.

Harry’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and other royals are expected to attend the wedding, along with Markle’s parents, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland.

The climax of soccer’s oldest cup competition could present a distraction for guests at the royal reception, although the events should at least be at different times.

The FA Cup competition, which is open to hundreds of teams all the way from the top-ranked Premier League down to amateur clubs, began in August and is played every month until two teams meet in the final.

England’s Football Association said in a statement that “May 19 promises to be a wonderful day with such a special royal occasion being followed by English football’s showpiece event”.

Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is on the same day as the FA Cup Final, May 19 Picture: AFP

The timing could be an issue for Prince William, who is expected to be the best man at the wedding. William is president of the Football Association. He attended this year’s match and presented a trophy to the winner, Arsenal — but will likely be otherwise engaged in 2018.

Harry is an Arsenal fan, and may find himself conflicted if his team makes the final for a fourth time in the last five years.

The prince and Markle announced their engagement last month after an 18-month romance.

The 33-year-old prince, who is fifth in line to the British throne, and the 36-year-old divorced American actress met through a mutual friend in 2016, bonded during a camping holiday in Botswana and managed to keep their relationship secret from the media for several months.

In a joint interview last month, Markle said Harry proposed over a roast-chicken dinner at home. He gave her a ring set with two diamonds that belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana.

Prince William congratulates winning captain Wayne Rooney of Manchester United after FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium last year. Picture: Getty

Markle is to be baptised in the Church of England before the wedding, and has said she will acquire British citizenship. That will require passing an eclectic citizenship test on British life and history that is famous for tripping up applicants.

The wedding 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 William married Kate Middleton in 2011.

When the engagement was announced, the palace said the wedding of Prince Harry and Markle will “reflect their characters and personalities” and be a moment of “fun and joy”.

The choice of day will quash hopes of many workers in Britain that an extra public holiday would be declared for the wedding day next Spring.

The date of the wedding comes only a month after Prince Harry’s sister in law, Kate Middleton, is due to give birth to her third child with Prince William.

Tourists visit St George's Chapel in the afternoon sunshine, inside the grounds of Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London. Picture: AFP

Ms Markle is due to spend Christmas Day with the Queen and other members of the royal family at their Sandringham estate.

They will spend their first Christmas as an official couple with the Royal Family.

Harry’s brother Wills, his pregnant wife Kate and their kids Prince George and Princess Charlotte will be there this year after opting to spend Christmas with the Middletons in 2016.

Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in a wedding dress on the TV show Suits. Picture: Supplied

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, after her wedding. Picture: Getty

Other likely guests include Harry’s dad Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Queen hosts a traditional gathering every year at her Norfolk retreat, which includes presents and games on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas morning, they all go to a service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the estate.

The Queen often drives while other members of the family walk the short distance from the house to the church where a crowd of well wishers wait to greet them outside.

Merchandise and souvenirs are already being sold following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement. Picture: AFP

Last year Harry was at Sandringham along with Charles and Camilla and Wills and Kate.

His uncles Prince Andrew and Prince Edward and cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were also among the large family party.

Originally published as Royal wedding: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to marry on May 19 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle