Everything you need to know about the Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
They get married on the 19th May
The wedding between Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle is one of the biggest of the year, and so much information has been released we thought we'd gather everything you need to know ahead of the special day.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement in November 2017, since then Kensington Palace has continued to release more information about special day, including the timings, cake, food, guests, the bridesmaids and page boys and who will be walking Meghan Markle down the aisle.
When did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get engaged?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement was announced in November 2017 by Clarence House. The announcement was made on Twitter and read, 'His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle.'
'The wedding will take place in Spring 2018. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course.
'His Royal Highness and Ms Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle's parents.
'The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.'
Shortly after the announcement of their engagement, the couple appeared in public together for their official engagement photoshoot. This was the first time public and press had the opportunity to see Meghan's engagement ring.
See all the photos from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement shoot:
Who has a Royal Wedding invitation?
Earlier this year it was announced that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be inviting a number of members of public to their special day.
In a statement released on Twitter it says 'Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have said they want their Wedding Day to be shaped so as to allow members of the public to feel part of the celebrations too. This wedding, like all weddings, will be a moment of fun and joy that will reflect the characters and values of the Bride and Groom.'
The Palace went on to explain how 2,640 people will be invited into the grounds of Windsor Castle to watch the arrivals of the Bride and Groom, made up of the following: 1,200 members of the public from every corner of the United Kingdom, 200 people from a range of charities and organisations, 100 pupils from two local schools, 610 Windsor Castle community members and 530 Members of The Royal Households and Crown Estate.
At the beginning of May it was revealed that the couple would be inviting George and Amal Clooney. According to new reports, Meghan and Amal's hairdresser confirmed the news.
Reports earlier this year also suggested that superstar Ed Sheeran had been asked to perform at the wedding personally by Prince Harry. A source told US Weekly, “Prince Harry has personally requested Ed perform at his wedding."
And when Mel B appeared on American chat show The Real she couldn't contain her excitement that she and the other four Spice Girls have been given an invite to the wedding.
Who will be walking Meghan Markle down the aisle?
Most recently, Meghan confirmed that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales would be walking her down the aisle, in the absence of her father who is unwell, and unable to attend the wedding. The statement from 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'.
Who are the bridesmaids and page boys at the Royal Wedding?
In the days before the big day the bridesmaids and page boys for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were revealed. They include the couple's niece and nephew Prince George and Princess Charlotte, along with godchildren of the couple and the children of close friends.
What is the correct dress code for the Royal Wedding?
It was revealed recently that men should wear morning coat or lounge suits, whilst women should wear a day dress and hat.
What can't guests take with them to the Royal Wedding?
Guests have been told they are not allowed to take hand luggage, other than a small handbag with them and no cameras are allowed. All phones will be confiscated before the private reception, after the ceremony, and returned at the end of the night. Guests have also been told not to wear medals and they must not bring their swords!
Guests are advised to seek further guidance on delivery arrangements for any gifts to Kensington Palace as gifts will not be accepted at Windsor Castle.
Is there a wedding list for the Royal Wedding?
Despite the couple asking people who were going to give a gift, to give to seven chosen charities, it turns out they have a 'secret' wedding list. The wedding list is held at Soho House an exclusive club where they had their first date.
The wedding list includes a number of luxury home items such as Lexington chandeliers and Portobello silver cashmere throws. There is also some modern furniture such as cinema armchairs in red or green mohair (£2,495) and emperor beds (£2,095). For those whose budget doesn't stretch that far, there are some items available at a lower price including duvets, champagne coups and Cowshed beauty products.
Where is the Royal Wedding venue?
It was announced last year that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be getting married at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
What will they be eating at the Royal Wedding?
Head Chef Mark Flanagan has revealed some details about what will be served on the special day. Although the exact menu hasn't been revealed he did say that the couple have been very involved with choosing the food, by having a number of tastings. He also revealed that the food served to the 600 guests attending the reception, will include some of the freshest food around, with a lot of the ingredients coming from across counties like Kent.
Pastry Chef Selwyn Stoby has also revealed how he prepares chocolate truffles which are a favourite dessert served at receptions throughout the year at Windsor Castle. Although he didn't confirm what would be served he did say his team will be making bite-sized Crème brûlée, biscuits with mango panna cotta topping and yellow macaroons, for guests in St. George's Hall, for the Windsor Horse show.
What are the timings of the Royal Wedding?
The timings of the Royal Wedding were announced earlier this year after there was much discussion about the clash with the FA Cup final. In February Kensington Palace released further details of the royal wedding and luckily, despite the two events still happening on the same day, they will be a few hours apart, so a clash will almost certainly be averted.
Kensington Palace tweeted, 'The wedding service will begin at 12noon at St George's Chapel. The Dean of Windsor will conduct the service and The Archbishop of Canterbury will officiate as the couple make their vows.'
They followed this up by saying, 'At 1pm the couple, now married, will undertake a Carriage Procession from St George's Chapel through Windsor Town returning to Windsor Castle along the Long Walk.'
Going on to reveal that after the service there would be a reception for the guests, with a private reception later in the evening with close friends and family.
Who will be performing at the Royal Wedding?
Although there have been a lot of rumours surrounding big names performing at that Royal Wedding, some lesser well-known names who have been confirmed include a Britain's Got Talent star. Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a cellist from Nottingham, appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2015 with his brother and sisters reaching the live semi-final stage.
On the TV talent show The Kanneh-Masons performed a medley of songs ranging from The Apprentice theme to Clean Bandit's 'Rather Be'.
Will Prince William be Prince Harry's best man?
Yes! It has now been confirmed that Prince William will be Prince Harry's best man and he was delighted to be chosen.
The announcement was made on Twitter by Kensington Palace who said, 'Prince Harry has asked his brother The Duke of Cambridge to be his Best Man at his wedding to Ms. Meghan Markle.'
This followed an awkward moment earlier in the year when Prince William revealed he hadn't been asked, calling it a "sensitive issue".
What do we know about the wedding cake?
The wedding cake will be a break from the traditional fruit cake. Details of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding cake were revealed by Kensington Palace in April when they said, 'For their wedding cake Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have chosen pastry chef Claire Ptak, owner of the London-based bakery @violetcakes.'
The Palace went on to reveal they have chosen a 'Lemon elderflower cake that will incorporate the bright flavours of spring. It will be covered with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers.' Sounds delicious!
How can I watch the Royal Wedding?
In the UK Sky News, ITV and BBC will all be showing the Royal Wedding. In an unusual move you'll also be able to watch the event without a TV licence.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be getting married on the 19th May 2018.