With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding less than two weeks away, Kensington Palace has released new details to the public. From public involvement (we get to watch!) to the after party (don’t get too excited… Prince Charles is hosting), this is everything we know so far.
1/ What we’ll get to see
The royal wedding will take place on May 19th, 2018, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Kensington Palace has confirmed that immediately after the ceremony, Prince Harry and his bride will complete an open carriage ride through the surrounding streets, which they encourage the public to attend. “Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle are hugely grateful for the many good wishes they have received since announcing their engagement,’’ Kensington Palace has said. “They are very much looking forward to the day and to being able to share their celebrations with the public.’’
2/ Who’s marrying them
Kensington Palace confirms that the Dean of Windsor, the Right Reverend David Conner, will conduct the ceremony, the BBC reports, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Right Honourable Justin Welby, officiating.
3/ The official guest list is insane
They’ve also confirmed that a reception for up to 800 guests will take place at St George’s Hall within Windsor Castle. Invitations went out on March 22 and while details have remained tight, expected guests include the cast of Suits, David and Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, Priyanka Chopra and more – however Serena Williams might be the only A-lister to turn down an invite.
RELATED: The 11 Celebrities Likely To Be Invited To The Royal Wedding
4/ Meghan Markle will make a speech
…Breaking a major royal tradition in the process. The Times reports that the Suits star will give an “affectionate” speech at her wedding reception. “She wants to have the chance to thank her husband and everyone who has supported them,” a source told the Times. “Harry thinks it’s a great idea.”
5/ The cake breaks all the rules as well
Flaunting tradition, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding cake will be “lemon elderflower” flavoured instead of the traditional fruit, in a bid to “incorporate the bright flavours of spring”. It will be iced with buttercream, not fondant, and feature fresh flowers. The Palace has named London pastry chef Claire Ptak of so-hip-it-hurts Violet Bakery as the royal couple’s wedding cake-maker of choice.
6/ There’s an after-party
Prince Charles will host an after-party for his son and new daughter-in-law after the official reception. “Later that evening, The Prince of Wales will give a private evening reception for the couple and their close friends and family,’’ Kensington Palace has said.
7/ Their new titles
With the big day just around the corner, many of us are wondering what the newlywed’s titles will be once the couple are married. Following a lovely tradition, Queen Elizabeth II will grant her grandson a royal dukedom on the wedding day. It is believed that Prince Harry and Markle will be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
8/ Who’s the best man
It is no surprise that Prince Harry has chosen Prince William to serve as best man. “Harry has several close guy friends, but there’s no way he would ask anyone but William to take on the top job,” a source told US Weekly. Kensington Palace confirmed on April 26
9/ The vital choice of wine
What would a royal wedding be without an endless flow of carefully chosen wine to celebrate the big day.There are no surprises that the royals are keeping their choice of alcohol tasteful, nevertheless affordable too! Meghan and Harry have chosen Chapel Down winery to provide Vino for their very special reception.
10/ The Maid Of Honour and Bridesmaids
While we were excitedly awaiting news of who Meghan would bestow the role of Maid of Honour, Kensignton Palace have confirmed Meghan will not have a maid of honour. According to a spokesperson for Meghan and Prince Harry, the actress “has a very close group of friends and didn’t want to choose one over the other.” Instead, in accordance with royal tradition, Meghan will have bridesmaids who will all be children – including Princess Charlotte.
11/ The royal children
It has been confirmed that Princess Charlotte and her brother Prince George will have roles in the royal wedding (but Prince Louis will be staying home unfortunately). Luckily, the two siblings have prior experience from their aunt, Pippa Middleton’s wedding to James Matthews. As ABC reports, Prince George, aged 4 is expected to serve as page boy, while Princess Charlotte, aged 2 will serve as a bridesmaid.
12/ What will Kate’s role be on the day?
While all eyes will definitely be on Meghan and Harry, the wedding will most likely mark one of the first times we will see the Duchess of Cambridge after she welcomes her third child. While there was speculation that she has been asked to be a bridesmaid on the big day, Vanity Fair reports that Harry and Meghan aren’t putting any pressure on Kate to be involved and have relieved her of any official duties. “Frankly, Harry and Meghan are just happy that Kate will be there given she will only just have given birth,” says a source. “They have told her there is no pressure on her to do anything, they just want her to enjoy the day.”
13/ How to watch in Australia
Channel Seven will broadcast the royal wedding on our TV screens on Saturday May 19th, with a host of royal experts live on air throughout the evening.
In the leadup to the big day, Sunrise will be the home of all royal wedding coverage, with Samantha Armytage and David Koch beaming live from key locations across Windsor and London.
From there, senior correspondents Melissa Doyle and Michael Usher will anchor a Seven News live special coverage of the Royal Wedding on Seven and 7PLUS on Saturday 19 May from a purpose-built studio overlooking Windsor Castle – hence, viewers will have unparalleled views of the Royal couple.
They’ll then cross live to Europe Bureau Chief Hugh Whitfeld and Europe Correspondent Laurel Irving during festivities at Windsor Castle and nearby London. US Correspondent Ashlee Mullany will be live from Meghan’s old stomping ground in Los Angeles and a team of reporters across Australia will be live from Royal Wedding viewing parties.
The royal wedding will also be live-streamed on Seven and 7PLUS.
Stay tuned for more updates as the wedding date draws closer!
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