Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding: Everything We Know So Far

Credit: Alexi Lubomirski via Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding: Everything We Know So Far

Wedding bells are ringing! Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement on November 27, the world has been anxiously awaiting their wedding day. The couple, who met in London in July 2016 and confirmed their relationship that November, have shared updates with the public throughout the planning process. [ami-related id="" url="https://radaronline.com/photos/meghan-markle-naked-sexy-photos/" title="19 Hot Photos & Videos Of Meghan Markle!" target="" showsubt="false"] Here’s everything we know about Harry and Markle’s upcoming royal nuptials so far. Check back for updates as we get closer to the big day and stay up to date with the latest royal news by subscribing to our new podcast 'Royally Us' below! [podcast_block]

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The Date

Harry and Markle will tie the knot on May 19, 2018. Kensington Palace confirmed their wedding date on December 15 via Twitter. 

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The Invitations

Kensington Palace announced on March 22 that the invitations for the wedding were officially sent out. Around 600 people have been invited to the service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and Queen Elizabeth II’s lunchtime reception at St George’s Hall. However, only about 200 guests have been invited to the private reception at Frogmore House. The invitations were produced by Barnard & Westwood.

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Rumored Guest List 

Duchess Kate’s family members, including her parents, sister Pippa Middleton and brother James Middleton, will all be on the wedding guest list. A source also revealed that more than 15 cast and crew members from Markle’s USA show, Suits, will be invited including Patrick J. Adams, Sarah Rafferty, Rick Hoffman and Gabriel Macht. Markle has also invited a lot of her friends from all over the world, including Serena Williams, Priyanka Chopra, Misha Nonoo, Tanya Burr and Jim Chapman, London chef Tom Sellers, and Justin and Sophie Trudeau. The source adds that it’s likely that Harry has invited James Blunt, Ellie Goulding, Joss Stone and Lesotho's Prince Seeiso. Another insider told Us that despite reports to the contrary, Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson will attend the royal nuptials. While it has not been confirmed that he is attending, Sir Elton John sparked rumors he will perform at the wedding after he rescheduled two Las Vegas concerts that were originally set for the weekend of May 19. And Kensington Palace announced that no political leaders, including Donald Trump and Barack Obama, will be invited.

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The Time

Kensington Palace revealed on February 11 that the wedding service will commence at 12 p.m. in England, which is 7 a.m. ET.

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Paying Tribute to Princess Diana 

Harry, who was only 12 years old when his mother, Princess Diana, died in a car accident in August 1997, proposed to Markle with a ring that featured diamonds from a brooch that belonged to Princess Di. Royal expert Ingrid Seward spoke to Us about why she thinks Markle might wear the late princess’ tiara on her wedding day.

“She will have access to jewels from the royal collection made available to her by the Queen,” Seward explained. “She can choose something suitable, but she might also have the Spencer tiara, which is also Harry’s heritage and is the one Diana wore on her wedding day.”

Harry spoke about his fiancée and his late mother during the couple’s first joint interview on November 27. “Oh they’d be thick as thieves, without question. I think she would be over the moon, jumping up and down, you know so excited for me. But then, as I said, would have probably been best — best friends with Meghan.”

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The Location

The engaged couple decided on St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in England for their big day. St. George’s Chapel holds significance for Harry — he was baptized at the place of worship in 1984. Prince Edward and Countess Sophie’s 1999 nuptials, and Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla’s 2005 prayer and dedication service, also took place at the chapel.

“Her Majesty The Queen has granted permission for the wedding to take place at the Chapel,” Kensington Palace said in a statement on November 28. “The Royal Family will pay for the wedding. Further details about the wedding will be announced in due course.”

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The Royal Family’s Involvement 

Us Weekly confirmed on December 4 that Harry asked his brother Prince William to be his best man. Kensington Palace officially confirmed the news on April 26. "The Duke of Cambridge is honoured to have been asked, and is very much looking forward to supporting his brother at St George's Chapel, Windsor on May 19th," the statement read.

A source previously told Us: “Harry has several close guy friends, but there’s no way he would ask anyone but William to take on the top job."

Another source told Us that William and Duchess Kate’s children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, will have roles in their uncle’s wedding. The source added Markle’s friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney‘s daughter, Ivy, will also be included.

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The Wedding Will Be Televised 

Fans around the world will be able to watch Harry and Markle become man and wife. It was confirmed on November 28 that their wedding will be televised.

“The couple of course want the day to be a special, celebratory moment for their friends and family,” a spokesperson for the couple said. “They also want the day to be shaped so as to allow members of the public to feel part of the celebrations too and are currently working through ideas for how this might be achieved.”

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They Aren’t Signing a Prenup 

Despite Harry’s royal worth, U.K.-based family law attorney Julian Hawkhead told Us that it’s unlikely there will be a prenuptial agreement in place. “The precedent has therefore been set by Harry’s father and brother, neither having entered in prenuptial agreements before they married,” Hawkhead explained. 

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Their Rumored Titles 

A source confirmed to Us that the prince and the actress are rumored to become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they wed. Charles Kidd, editor of Debrett’s Peerage & Baronetage – a professional coaching company, publisher and authority on modern etiquette – added,  “They’re quite limited in the titles that are available. The Duke of Sussex is the front-runner without any doubt.”

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The Reception Details

A source explained, “The wedding will be split into two, much like William and Kate did, so both Meghan and Harry will have second outfits for the evening reception … The pair want to make the night as fun as possible, with a dinner menu that reflects both their tastes and live acts.” Guests should expect the party to go on until the early hours, the source added. The Palace announced the first reception will be held at St. George’s Hall, while Charles is set to host a second, private reception for close friends and family.

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Windsor Is Pulling Out All the Stops!

On Saturday, April 14, Kensington Palace tweeted that the town of Windsor was preparing to "welcome the world" to the royal wedding and revealed that "bunting, large screens and refreshments" would be made available for the huge crowd of people watching from the Long Walk and Alexandra Gardens. The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead also shared a statement, noting that the town center — which will have live entertainment from local groups — would be decorated with ceremonial banners. 140 Royal Borough Ambassadors will also be on hand to help assist visitors.

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The Cake

The future spouses announced on March 20 that they asked Violet Bakery owner Claire Ptak of London to create a lemon elderflower wedding cake that will be topped with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers. Markle previously interviewed Ptak for her former lifestyle website The Tig. “I can’t tell you how delighted I am to be chosen to make Prince Harry and Ms. Markle’s wedding cake,” the pastry chef said in a statement. “Knowing that they really share the same values as I do about food provenance, sustainability, seasonality and most importantly flavor, makes this the most exciting event to be a part of.”

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The Flowers

Kensington Palace announced on April 1 that the happy couple will be using florist Philippa Craddock to design the flowers for the church ceremony. The floral displays, which will most likely include "branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, as well as white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves," will be plucked from the Crown Estate and Windsor Gate Park.

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Will Meghan Have a Maid of Honor? 

A palace spokesperson confirmed on May 4 that the former actress would not have a maid of honor. “She has a very close circle of friends and she could not just choose one. They will all be traveling to London that week to spend some quality time with her and she is pleased to have all their support there on her wedding day,” the aide said in statement.

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Meghan’s Family Involvement

The palace confirmed on May 4 that Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, will walk her down the aisle. “Ms. Markle is delighted to have her parents by her side on this important and happy occasion,” the statement read. “Prince Harry and Ms. Markle are very much looking forward to welcoming Ms. Markle’s parents to Windsor for the wedding. Mr. Thomas Markle and Ms. Doria Ragland will be arriving in the UK in the week of the wedding, allowing time for Prince Harry’s family, including The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to spend time with them before the big day.”

However, Thomas later told TMZ on May 14 that he would not be in attendance.

A source told Us in January that a number of Markle’s family members from her mother’s side have been invited to the wedding, but the number is still relatively small. It’s unlikely that her stepsister Samantha Grant and half-brother Thomas Markle Jr. will make the cut after their respective drama in the press.

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Meghan’s Bachelorette Party

A source told Us that Markle will be having a party, “but won’t be calling it her bachelorette.” “It’ll be unisex. Think low-key, think somewhere out of London, good food and drink, a little music. It won’t be wild,” the source explained. “Meghan wants it to be a celebration of friendship and love. Expect to see the usual faces, with best friends Markus Anderson, Lindsay Jill Roth and Jessica Mulroney taking top seats at the table.” 

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Harry’s Stag Party

Prince William is planning Prince Harry’s stag party — a tradition similar to a bachelor party. “Don’t expect anything wild,” a source told Us about Harry’s celebration.

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The Officiants

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby (pictured), is set to officiate Harry and Markle’s marriage vows. The Dean of Windsor and the Right Reverend, David Conner, will conduct the rest of the service.

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The Address

Kensington Palace announced on May 12 that Bishop Michael Bruce Curry, from Chicago, will give the address — a sermon — at their wedding. Curry is the first African-American to serve as the presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, an offshoot of the Church of England in the U.S. "The love that has brought and will bind Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle together has its source and origin in God, and is the key to life and happiness. And so we celebrate and pray for them today," Curry, who will travel to Windsor for the wedding, said in a statement.

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Post-Ceremony Carriage Procession

The Palace confirmed that after Harry and Markle become husband and wife, they will take part in a carriage procession that will pass through the town of Windsor and return to Windsor Castle. According to the statement, the pair “hope this short journey will provide an opportunity for more people to come together around Windsor and to enjoy the atmosphere of this special day.”

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What Harry Will Be Wearing

As the newly-promoted Captain General of the Royal Marines, Harry will likely wear his full uniform and medals on the big day.

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Meghan Isn’t Doing Her Own Makeup

Markle has been doing her own makeup for her royal engagements in the U.K., but that won’t be the case for her royal nuptials. “She has a trusted glam team she worked with for years on Suits and the current plan is to bring the same names in,” a source told Us.

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A Charitable Bridal Shower

Markle will have a bridal shower, but there will not be a registry. Their family and friends will be encouraged to donate anonymously to a charity gift fund, an insider explained.

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The Couple Will Be Flanked by Military

More than 250 members of the Armed Forces will attend the royal affair. “Members of the Household Calvary will form a staircase party at St. Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle as part of the wedding,” the British Ministry of Defence revealed on Wednesday, March 28. “The State Trumpeters and a Captain’s Escort from the Household Calvary will also provide ceremonial support.”

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The Charities

In lieu of a wedding gift, the couple have asked that those interested donate to a charity of their choosing. The pair selected Chiva Projects, Crisis, Corporal Scotty, Myna Mahila, Surfers Against Sewage, Street Games and Wilderness UK.

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The Special Guests

"Members of the public from around the UK have this week learned that they will be amongst the 2,640 people at Windsor Castle for Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle's wedding," Kensington Palace tweeted on April 10. "The couple asked Lord Lieutenants to invite 1,200 people to join the celebrations, including young people who have shown strong leadership, and those who have served their communities."

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The Photographer

Kensington Palace announced on April 13 that the bride and groom have chosen Alexi Lubomirski to take their official wedding portraits. The fashion photographer previously snapped their engagement portraits at Frogmore House in Windsor, England. “I could not be more thrilled or honored to photograph this historic occasion,” Lubomirski said in a press release. “Having taken Prince Harry and Ms. Markle’s engagement photos, it brings me such joy to be able to witness again, the next chapter in this wonderful love story.”

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The Music

The couple announced via Kensington Palace on Tuesday, April 24, that they have selected choral groups, soloists and other musicians to perform at the service at St. George’s Chapel. The performers include 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir and State Trumpeters from the Band of the Household Cavalry.

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Wedding Bands

Despite the fact that his brother William doesn’t wear a wedding band, a source told Us on April 18 that Harry will wear a ring after he ties the knot. “Harry’s an old romantic. There’s no way he would skip a chance to wear his love like that,” the source explained. The insider also predicted that Harry’s ring will be made “with the same Clogau Welsh gold used for Fergie’s, Camilla’s and Kate’s wedding bands.”

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The Dresses

Markle is set to wear two dresses on her big day, and a source told Us on April 18 that her second dress is”nearing completion.” The insider added that the future royal has had “fittings with Burberry, Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney for outfits after the wedding.”

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Working on Their Fitness

“Harry is leaner than ever,” a source told Us on April 18, explaining that the prince typically works out with a personal trainer “mid-mornings or early afternoons” at KX gym in London’s Chelsea neighborhood. According to the source, Markle, who is also a member of KX gym, prefers to do yoga and cardio sessions at Kensington Palace. “They’re both in the best shape of their lives,” the insider added.

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The Carriage

Kensington Palace announced on May 2 that the couple selected the Ascot Landau carriage for their procession through Windsor Town following their wedding ceremony. “The carriage is one of five Ascot Landaus in the Royal Mews. The carriages are used in official and ceremonial state events, such as Coronations, Royal Weddings and State Visits,” the statement read. “There will be one horse-drawn carriage in the Carriage Procession from St George's Chapel, which will take the newly married couple through Windsor Town returning to Windsor Castle along the Long Walk.”

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The Day Before

A palace spokesperson told Us on May 4 that Markle and Harry will spend the evening before their nuptials apart and confirmed there will be no official rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. It was confirmed on May 14 that the duo will stay in two different hotels the night before their nuptials. While Harry and his best man, Prince William, are set to spend the night at the Coworth Park Hotel, Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland, will be a 30-minute drive away at the Cliveden House Hotel.

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Will Prince Louis Attend?

The newborn son of Prince William and Duchess Kate will not attend Harry and Meghan’s nuptials, a Kensington Palace aid told Us on May 4. Kate, however, who gave birth to Louis on April 23, will be in attendance.

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Honeymoon Plans

Kensington Palace aide announced on May 15 that Harry and Markle have postponed their honeymoon so that they can attend his father Prince Charles’ 70th birthday patronage celebration in the garden of Buckingham Palace. More than 6,000 people have been invited to the May 22 event, which will honor Charles’ patronage, military affiliations and the many charities he supports. The location and dates for the couple's honeymoon have yet to be revealed.

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No Balcony, No Kiss

Markle and Harry will not pose for the famous balcony kiss photo after their nuptials like Prince William and Duchess Kate did in 2011, the palace confirmed. It is unclear why, but the couple may be skipping the tradition because St. George’s Chapel does not have a balcony (William and Kate wed at Westminster Abbey.) The last appearance Markle and Harry will make on their wedding day will be at the carriage procession as they leave Windsor Castle for their reception at Frogmore House.

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The Caterer

Table Talk is the official caterer for the Harry and Meghan’s big day. (The company also catered William and Kate’s 2011 wedding and Pippa Middelton and James Matthews’ 2017 nuptials.) Another source told Us on May 10 that Chapel Down sparkling wine will be served at the reception. 

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Thomas Markle Not Attending

The day after footage emerged of Thomas seemingly staging photos with paparazzi, he told TMZ on May 14 that he would no longer be attending Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding. Thomas told the publication that he regretted his decision to work with the photographers, and claimed he had a heart attack earlier in the month of May. A source told Us that Meghan is “upset and disturbed by the entire ordeal and just wants to move past it.”  Kensington Palace released a statement regarding the drama on May 14:  “This is a deeply personal moment for Ms. Markle in the days before her wedding. She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr. Markle in this difficult situation.”

Thomas would go on to change his mind, but had to back out of the nuptials again to undergo heart surgery. On May 17, Meghan officially announced that he would not be in attendance on the big day. "Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding. I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health," she said via Kensington Palace. "I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday."

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The Bridesmaids and Page Boys

Ten in total! Kensington Palace officially announced on May 16 who would be playing a role in the couple's bridal party. Prince George, 4, will be a page boy while Princess Charlotte, 3, will be a bridesmaid. Others included Harry and Markle's godchildren. The Suits alum also asked her best friend Jessica Mulroney's kids to be involved. 

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Meeting the Markles

Sources told Us Weekly that Markle and Harry introduced their parents on May 16 when Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, joined Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla for tea at Clarence House. Ragland is also set to meet Queen Elizabeth II ahead of the wedding

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Final Preparations

Harry and Markle headed to Windsor Castle on May 17 to oversee the final preparations for their big day. An eyewitness told Us Weekly that the duo were “smiling” and “looked very happy” on the trip over from their Nottingham Cottage home in a black Range Rover. 

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Suited Up

The cast of Markle’s former USA series, Suits, will attend her royal nuptials and lunchtime reception, but multiple sources confirmed to Us on May 16 that they did not score invites to the private evening reception hosted by Prince Charles at Frogmore House.  “[The cast is] important to her, but she has a new inner circle of friends,” an insider dished. “The afternoon reception is for Meghan and Harry’s old circle and the evening establishes their new circle.”

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Prince Charles Will Step In

Kensington Palace announced on May 18 that Prince Charles would walk Markle down the aisle in place of her father, Thomas Markle. "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 statement read. "The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to the royal family in this way."

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Prince Philip Will Attend

Six weeks after undergoing hip replacement surgery, it was confirmed on May 18 that the duke would attend the nuptials. He was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital on April 3 and had been recovering at Windsor Castle following his release from the facility.

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Their Official Titles

Queen Elizabeth II revealed the couple’s long-rumored new royal titles hours before the pair exchanged vows. “The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince Henry of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel,” Kensington Palace said in a statement on Saturday, May 19. “Prince Harry thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, and Ms. Meghan Markle on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex.”

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The Dress Designer

After much speculation, Meghan chose a simple boatneck wedding gown by Claire Waight Keller for Givenchy. The bride accessorized with a five-meters-long silk floral-embroidered tulle veil and a bouquet featuring flowers hand-picked by her husband-to-be from the Kensington Palace garden. Her diamond bandeau tiara belonged to Queen Mary and was loaned to Meghan by Queen Elizabeth II.

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The Wedding Rings

 The pair chose Cleave and Company to make their wedding bands. The former actress’ ring was made from a piece of Welsh Gold that was a gift from Queen Elizabeth II. The prince’s band — Harry will break tradition as one of few male royal family members who wears a wedding ring — is platinum with a textured finish.

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Ceremony Music

The royal wedding ceremony featured an array of music, from a gospel choir rendition of “Stand by Me” to the bride and groom’s procession mash-up of “Amen” and “This Little Light of Mine.” Guests chimed in to help sing hymns and the national anthem was one of the last tunes performed before the couple exited St George’s Chapel.