Shortly after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement to the world, the couple gave us some brief hints as to what we can expect from their May 19 ceremony, promising that the occasion will be a moment of “fun and joy” which will “reflect their characters and personalities.”
Here’s what we know so far:
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The ceremony at St. George’s Chapel will last an hour and at 1pm UK time, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will make their dazzling debut as husband and wife on a horse-drawn carriage, which will work its way around the town centre so well-wishers can catch a glimpse of the newlyweds.
In the evening, the couple will mingle with their VIP guests at a private reception hosted by the groom’s father Prince Charles.
According to sources speaking to the Daily Mail, it’s believed the royal wedding will be divided into two segments – an informal dinner for 350 and a reception drinks.
For those royal watchers hoping to be on the ground, the planned route will snake around Castle Hill, the High Street before heading back to the Castle via Long Walk.
“They 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,” the statement said.
A similar route was executed during Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex’s wedding in 1999.
The update also revealed the couple will be married by the Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Revd. and Rt Hon. Justin Welby, who has previously spoken of the pair’s “profound sense of commitment” to each other.
While the wedding service will be delivered by the Rt Revd. David Conner, the Dean of Windsor.
Following the carriage procession, guests will gather inside St. George’s Hall for a day-time reception.
Given that Meghan has long been a committed advocate for gender equality, it seems only appropriate that the royal-to-be will be re-dressing the male bias of one particular wedding tradition: by giving a speech at the reception that will follow the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor.
According to the Sunday Times, Meghan is planning an “affectionate tribute to her new husband and will offer thanks to Queen Elizabeth, her family, and friends.” There may, according to the Times source, “even be a couple of jokes.”
While Meghan’s father Thomas Markle is now expected to walk the former Suits star down the aisle — contrary to previous reports, which suggested that her mother, Doria Radlan, would take on this duty — he is unlikely to give a speech after the ceremony.
“The feeling is if Meghan’s father doesn’t speak for her, she wants to have the chance to thank her husband and everyone who has supported them. Harry thinks it’s a great idea,” the source told the Times.
At the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, speeches were given by Harry (in his capacity as best man), Prince Charles, and Michael Middleton, the father of the bride.
Details of Harry’s wedding party have not yet been confirmed by Kensington Palace, though he is expected to return the favor by asking his older brother to be his best man (despite the fact that last month, the Duke of Cambridge claimed that he’d not yet been asked to do so).
Meghan’s bridal party, meanwhile, is thought to include her close friend and unofficial stylist Jessica Mulroney, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte serving as page boy and flower girl.
Text: Bella Brennan and Katie Rosseinsky/The Australian Women’s Weekly Additional Reporting: Atika Lim