The most talked about upcoming royal wedding, of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, will be watched by millions, on the 19^th of May 2018 at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in England, United Kingdom. The groom, His Royal Highness Prince Henry, and Suits actress, Meghan Markle, have been in a relationship since June 2016, however, it was not officially announced by the royal palace until later within the year.

Their engagement, announced by Clarence House last November, sent fans and media into overdrive, with Prince Harry dazzling Markle with a bespoke engagement ring made by Cleave and Company, consisting of a large central diamond from Botswana (where they had previously holidayed together), with two smaller diamonds from his mother’s, Princess Diana of Wales’ jewellery collection.  With any royal wedding, comes pomp and pageantry, and this is no exception! As well as the biggest question; who is designing Meghan’s dress? Along with what will be their formal titles once they say, ‘I Do’. However, there is a lot to learn about the Suits actress, as well as what to expect, as Meghan has been making headlines since their engagement; for breaking numerous royal protocols- which she will include on her and Prince Harry’s big day……

Who is Meghan Markle?

Rachel Meghan Markle, is an American actress, humanitarian campaigner, and advocate for UN Women. She grew up in Los Angeles, and lived in Toronto, Canada, for her role in TV series, Suits. Meghan has appeared in Suits, since it first aired back in 2011, however, Meghan has appeared in major Hollywood films, including Get Him to the Greek, Horrible Bosses and Remember Me.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, will most likely to be known as Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

She will be the second American, and the first person of mixed race heritage, to marry into the British royal family. Although Markle attended a Catholic school in her early years, she did not identify as Roman Catholic, on the 6th of March 2018, she was baptised and confirmed into the Church of England (COE) by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at St. James’s Palace. After the engagement, Markle began the years-long process of becoming a British citizen. According to some sources, she will also retain her US citizenship.  It won’t be Ms Markle’s first marriage- in September 2011, she married film producer, Trevor Engelson, but the pair divorced two years later. Her ex-husband is now producing a new TV show which is based on a man’s custody battle with his ex-wife who marries into the British royal family.

After being the editor-in-chief of her own lifestyle website and brand, The Tig, for three years, Ms Markle closed it in April 2017. The Tig covered topics such as food, beauty, fashion and travel and also spoke about strong women. Ms Markle said setting up the website, was an attempt to “reframe the beauty content to include think pieces about self-empowerment” and feature dynamic, inspirational women.

What do we know about the wedding?

The Wedding will be televised, giving the public a chance to watch the anticipated ceremony, just like Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s. The ceremony will occur on the 19th of May at 12:00 PM BST, in addition, the palace announced that the Dean of Windsor, David Conner, will conduct the service while the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, would perform the marriage ceremony. Duke of Cambridge, Prince William will be his best man, and his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte will act as Paige boy, and flower girl. Currently, Stewart Parvin is the most favourite and likely, to make the most anticipated wedding dress of the year! No stranger to royal fashion, Stewart has been the dressmaker to the Queen for over a decade and made Zara Tindall’s dress too, however, with Meghan choosing British Couturier, Ralph & Russo, for her official engagement images, then they could also be a top contender.

There will also be a carriage procession through Windsor, after the ceremony as well as two receptions. The first reception, for those attending the ceremony, will take place in St. George’s Hall after the carriage procession, with a second reception for family and close friends, hosted by the Prince of Wales, occurring later in the day, with rumours of musician and singer Ed Sheeran Performing.  

Meghan Markle’s ring consists of a large central diamond from Botswana (where they had previously holidayed together), with two smaller diamonds from his mother’s, Princess Diana of Wales’ jewellery collection

Traditionally, royal princes have been awarded substantive titles, prior to their marriages; becoming Duke’s or Earl’s. They will most likely to be formally known as Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It was also announced that they will live at Nottingham Cottage, in the grounds of Kensington Palace, following their marriage.

Breaking Traditions….

Kensington Palace subsequently announced that the wedding is to be held on Saturday 19th of May 2018, the same date as the FA Cup Final, which Prince Harry’s brother William normally attends in his role as President of the Football Association.

Also, holding the royal wedding on a weekend is a break with the royal tradition of having weddings on a weekday.

It’s reported that Meghan wants her Mother, Doria Ragland, to walk her down the aisle, however, more reports suggest that Meghan will make a speech at the wedding too, breaking away from royal protocol.

All eyes will be on Windsor Castle, on Saturday the 19th of May, for the Royal Wedding.