Prince Harry, Meghan Markle invite "ordinary people" to royal wedding
Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle revealed plans to invite 2,640 members of public into the Windsor Castle grounds for their wedding in May so that more people get to be part of the royal celebration. The Kensington Palace said the couple wants the public to feel a part of their special day. Here's more.
The Kensington Palace's statement
"Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle will invite 2,640 members of the public to Windsor Castle on their wedding day to watch the arrivals of the bride and groom and their guests and the carriage-procession as it departs from the castle," the Kensington Palace said.
People to be chosen from broad range of backgrounds, ages
"The couple has asked that the people chosen are from a broad range of backgrounds and ages, including young people who have shown strong leadership, and those who have served their communities," a spokesperson said. Prince Harry announced his engagement to actress Meghan in Nov'17; preparations have since been underway for what is expected to be among the "most photographed royal events" of 2018.
Members from charities and organizations close to the couple
Around 1,200 people from across the UK will be selected by the royal family's Lord Lieutenants. About 200 people from charities and organizations close to Prince Harry and Markle will also be invited. They are also likely to include the stars and staff from the Armed Forces' Invictus Games launched by the Prince, mental health charities, HIV awareness campaigns, and seriously ill children.
Invitees include 100 pupils from two local schools
Meanwhile, the guests list will include 100 pupils from two local schools, 610 Windsor Castle community members, and 530 members of the Royal Household and the royal family's Crown Estate. "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 Kensington Palace said.
When is the couple getting married?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to marry at the St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle at midday on May 19. At 13:00 hours local time, the couple will travel through Windsor in Berkshire in a carriage so as to allow the city to catch a glimpse of the newly-weds before their wedding reception back at the castle.
The couple is also breaking this royal tradition!
Prince Harry and Markle have gone against royal tradition by choosing a Saturday for their big day, as royal weddings usually take place on a weekday. Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, married on a Friday.
