Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are all set to wed on May 19th, and preparations are in full swing for the occasion. The Windsor Castle is reportedly having a media platform built for the press, and repairs/construction work is already underway for the roads that fall in the procession route. As their wedding day approaches fast, we give you all the behind-the-scenes details that we know so far-
The Location
The wedding will take place in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle at 12 pm. The Dean of Windsor will conduct the service and the Archbishop of Canterbury will officiate the couple’s marriage vows – they will undertake a carriage procession from St George’s Chapel through Windsor town, so that the public can gather to share in their joys. Post the wedding service, there will be a reception at St. George’s Hall with guests from the congregation as well. In the evening, the Prince of Wales will host a private reception at Frogmore House for the couple, and their close friends and family.
The Dress
Speculation was rife about the designer of the future Duchess’ wedding dress, and popular contenders included London Fashion Week designer Erdem, and Kate Middleton’s dress designer Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. However, reports revealed that Markle will don a £100,000 dress by Ralph & Russo. The dress will be hand stitched and heavily beaded, and is the dress she will wear for the first half of her wedding day. However, it is still unclear whether she has chosen the same designer for her second dress for the private reception. Markle also ore a Ralph & Russo design for the official engagement photos.
The Cake
For the wedding cake, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have chosen Claire Ptak of London’s Violet Bakery. Ptak’s focus is using seasonal and organic ingredients and this is supposedly why she was chosen by the couple. According to an announcement from the Kensington Palace, Ptak will create a ‘lemon and elderflower cake incorporating the bright flavours of spring’. The centre piece will be covered with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers. She was also interviewed by Markle for her now non-functional website The Tig.
The Attendees
A small crowd of 800 is said to be present for the wedding service, a stark contrast to Prince William and Kate’s 1,900-strong crowd. Markle’s parents Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland will arrive I the UK a week prior to the wedding. Being sixth in line to the throne, Prince Harry is not obligated to invite diplomats from around the world. Additionally, 1,200 commoners who have done exemplary work for their communities have also been invited, to grace the special day. Among the high-profilers in attendance are Priyanka Chopra, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Cara Delevingne, David and Victoria Beckham, and Serena Williams.
What else?
Following years of tradition, the invitations have been made by Barnard Westwood. The invitations prominently feature the Three-Feathered Badge of the Prince of Wales printed in gold ink. The couple has also chosen to ditch traditional wedding presents in favour of donations to charities chosen by them. The couple will spend their wedding eve apart, and their wedding night at the Windsor Castle. The service will take an hour and will be broadcast live all around the world. 1883 Ascot Landau built for Queen Victoria will carry the couple along to procession after the ceremony.
