Hear ye! Hear ye!
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s royal wedding is only weeks away, the royal family’s press secretary has released a statement about certain specifics regarding the nuptials. Specifically, the royal staffer outlined what’s to occur on May 19 AND confirmed whether or not Meghan’s poppa will be present for the big day.
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In short: we’ve got quite the royal decree for everyone. Let’s start with the biggest news — Thomas Markle Sr. WILL be present at his daughter’s highly anticipated wedding.
A spokesperson confirmed:
“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.”
In fact, the cinematographer will be the one walking the Suits actress down the aisle. AH-Mazing!!
This news directly contradicts the damning claims Meghan’s half-brother Thomas Markle Jr. allegedly made in a letter to Harry. As we previously reported, Mr. Markle urged the ginger prince to call off the wedding, as Meghan had supposedly forgotten to invite her father to the ceremony.
What a bold face lie!! Meghan’s momma will have an active part in the wedding as well, as she’s slated to travel with the bride-to-be by car to Windsor Castle. The rep continued:
“Both of the bride’s parents will have important roles in the wedding. On the morning of the wedding, Ms. Ragland will travel with Ms. Markle by car to Windsor Castle. Mr. Markle will walk his daughter down the aisle of St George’s Chapel. Ms. Markle is delighted to have her parents by her side on this important and happy occasion.”
Awwwww.
While, obviously, the royal family will be present at the May 19 ceremony — brother Prince William is serving as the best man — Harry has decided to invite his late mother’s siblings to the wedding. The statement added:
“In addition to having the support of The Queen, his father The Prince of Wales, and his brother Prince William as Best Man, Prince Harry is also keen to involve his mother’s family in his wedding. All three siblings of Diana, Princess of Wales will be in attendance and Lady Jane Fellowes will give the reading. Prince Harry and Ms. Markle both feel honored that Lady Jane will be representing her family and helping to celebrate the memory of the late Princess on the wedding day.”
We’re not crying, YOU ARE.
As for the logistics regarding the big day, the rep revealed that Meghan will arrive in Windsor on May 18. The Royal Borough of Windsor ensured that “work is well underway to ensure the occasion is a memorable and joyous one.” It’s said that rail operators are planning to add extra trains AND float services will be made available to help get people into town for the festivities!
Over royal wedding weekend, the town of Windsor will have a 6,000 space pre-booked car parking area, food stalls and facilities, live entertainment, viewing areas along the whole procession route, etc.
Related: Prince Harry Is “Extremely Excited” To Marry Meghan!
The members of the public who’ve been invited inside the grounds of Windsor Castle for the wedding will be ushered in at 9:00 am (U.K. time). Additional guests will begin trickling in between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Those apart of the royal family will arrive at St. George’s Chapel at 11:20 a.m.
It’s expected that Harry and William will head to the holy house on foot, so that their royal highnesses can “acknowledge all of the people gathered in the Castle precincts.” As for Meghan’s route, the announcement detailed:
“…a pooled media facility will cover Ms. Markle and Ms. Ragland’s departure from the bride’s overnight location. We expect the journey into the Castle to take them along part of the Long Walk, allowing members of the public gathered there to see the car as it passes. There will also be a brief stop at the Castle where Ms. Ragland will head onto the Chapel and Ms. Markle will be joined by some of the Bridesmaids and Page Boys before she continues her journey to the church, where she will enter via the West Steps.”
The entire service will take about an hour, concluding with a carriage ride, which should “take just under 25 minutes.” Members of the congregation are invited to watch the procession before heading to St George’s Hall for the reception. Sadly, “the public elements of the event will be over at this stage.”
Later on, the twosome will have an additional evening reception at Frogmore House.
More details regarding the full Order of Service, bridesmaids and page boys, and the wedding dress are expected to drop as May 19 draws closer. We honestly CANNOT wait for this royal wedding!!
14 days and counting, folks!!
[Image via WENN.]