The big match
Royal wedding to take place on the same day as Scottish & FA Cup finals
no, not Meghan and Harry’ s wedding .. it’ s Scottish Cup Final day
THE royal wedding has thrown up an epic date clash for football fans – it’s the same day as the Scottish Cup final.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced yesterday that they will wed on May 19 – clashing with Scottish football’s showpiece event at Hampden AND the English FA Cup final.
It means Harry has risked giving football fans invited to his big day a dilemma of how to catch up with the big English game while celebrating him tying the knot at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
As president of the FA, Prince William is normally at Wembley for the season finale and has presented the trophy in the past.
But next year he will be otherwise engaged with his best man duties.
BBC sports presenter Gary Lineker tweeted following the announcement: “Breaking News: This year’s build-up to the FA Cup final will include The Road To Wembley, Football Focus and The Royal Wedding.”
Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, are expected to parade through the streets of Windsor in a carriage after saying their vows at the stunning 15th-century chapel in front of 800 guests.
A spokesman for the FA said: “Everyone at the FA is delighted for HRH Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with the announcement of their wedding at Windsor Castle next year.
“Saturday, May 19, promises to be a wonderful day with such a special royal occasion being followed by English football’s showpiece event, the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley.
“With millions coming together to watch both events at home and around the world, it will be a day to celebrate.”
It was announced earlier this week that Meghan will be the first royal fiancee to join the Queen at Sandringham over Christmas.
She and Harry are expected to stay with William and Kate at their Norfolk country home Anmer Hall. Meghan is currently visiting family and friends in LA and it was business as usual yesterday for Harry as he presented the Sword of Honour to the standout officer cadet at Sandhurst.
In a speech, the prince – who graduated from the academy 11 years ago – said: “It is not the first time that I have been a part of this parade but it is certainly my first one facing in this direction – and with facial hair.
“A little over 11 years ago, I was stood where you are today. Although I confess, I don’t remember any deep thoughts of duty, responsibility and leadership at that point.
“My head was filled with much more immediate concerns – numb feet, the buckle of my braces digging into my collarbone, a burning in my arm from the weight of the rifle and, above all, desperate attempts to remember what the next words of command were, to avoid drawing the attention from the Academy Sergeant Major one last time!”