Royal couple will become wedding planners for day of celebrations

Pair to put their own stamp on big day, as it emerges Ms Markle’s first public engagement is this week

IT WILL be the most important day of their lives to date, imbued with centuries-old tradition as they take vows before God, their families and the Queen.

But not for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle a day of too much solemnity, as they promise a wedding focused on fun, joy and a chance to celebrate with the public.

The newly-engaged couple are to plan their own wedding, it has been confirmed, as they prioritise a celebration that “reflects the characters of the bride and groom”.

From flowers to seating plans, the happy couple will take charge of a ceremony designed to incorporate both families, their wide circle of friends, and welcome the public into their lives.

The wedding will be in May, at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where Prince Harry was christened, which is said to have become a “very special place” for them in their 18-month relationship so far.

The Prince and Ms Markle, who said they were “extremely grateful for the warm response” to news of their betrothal, are currently considering ways for members of the public to “feel part of the celebrations”, in what is now expected to be a televised wedding.

The “core aspects” of the wedding, including the church service, music, flowers, decorations and reception, will be paid for by the Royal family, with Ms Markle’s parents set to attend. Although the best man and wedding party have not yet been confirmed, it seems safe to assume there will be a role for Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who will be joined by a little brother or sister by May.

The American actress has already been introduced to the smallest members of the Cambridge family, spending time with them as their new neighbour at Kensington Palace.

But if planning a Royal wedding sounds time-consuming, it appears the Prince and Ms Markle are confident they can fit it all around their newfound official duties.

In a surprise announcement yesterday, it was confirmed Ms Markle will take on her first public engagement this Friday, making a joint visit with the Prince to Nottingham to visit the Aids charity so close to the heart of Diana, Princess of Wales. She will go on to spend the next six months visiting towns and villages around the UK, getting to know her new home.

After news of the engagement settled, the Prince’s communications secretary yesterday released key details of the couple’s plans, from Ms Markle’s intention to take British citizenship to her forthcoming role as patron of the Royal Foundation, currently headed by the trio of the Prince and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Jason Knauf said: “Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are extremely grateful for the warm public response following yesterday’s announcement.

“In a happy moment in their lives, it means a great deal to them that so many people throughout the UK, the Commonwealth, and around the world are celebrating with them.

“Prince Harry and Ms Markle are delighted that the beautiful grounds of Windsor Castle will be where they begin their lives together as a married couple. They of course want the day to be a special, celebratory moment for their friends and family. They also want the day to be shaped so as to allow the public to feel part of the celebrations too and are currently working through ideas for how this might be achieved.

“This wedding, like all weddings, will be a moment of fun and joy that will reflect the characters of the bride and groom.”

Ms Markle, who attended a Catholic school in Los Angeles but is Protestant, will be baptised and confirmed before the Church of England wedding. Shortly before her wedding, the Duchess of Cambridge was also confirmed.

Asked how the Prince and Ms Markle were feeling after making news of their engagement public, Mr Knauf said they were “overwhelmed” by the support they had received on the “incredibly happy day”.

The May wedding, the exact date of which has not yet been confirmed, was chosen by the couple themselves.

It is likely the result of scouring one of the most complicated social diaries on Earth, ensuring all senior members of the Royal family will be present, as well as Ms Markle’s family and the Prince’s relations on his mother’s side.

The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting her third child in April, while the Queen and Prince of Wales will be attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

While the Windsor wedding will not naturally provide the same grand

‘[Ms Markle] wants to spend time learning about the UK. This is going to be her home now’

Buckingham Palace “balcony moment” enjoyed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it appears it will still put on a show for the public.

Mr Knauf said: “It’s a royal wedding and it will rise to that standard as well.”

Before the big day, Ms Markle will travel back to Canada and America to spend time with friends and family as she gradually settles into life in Britain.

Ms Markle and the Prince may also take the opportunity to visit her father, who lives in Mexico and has so far not met his future son-in-law in person.

Beginning this week, Ms Markle will join the Prince on official Royal engagements learning about UK charities.

“She wants to spend time learning about the UK,” said Mr Knauf. “This is going to be her home now.”