Markle village gears up for its day in the sun

As Meghan Markle is admiring her hand-stitched designer wedding gown and Prince Harry is adjusting his military uniform this morning, a sleepy hamlet in East Lothian will be busy making preparation so fits own for the highly-anticipated royal wedding.

Tucked away from the busy A1 and nestled in rolling hills lies Mark le. The tiny village has a

population of only around 100 people and is accessed via a tree- lined avenue flanked by beech hedges and wild flowers. The area is steeped in history, with the ruins of Markle Castle standing just a quarter of a mile away.

At the top of the village visitors are welcomed by a sign proclaiming its name, which will temporarily bear bunting in the form of hearts cut out of paper and fashioned from wood and tartan ribbon in honour of the imminent nuptials. Many members of the close- knit community will today come together to raise a toast to the bride and groom at a garden party organised by residents.

Tables and gazebos will be erected on the green, with British fare served with strawberries and cream finishing off a feast washed down by Pimms cocktails.

Lorna Field, who has lived in Markle with husband Garry for more than 20 years, said: “I think Harry seems like a really nice chap and it’s wonderful that he’s found himself a nice lass who loves him. I’m chuffed he’s found her.”