World watches as Royals prepare to wed

Bride-to-be tells crowds she feel ‘wonderful’ on eve of wedding as final preparations are made for ceremony

Indian artist Jagjot Singh Rubal puts the finishing touches to a painting of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, which he plans to send as a gift for their wedding as final preparations for the big day got under way at Windsor Castle with just hours to go until the ceremony.

A tight-lipped Prince Harry gave little away as he greeted well-wishers in Windsor on the eve of his marriage to Meghan Markle – however he assured crowds he felt “great”.

The prince greeted crowds on Castle Hill outside Windsor Castle with the Duke of Cambridge, just a short distance from St George’s Chapel where he will tie the knot with the American star.

And the bride-to-be said she was feeling “wonderful” as she arrived with her mother Doria Ragland at the luxury Cliveden House Hotel after meeting the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh for afternoon tea.

Royal wedding well-wishers erupted in applause and cheers when the brothers emerged through the gates of the castle yesterday evening.

Harry was dressed in navy trousers and a grey jacket and was sporting a beard when he appeared for the impromptu walkabout.

The surprise outing by the brothers echoed the eve of William’s own wedding in 2011 when the pair greeted royal fans with an appearance on The Mall in central London.

Harry shook hands with dozens of well-wishers who shouted “good luck” to the groom.

There was a heavy security presence as the pair met outside with members of the public, with some shouting out questions.

Harry was asked twice in quick succession if he was nervous, but did not answer. Shortly afterwards, when asked how he was feeling, he said: “Great, thanks. How are you feeling?”

Meghan O’shea, aged seven, from Holyport in Berkshire, was among those who chatted with Harry.

The prince noted the “H” in the little girl’s name – like his soon-to-be wife Meghan – and she said he remarked: “Is that like the one I’m going to marry?

“There’s not very many Meghans with a ‘H’ around.”

Little Meghan said of her namesake: “I think she’s very nice.”

It was announced earlier yesterday that the Prince of Wales is to step in for the father of the bride and walk Meghan down the aisle.

Kensington Palace said that Charles would give his soonto-be daughter-in-law away when she marries Prince Harry today in the historic surroundings of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

The palace said the American former actress had asked her future father-in-law to accompany her as she makes her way to the altar.

In statement, Kensington Palace said: “Ms Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George’s Chapel on her Wedding Day.

“The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to The Royal Family in this way.”

Meghan’s father Thomas Markle was forced to pull out of performing the fatherly duty after undergoing heart surgery in a dramatic upset just two days before the wedding.

It’s traditional to wish good luck to any couple getting married on what should be one of the happiest days of their lives. And today The Scotsman would like to do this on the occasion of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. They will need it more than most.

The couple appear to be genuinely in love, no arranged wedding this. But despite all the advantages that come with Harry being sixth in line to the British throne – and the position of UK head of state – the path ahead for them will not be easy.

For, while being a member of the Royal Family means one is highly unlikely to ever have to worry about money and life is about as privileged as it is possible to be, it has always been a gilded cage, with bars created by the public’s at-times obsessive interest in the minutiae of their lives. Meghan Markle and her family have only just started to discover the degree of scrutiny that the Royals have had to become used to dealing with, so they perhaps deserve a bit more sympathy than has been evident at times.

How many ordinary families would cope happily and without the slightest hiccup on the sudden arrival of fame and all the media interest that this entails? And, have no doubt, this is fame on an international level. The British Royal Family has long fascinated much of the world and nowhere more so than the US, where Royal fever can eclipse our own. Hundreds of US journalists will be here to cover the wedding. The fact that one half of the happy couple is American will mean interest is higher than ever before.

At times, the Royal Family are treated like a reality TV show or a soap opera, their lives rendered fictional and so dehumanised. We, the press and the public, would do well to always remember they are human beings with ordinary emotions just like anyone else. And yet, in Britain, they are very much not like anyone else.

Theirs is a position of considerable influence and soft political power. And it is here that Meghan Markle could have a transformative effect on British society. As a result of her involvement with charities because of her profile as an actress, she has spoken out about gender equality, modern-day slavery and the need for clean water in developing countries. She could also be a powerful voice against racism.

So, with determination and luck, she may just help change Britain for the better.