Meghan decides against a maid of honour

Meghan Markle will not have a maid of honour after feeling unable to choose between her close group of friends, it has emerged.

Instead, she will be surrounded by children as page boys, bridesmaids and flower girls.

The bridal party is expected to include Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Harry’s godchildren, and the children of Ms Markle’s closest friends.

The decision means that there will be no so-called “Pippa Middleton moment”, below, on May 19, with Ms Markle’s friends supporting her in the lead-up to the wedding and on the day without taking an official role.

Friends including Jessica Mulroney, Misha Noo, Lindsay Roth, Benita Litt, Janina Gavankar and Priyanka Chopra are instead to be seen as part of the congregation.

“She has a very close-knit circle of friends and she didn’t want to choose one over another,” a Palace spokesman said.

“All have been actively involved in helping her prepare for the day and will be there in the days beforehand.”