Harry and Meghan’s midday wedding set to avoid clash with FA Cup Final
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have revealed eagerly-awaited details of their forthcoming wedding.
The eyes of the world will be on them when they marry at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 19.
Kensington Palace has released an update on the big day, which takes place on the same date as the FA Cup Final.
Fans of both football and the royals will be relieved to know the wedding service will begin at midday – meaning a clash is unlikely as recent finals have kicked off at 5.30pm.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will marry the couple, while the Right Reverend David Conner, Dean of Windsor, will conduct the service at the Castle’s 15th century chapel.
At 1pm, the newlyweds will embark on a carriage procession along a route including Castle Hill, High Street, Sheet Street, Kings Road, Albert Road, Long Walk and finally Windsor Castle.
“They hope this short journey will provide an opportunity for more people to come together around Windsor and to enjoy the atmosphere of this special day,” the palace said.
After the service, there will be a reception at St George’s Hall for the couple and guests from the congregation. The Prince and Miss Markle will join their guests at the reception and, later that evening, the Prince of Wales will give a private reception for the couple and their close friends and family.
The palace said the couple are “hugely grateful for the many good wishes they have received since announcing their engagement”, adding: “They are very much looking forward to the day and to being able to share their celebrations with the public.”
As president of the Football Association, the groom’s older brother, the Duke of Cambridge, usually attends the FA Cup Final and presents the trophy.
But this year, William, who is tipped to be Harry’s best man, looks likely to be otherwise engaged with wedding duties.
Windsor Castle is about an hour’s drive – meaning William would be away from the celebrations for at least two hours if he was to present the silverware.
Last month, the second-in-line to the throne joked about whether or not he would be best man, quipping: “He hasn’t asked me yet...”
The Royal Family are paying for the wedding, including the church service, the music, the flowers and the reception.