Once the news broke that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were engaged, it wouldn’t stop breaking: first, all the official statements; next, their photo shoot debut; then a BBC interview, where they revealed Prince Harry proposed over roast chicken and that, oh yeah, the corgis totally approve of Markle. Then all the details about the ring, the venue, the wedding date, and a possible banana cake—it’s all royal information overload.
So, let’s recap everything we know thus far about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.
When is the royal wedding?
Kensington Palace confirmed that the wedding will take place on May 19, 2018, which, thank the royal gods, is a Saturday. Get those scones ready.
Where is the royal wedding ceremony?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will wed at St. George’s Chapel, on the grounds of Windsor Castle. The Gothic church, located about an hour outside of London, is steeped in royal history.
Where is the wedding reception?
Like William and Kate, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have a lunchtime and evening reception. Immediately after the ceremony, guests will dine at St. George's Hall in Windsor Castle. Later, 200 guests will attend a second, smaller reception at Frogmore House on the castle grounds.
Who is on the guest list?
While we’re hoping for these famous faces in the pews, the only confirmed guests thus far are Prince Harry’s close family members, including the Queen, and Markle’s parents. However, the duo has invited 2,640 people to watch the arrivals of the bride and groom on the grounds of Windsor Castle. That group is made up of students, members of the royal household, and 1,200 well-wishers nominated by their local Lord Lieutenant's office.
What is the cost of the royal wedding?
The royal family will be footing the bill as they did with Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, but it’s possible that security costs will be paid by taxpayers.
What time does the royal wedding start?
The wedding will begin at noon, Greenwich mean time—which gives Brits plenty of time to watch the wedding, and the F.A. Cup Final.
How many receptions will there be?
Following the service, there will be a reception at St. George’s Hall for the couple and guests of the congregation. However, at 5:30, a second, more exclusive reception begins for just Harry and Meghan’s close family and friends.
Will there be a royal procession?
At 1 p.m., Harry and Meghan will take a carriage procession from St. George's Castle through the town of Windsor, so the public will get a chance to see the bride and groom on their wedding day.
What kind of wedding cake will be served?
The couple will serve an lemon elderflower cake made by Claire Ptak, owner of Violet bakery in London.
What do the royal wedding invitations look like?
The black-and-gold invitations were made by London-based printers Barnard and Westwood, who have held a royal warrant since 1985.
There are still plenty of burning questions left unanswered. Who will be the best man? Will Princess Charlotte be a bridesmaid? Will Markle’s beagle, Guy, make an appearance in his doggy Union Jack sweater? Once we know, we’ll update this post.
Who will perform at the royal wedding?
James Vivian, Director of Music for St. George’s Chapel, will oversee the music for the wedding service. That includes "a selection of choral groups, soloists, and musicians," according to Kensington Palace. Two of the lucky performers? 19 year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, winner of the 2016 BBC Young Musician Award, and Karen Gibson and the Kingdom Choir, a gospel choir which has been performing for over twenty years.
The reception performer, however, is still unknown—although Mel B seems like she's dropping some heavy hints.
