The A to Z of the Royal Wedding
With only two weeks to go until Prince Harry ties the knot with Meghan Markle, here is an A to Z of the royal wedding:
Anglican – Meghan Markle was baptised and confirmed into the Church of England in a secret ceremony in March, ready for her religious nuptials. The Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the service, describing it as “beautiful” and “very special”.
Best man – The Duke of Cambridge is Harry’s best man. He asked him months ago and William – who had Harry as his best man – has declared “revenge is sweet”.
Charities – Caring Harry and Meghan asked for well-wishers planning to send them gifts to make donations to seven charities instead.
Divorce – Meghan Markle has been married before. She wed television producer Trevor Engelson in 2011 but the pair divorced less than two years later.
*Elderflower *– The couple are having a lemon elderflower wedding cake decorated with fresh buttercream icing and made by Claire Ptak, owner of the trendy, organic Violet Bakery in east London.
Frogmore House – the setting for Harry and Meghan’s evening celebration. Two hundred guests will party into the night at the royal residence set in the sanctuary of Windsor Home Park.
<br>Greys – Four Windsor Grey horses called Milford Haven, Storm, Plymouth and Tyrone will pull Meghan and Harry in the Ascot landau through the streets of Windsor following the ceremony. Two more Windsor Greys – Sir Basil and Londonderry – will be outriders.
Heroes from across the country have been invited into the grounds of Windsor Castle to join in with the festivities, including 12-year-old Amelia Thompson, who was caught up in the Manchester Arena bombing, and Pamela Anomneze, who works at the Studio 306 Collective helping people with mental health problems.
Ink – American ink on English card was used for the traditional wedding invitations, which were issued under the Prince of Wales’s name.
Jewels – Meghan Markle is expected to wear a glittering tiara for the ceremony – perhaps the famous Spencer family heirloom, worn by Diana, Princess of Wales on her wedding day – or one loaned by the Queen.
Kate – The Duchess of Cambridge has only just given birth to her third child, but Kate will make an appearance at the royal wedding.
*Lubomirski *– Fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski, who took the couple’s engagement pictures, has been chosen to capture the big day as the official wedding photographer.
Money – Taxpayers will foot the bill for security. Policing William and Kate’s wedding cost more than £6.3 million. The royal family are paying for the church service, the music, the flowers and the reception, among other costs.
Nationality – Ms Markle will apply to become a British citizen after her wedding – but it is not yet known whether she will hold dual American citizenship.
Obey – Will the former Suits star pledge to obey Harry in her vows? It is unlikely. Kate did not and neither did Harry’s mother Diana, but the Queen, as Princess Elizabeth, promised to obey Philip when they wed in 1947.
Peonies – Meghan’s favourite flowers will decorate the inside of St George’s Chapel, along with white garden roses and foxgloves. Floral designer Philippa Craddock will use branches of beech, birch and hornbeam with foliage locally sourced from Windsor Great Park and the Crown Estate.
*Queen *– Harry’s grandmother the Queen is hosting the lunchtime reception for 600 people in Windsor Castle’s magnificent St George’s Hall after the ceremony.
Recovery – The Duke of Edinburgh is recovering from a hip operation and it is hoped he will be better in time to attend his grandson’s wedding.
Serena – US tennis champion Serena Williams, a close friend of Ms Markle, is expected to attend the big day.
Trump – American president Donald Trump is off the guest list and so are the Obamas. No world leaders nor UK politicians has been invited – even Prime Minister Theresa May is not attending, with the palace saying the event is not a state occasion.
Uniform – Harry is expected to wear military uniform, most likely his uniform as Captain General of the Royal Marines.
Victoria – The newlyweds will pass by the famous statue of Queen Victoria just outside Windsor Castle during their carriage procession.
Windsor – Windsor Castle in Berkshire is the Queen’s favourite residence. The ceremony will take place in its 15th century gothic St George’s Chapel.
X – Exs – Harry’s ex-girlfriends – Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas – are both said to be on the guest list after staying friends with the prince following their break-ups.
Young – BBC Young Musician of the Year 2016 Sheku Kanneh-Mason was called personally by Ms Markle who asked him to play at the wedding. Music will also include a gospel choir and a trumpeter called David Blackadder.
Zara – Harry’s cousin Zara Tindall is expected to be among the guests, along with Zara’s husband, former rugby player Mike Tindall, and other relatives including Princess Eugenie, who will be married in the same chapel in October.