The Royal Wedding

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Royal Wedding: Everything You Need to Know

From the cake to the guest list—we have all your questions answered.
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's relationship has been a whirlwind—at least publicly. The couple confirmed their relationship in September 2017 when they held hands at Toronto's Invictus Games. Two months after that, they announced their engagement. Now, six months later, they're about to tie the knot. That's right: Another royal wedding is upon us.

You probably already know this, though, because the Internet's been obsessing over Markle and Prince Harry's nuptials for months now. It's a good thing that Kensington Palace has been pretty forthcoming about details surrounding the big day. Palace reps have released enough information about Markle and Prince Harry's wedding that we can paint a good picture of what to expect. In fact, most of our burning questions about the nuptials—and yours—have already been answered. See below.

When is the royal wedding?

Saturday, May 19, 2018.

Where is it?

St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, and the reception is at St George's Hall. A second evening reception will take place at Frogmore House.

What time does the royal wedding start?

According to Kensington Palace, the wedding will begin at noon, followed by a carriage processions. "Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle are hugely grateful for the many good wishes they have received since announcing their engagement," the palace wrote on Instagram. "They are looking forward to the day and to being able to share their celebrations with the public and wanted to share the following details about their wedding on May 19th. They have today confirmed that their wedding will begin at 12 noon, followed by a carriage procession at 1 P.M. around Windsor Town, and reception at St George's Hall. Later that evening, The Prince of Wales will give a private evening reception for the couple and their close friends and family."

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Will the royal wedding be televised in the U.S.?

Yes! It's streaming on several platforms, including Reuters, PBS, and BBC America. For a complete how-to-watch guide, click here.

Who is performing?

James Vivian, the director of music at St. George’s Chapel, is overseeing all facets of production, which will include work from 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir. Mel B. teased on The Real in February that the Spice Girls might be performing; however, others members of the group shut down this claim, so stay tuned. TMZ reports that Elton John will perform at the royal wedding, though it's not known whether he'll appear at the actual ceremony or one of the two receptions. Kensington Palace hasn't confirmed this, either.

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Can I get involved?

A little under 3,000 general members of the Commonwealth are invited to Prince Harry and Markle's nuptials. If you're not one of those lucky people, though, no worries: Markle and Prince Harry will have a carriage procession at 1:00 P.M. around Windsor town, where they'll greet well-wishers. Also, you can give to one of these seven charities as a present to the couple.

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Who is planning the wedding?

Markle and Prince Harry are spearheading the majority of the planning, according to Kensington Palace. However, it's also believed that Markle's best friend and personal stylist, Jessica Mulroney, is doing some of the wedding planning as well—just secretly.

Who's paying for it?

The royal family will pay for the "core aspects" of the wedding. This includes the church service, associated music, flowers, decorations, and the reception.

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Who's invited?

The couple's guest list will be kept under wraps until the big day, but a few attendees have been confirmed. Quantico star Priyanka Chopra revealed that she is going; plus, Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, will attend. Her father, Thomas Markle, was supposed to go and walk Meghan down the aisle, but health issues are keeping him at home. Kate Middleton, Prince William, and their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, are going. (Their youngest son, Prince Louis, will stay at home.) All three of Princess Diana's siblings will go to the wedding too, and Lady Jane Fellowes will give a reading. It's also a safe bet that the Queen Elizabeth II will be there. Plus there are those nearly 3,000 members of the general public who will be in attendance, as well.. Some of Markle's Suits cast mates are attending, too.

Who is walking Markle down the aisle?

Kensington Palace announced that Markle's father, Thomas, would walk her down the aisle. But after a scandal involving staged paparazzi photos emerged, Thomas told TMZ he's no longer attending the royal wedding. He later flip-flopped on that decision, but ultimately was unable to come because he was having heart surgery. Markle released a statement on May 17 confirming that Thomas isn't attending the wedding because of his health. On Friday (May 18), it was confirmed that Prince Charles will walk Markle down the aisle.

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Who will give the wedding sermon?

The Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry, the twenty-seventh presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, who happens to be from Chicago.

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What flavor is the wedding cake?

It's a lemon elderflower confection that will be covered in buttercream. Acclaimed baker Claire Ptak is making the dessert. Kensington Palace tweeted out the exact ingredients for the cake on Friday, May 18: "200 Amalfi lemons, 500 organic eggs from Suffolk, 20kgs of butter, 20kgs of flour, 20kgs of sugar, and 0 bottles of Sandringham Elderflower Cordial." "We've been so lucky to work here at Buckingham Palace to bake the cake and ice the cake," Ptak said in a video that was also tweeted out by Kensington Palace

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Who is doing the flowers?

Philippa Craddock. She's known as the "Queen of London Florists," and will create all the floral arrangements in St. George's Chapel on May 19.

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Who is Prince Harry's best man?

Prince William—not exactly a surprise but still very sweet. Kensington Palace confirmed this news via social media on April 26.

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Who is Meghan Markle's maid of honor?

She won't have one. Instead, she'll be "assisted" on her wedding day by several friends, including Mulroney.

Will Markle and Prince Harry take a balcony pic, like Prince William and Middleton did?

No, they won't, a palace official confirmed on Friday, May 4. The reason is unknown, but it might just be a distance issue. St. George's Chapel and the famous balcony where just-married royals have kissed aren't exactly close.

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Will the royal children play a role in the wedding?

Princess Charlotte and Prince George will most likely have roles—the palace confirmed there will be page boys and flower girls—but expect Prince Louis to stay home.

What will Meghan Markle and Prince Harry do the night before the wedding?

They'll spend the evening apart—as per tradition. According to Vanity Fair, Prince Harry might spend time with Prince William and go for a walk around Windsor Castle that evening to greet the well-wishers waiting outside. Markle will most likely stay with her parents that night. Markle will reportedly stay at the Cliveden hotel with her mother, and Harry will stay at Coworth Park.

How will they spend their first night together as a married couple?

At Windsor Castle, following the ceremony and reception.

When and where is the honeymoon?

It's not happening immediately after Markle and Prince Harry's wedding, and the location is still unknown at this time—though it's rumored to be Namibia. The couple will carry on normal engagements the week following their wedding—back to business, as usual (just, ya know, married).