From The Straits Times    |

Photo: The Royal Family/Facebook 

The royal wedding between Prince Harry and former Suits actress, Meghan Markle is well underway. In just a number of days, Harry and Meghan will say “I do” at the picturesque St George’s Chapel, here are five things you need to know about the most publicised date in the 2018 calendar.

 

1. Three-year-old Princess Charlotte will be one of the six young bridesmaids at the wedding

Princess Charlotte, who is the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, will have experience to lean on – Charlotte together with her elder brother, four-year-old Prince George stole the show at their aunt Pippa Middleton’s nuptials to James Matthews at St. Mark’s Church in England last year. George, who was the page boy at the wedding, walked down the aisle with a flower basket while his adorable sister donned a floral crown, as a bridesmaid.

You can also expect to see other cute tots in Harry and Meghan’s wedding, who each have a close connection to the couple, including Prince Harry’s three godsons and Meghan’s two goddaughters. According to British custom, the bride goes down the aisle first, followed by attendants or bridesmaids and page boys holding the train so keep your eyes peeled for these cute little guests.

 

2. The wedding venue holds a special place in Prince Harry’s heart

 

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St George Chapel which is set in the lower ward of the Windsor Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks of the royal family. Because it is situated within the Horseshoe Cloisters and the Henry VIII gate, the chapel will offer the couple and their famous guests some privacy.

In 1999, the venue also played host to the wedding of Earl of Wessex (Prince William and Harry’s uncle) and his now wife Sophie Rhys-Jones. Prince Harry was also christened in this very same chapel when he was three months old.

 

3. The cast of Suits will be there

 

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In addition to the 2,600 members of public that will be invited to wedding, cast members and key executives from Suits will also share their wedding day. The star-studded guest list is likely to include Meghan’s Suits co-star Abigail Spencer (who played Dana Scott, Gabriel Macht’s rival in Suits), as well as actress Priyanka Chopra, and world tennis champion Serena Williams.

 

4. Meghan’s dream dress

 

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Some fashion experts speculate that Meghan has chosen British designer, Ralph & Russo, to make her all-important gown.

She could also follow her future sister-in-law’s lead and wear two dresses on the big day, changing for the second reception in the evening and something more modern.

Based on previous interviews, it seems Meghan will be going with something dreamy for her wedding dress.

In a 2016 interview with Glamour, the former actress shared that she has “the luxury of wedding beautiful pieces of clothing every day for work, so my personal style – wedding or not – is very pared down and relaxed,” she said.

She also added that “classic and simple is the name of the game, perhaps with a modern twist. I personally prefer wedding dresses that are whimsical or subtly romantic. Delphine Manivet and Christos Costarellos are faves of mine for their uniqueness and beauty. And I will always be a fan of Elie Saab. J. Mendel is spectacular as well, especially for more structural designs.”

 

5. Prince William might walk Meghan down the aisle

Typically, according to tradition, the father of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle as a symbolic gesture of “giving his daughter away.”

Unfortunately, Thomas Markle, Meghan’s father pulled out just days before the wedding as he recently suffered from a heart attack and also suffered with some controversial news coverage after he allegedly staged photos with the paparazzi.

 If her dad doesn’t make it on the big day, Meghan’s mother Doria could fill the role.

Prince William might also step in to fill the role in a move which has some royal precedent.

Alternatively Prince Charles who has no other official duty during the wedding may also fill the void.

 

6. Bonus point: “You may not kiss the bride”

While most American weddings seal the deal with the iconic phrase, “You may now kiss the bride,” this gesture is rarely observed in royal weddings. The Church of England actually forbids such acts in sacred places like the Westminster Abbey. That is why Prince William and Kate Middleton shared their first kiss as husband and wife on a balcony outside Buckingham Palace.

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we are unlikely to see a kiss between Prince Harry and his new wife, Meghan Markle, during the ceremony.

Whether or not they decide to break royal tradition, we’ll simply have to wait and see.

 

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