The UK is getting ready for the wedding of the year as Prince Harry, who is sixth in line to the throne, prepares to marry American actress and humanitarian Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle in May.

Windsor Castle, where the wedding will take place

The engagement of Prince Harry and Ms Markle was announced on 27 November 2017 and, since then, there has been huge interest around the world in the plans for their big day.

The wedding will take place at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on Saturday 19 May. The service will begin at midday and will be conducted by the Dean of Windsor, The Rt Revd David Conner. The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, will officiate as the couple make their marriage vows.

At 1pm, following the service, the couple will travel around the town of Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage, providing an opportunity for members of the public to see them and join in with the celebrations.

Windsor © VisitEngland/Doug Harding

Members of the public from around the United Kingdom will be amongst the 2,640 people in the grounds of Windsor Castle on the day. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wanted their wedding day to be shaped to allow members of the public to feel part of the celebrations. The couple have therefore invited 1,200 people to join in, including young people who have shown strong leadership, and those who have served their communities.

Those members of the public who have been invited to the wedding will join 200 guests from organisations with which Prince Harry and Ms Markle have a close association, as well as 100 pupils from two local schools and 500 members of The Royal Household. They will watch the arrival of the bride and groom and their wedding guests at the chapel and will see the carriage procession as it departs from the castle.

American pastry chef Claire Ptak, who is based in London, has been chosen to create the wedding cake for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Owner of the Violet Bakery, California-raised Ms Ptak formerly worked as a pastry chef under the legendary Alice Waters at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. Claire Ptak has been asked to create a lemon elderflower cake to incorporate the bright flavours of spring. It will be covered with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers.

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, said: “Excitement is building across the UK and further afield for the wedding of the year in May. We’re looking forward to welcoming Meghan Merkle into our Royal Family, cementing further the close relations between the UK and the USA. It is sure to be a special day and the eyes of the world will be on the happy couple.”

If you would like to enjoy a tailor-made heritage tour of the United Kingdom, following in the footsteps of royalty and exploring the palaces and castles that have shaped history, please do contact our friendly team today.