What will Prince Harry’s royal wedding guests make of Meghan Markle’s clan?
A CHURCH wedding beckons for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle — with Windsor one of the front runners to host the historic ceremony.
The venue will be revealed later today, but the 15th- century St George’s Chapel within Windsor Castle is the most likely option.
And with Harry’s grandparents the Queen now aged 91 and the Duke of Edinburgh 96, it would be a convenient choice for them as they spend a great deal of time at the castle.
Its 180ft-long St George’s Hall, traditionally used for state banquets, would also be a suitable reception venue.
St Paul’s Cathedral, where the Prince and Princess of Wales married in 1981, is also a strong possibility, followed by Westminster Abbey.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who is expected to perform the ceremony, said he was “absolutely delighted” at news of the royal wedding.
Meghan is a divorcee, but the Church of England agreed in 2002 that divorced people could remarry in church under certain circumstances and at the discretion of the priest.
Once the venue is chosen the next challenge facing Meghan will be to decide who she should have in her bridal party.
Among the favourites will be former Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh, 28 — her personal trainer.
Harry’s sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge, 35, is also a contender, as are her children Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, two.
Other favourites include Benita Litt. She is a close friend and Meghan is godmother to her two children.
Finally, the reception is bound to be a memorable night, with party animal Harry likely to indulge his passion for a boozy good time.
Below, we take a look at the guests who are likely to be making an appearance.
HER GUESTS
MUM: DORIA RAGLAND
Harry’s future mum-in-law clearly gave her seal of approval — the engagement news comes less than two months after she flew 2,500 miles from her LA home to Toronto for the closing of the Prince’s Invictus Games.
Social worker Doria is also a yoga instructor, so should be able to show her daughter some relaxation exercises in case of any wedding day jitters.
DAD: THOMAS MARKLE
One thing Harry can be sure of — his future dad-in-law knows about marriage, having done it twice.
Meghan was six when her parents divorced in 1987. But Thomas, now 72 and retired in New Mexico, may struggle to pay for a flight to the wedding — he declared himself bankrupt last year
NEPHEW: TYLER DOOLEY
Tyler, whose dad is Meghan’s half-brother Thomas Jr, has revealed the TV star often babysat him as a child.
He said: “She was just like any other kid growing up. She was our aunt and she was our family.
“She would babysit us monthly and always take us to the park and duck pond.” Tyler, who works in debt recovery, added: “We have completely different jobs in different towns but still keep in touch as she’s a quality person.”
MATCHMAKER: MISHA NONOO
The fashion designer — pals with both future bride and groom — has emerged as the mystery matchmaker Meghan spoke of in her interview last night.
Her ex-husband Alexander Gilkes is one of Harry’s old Eton friends.
Meghan is clearly a fan of her friend’s pieces and once wore one called The Husband Shirt — which perhaps was a clue to her future plans.
BFF: MARKUS ANDERSON
Markus works for private members’ club Soho House in Toronto, where he is said to have met Meghan.
He is also thought to be friends with Harry as well, so knowing both the bride and groom is sure to make him top of the guest list — and useful to help with the reception party.
WEDDING PLANNER: SERENA WILLIAMS
Wimbledon champ Serena met Meghan at a charity football match three years ago.
Meghan and Harry were no-shows at Serena’s recent wedding to millionaire Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian.
However, Meghan may want to call on Serena’s experience of big events and ensure her friend is at her big day.
BEST DRESSED GUESTS: JESSICA MULRONEY
The Canadian stylist has been friends with Meghan since the star landed her role on TV drama Suits and moved to Toronto.
They bonded over yoga and Jessica regularly features on Meghan’s Instagram account.
Jessica, 36, is wed to Canadian TV host Ben Mulroney, 41, and they have been dubbed Toronto’s “most polished power couple”.
With Jessica’s fashion knowhow, she’s sure to bag a prominent role on the big day.
DIY QUEEN: LINDSAY ROTH
The TV producer picked her old university pal Meghan as Maid of Honour when she wed in Greece in 2016.
So it is likely the star will return the favour.
And Lindsay has revealed they used to do DIY projects together — which could come in handy if a tap suddenly springs a leak on the big day.
PERSONAL TRAINER: MILLIE MACKINTOSH
She may have only paid occasional visits to the UK, but Meghan has been quick to make friends here.
They include former Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh.
The actress shared a snap of them on bikes at an Oxfordshire retreat last year.
Fitness fan Millie will doubtless give Meghan tips on how to get in shape for the wedding
MOST READ IN NEWS
POLITICIANS: TRUDEAUS
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau’s husband Justin is better known as Canada’s Prime Minister.
The wedding should also give the Canadian First Couple the chance to catch up again with William and Kate, who toured there last year.
HIS GUESTS
DAD: CHARLES
He will be glad to see Harry settle down.
He loves spending time with grandkids George and Charlotte and will probably pester Harry for more.
STEPMUM: CAMILLA
She has apparently taken an interest in Harry’s love-life so will be pleased to see him wed.
She may also be on hand with motherly support on the big day.
BEST MAN: WILLIAM?
Harry apparently laced his Best Man’s speech with jokes at William’s expense when his brother got wed.
Would sensible Wills do likewise if he gets the nod?
SIS-IN-LAW: KATE
She and Harry are as thick as thieves and often share jokes.
Who better to advise Meghan on marrying a Prince?
INFAMOUS UNCLE: ANDY
Dubbed “Air Miles Andy” thanks to his jetsetting, he could offer anti-jetlag tips to many guests flying in.
MARRIAGE ADVICE: EDWARD & SOPHIE
Unlike many Royals, their union still seems rock-solid after 18 years.
If Harry wants wedding advice, he’s perhaps best off asking Uncle Eddie instead of Dad.
SHOW STEALER: PIPPA
Kate’s sis is pals with Harry.
Her bum stole the show at Kate’s wedding. Will she do the same at Harry’s?
SHOWBIZ: BECKHAMS
They were guests when William wed Kate.
Becks is close to both Princes after working with William on England’s failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
POLITICIANS: OBAMAS
Ex—US leader Barack grilled Harry on Meghan at the Invictus Games.
Harry also has good ties with wife Michelle after working with her on 2016’s event.
CLOSE PAL 1: TOM INSKIP
Party animal Tom is known as the naughtiest of Harry’s chums and was there for his 2012 Vegas strip.
CLOSE PAL 2: CHARLIE VAN STRAUBENZEE
One of Harry’s final single friends, he may have given him the nudge to settle down when he found love with Daisy Jenks last year.
THE DIVORCÉ: THOMAS VAN STRAUBENZEE
Met Harry at prep school.
Thomas got wed in 2013. But after his 2016 divorce he may want to drown his sorrows.
PARTY STARTER: GUY PELLY
Both Princes were at his 2014 US wedding.
He runs a Chelsea nightclub so knows how to start a party.
ROYAL BASH REGULAR: JAKE WARREN
Old Eton chum was one of Princess Diana’s godchildren.
Harry was at his 2013 wedding to Zoe Stewart.
RICH KIDS: SAM & HOLLY BRANSON
Sir Richard’s kids are close to Harry and William.
Could they get their tycoon dad to lend the newlyweds his Necker Island retreat for a honeymoon?
BEST GIFT-GIVER: ARTHUR LANDON
Another Eton chum, the filmmaker is one of Britain's youngest rich men, so he’s not short of a bob or two when it comes to buying a wedding gift.
FAMILY FRIENDS: VAN CUTSEMS
Brothers Edward, Hugh, Nicholas and William are likely to be on the list.
Their late dad Hugh was university pals with Prince Charles and both Princes were at his 2013 funeral.
DESIRABLE DUKE: HUGH GROSVENOR
He inherited his late dad’s £9billion fortune when he became Duke of Westminster last year.
The 26-year-old is now one of the world’s most eligible bachelors.
He and Harry share a love of African conservation.
He is also a close family friend and godfather to Prince George.