Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have decided to make their wedding more public as the soon-to-be newlyweds are inviting 2,640 people into the grounds of Windsor Castle.
According to a spokesperson for Kensington Palace, “Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have said they want their Wedding Day to be shaped so as to allow members of the public to feel part of the celebrations too. This wedding, like all weddings, will be a moment of fun and joy that will reflect the characters and values of the Bride and Groom.”
The couple has invited members of the public to watch the arrivals of the bride and groom as well as their wedding guests, and to watch the carriage procession after the ceremony at the castle.
However, it’s not a free-for-all: 1,200 members of the public will be nominated by nine regional Lord Lieutenant offices, and the people nominated should be chosen from a range of backgrounds and ages.
Moreover, 200 people from charities and organizations that Prince Harry and Markle are closely associated with will also be chosen, as well as 100 pupils from local schools that have a strong affiliation with the Windsor Castle community.
610 Windsor Castle community members will be in attendance, as well as 530 members of The Royal Households and Crown Estate.
The couple announced their wedding in November, and they are set to tie the knot on May 19. They first met in July 2016.
The Evolution of Meghan Markle, From 'Suits' Star to Real-Life Princess (Photos)
Meghan Markle, who turned 39 on Aug. 4, was an actress before marrying Prince Harry and becoming the Duchess of Sussex. Earlier this year, the couple stepped back from their royal duties and are now seeking to become "financially independent." Does that mean we could we see Markle back on the small screen? Check out her previous roles.
"A Lot Like Love" (2005)
Markle literally played a "hot girl" in this romantic comedy starring Ashton Kutcher. Markle was seated next to Kutcher's character on a plane. And that was pretty much it.
"CSI: NY" (2006)
Before Meghan landed a series regular role, she had a small bit in this crime procedural, playing a maid who cleaned up for businessmen while dressed in lingerie. Spoiler alert: She didn't commit the murder.
CBS
"Remember Me" (2010)
One of Markle's first roles was a small part in this romantic drama starring Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin.
Markle met her first husband, Trevor Engelson, when he was a producer on "Remember Me." The two divorced in 2013 after two years of marriage.
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"Suits" (2011 - 2018): Meghan starred on this USA legal drama from its premiere as Rachel Zane, a paralegal who eventually goes to law school herself.
USA
"Horrible Bosses" (2011)
Markle had a teeny, tiny bit in this raunchy comedy, but managed to steal a scene with Jason Sudeikis, who told her she was far too cute to be a FedEx girl. "You’ve got to be an actress or a model or something," he said. Try royalty, Sudeikis.
New Line
"Castle" (2012)
Markle actually played a princess once. Well, kinda. The actress starred in an episode of this ABC drama as Sleeping Beauty, or a woman who is dressed up like her before she is almost murdered. Markle turned out to be the one who hatched the entire scheme and was killing off her friends.
ABC
"Dater’s Handbook" (2016)
Yes, Markle has even done a Hallmark channel movie. She played Cass, a successful businesswoman who had some trouble finding love. But don't worry, she did after using a dating manual, and then throwing it out entirely. Soon after wrapping this made-for-TV movie, Markle truly found love with Harry.
Hallmark
Markle told Vanity Fair that she met Prince Harry in July 2016 -- and the two first made an official joint public appearance at the Invictus Games in September 2017 in Toronto, a multi-sport event launched by Harry for wounded, injured and sick military servicepeople to compete.
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In November 2017, Harry and Meghan announced their engagement.
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On May 19, 2018, Markle and Prince Harry wed in a star-studded ceremony at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. She holds the title Duchess of Sussex as well as Princess Henry of Wales (Henry is Harry's real name).
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In May 2019, Markle took on a new role: mom. The Duchess welcomed son Archie on May 9.
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In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess announced they would be stepping back from their royal duties and splitting time in North America. The also plan on launching a new charitable endeavor.
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Markle was reported to have signed a voiceover deal with Disney in January, which was later confirmed when Disney+ announced that the Duchess would narrate a nature film called "Elephant" for the nascent streaming service. The documentary debuted on April 3, 2020.
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Markle has played everything from a “naughty” maid on CSI to a whip-smart paralegal
Meghan Markle, who turned 39 on Aug. 4, was an actress before marrying Prince Harry and becoming the Duchess of Sussex. Earlier this year, the couple stepped back from their royal duties and are now seeking to become "financially independent." Does that mean we could we see Markle back on the small screen? Check out her previous roles.