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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Sarah Marsh (now) and Haroon Siddique (earlier)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marry: how the royal wedding unfolded

It's all over

As the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex get ready for an evening of celebrations (and the rest of us wonder if the Duke of Cambridge will say anything crass in his best man’s speech), we’re wrapping up our live coverage of the day. If you spent your day at the annual European Republic convention you can catch up on all the excitement with Caroline Davies’s report.

There’s lots more across the Guardian, including Afua Hirsch on how the wedding celebrated blackness, Jess Cartner-Morley on the “long, cool glass of water” that was the dress, and Martin Belam’s summary of the most entertaining moments of the day. Or you could watch (and read) Bishop Michael Curry’s captivating sermon.

Thanks for following it all with Haroon Siddique, Sarah Marsh and a cast of thousands, and if you’re travelling home from Windsor, good luck!

Updated

We will shortly be closing the live blog – thanks to all those who have been following it.

Updated

Prince Charles was behind the choice of wedding gospel music, according to the choir leader.

Karen Gibson, founder and director of the Kingdom Choir, which performed during the wedding, said Charles’s office first approached her about the group of singers taking part in the wedding.

Gibson said: “The couple didn’t actually ring us at first, the call came from Clarence House. I understand that Prince Charles really likes gospel music.”

She added: “The couple were very intentional about what they wanted sung and how they wanted it sung, but the actual idea came from Prince Charles.”

Speaking about how the music performed at the wedding mirrored modern culture, she said: “We live in a multicultural society, so we had classical music, contemporary classical music as well and gospel music, because you’ve got many cultures living here so it’s reflective of what society looks like today.”

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a rising star of the classical music world, played three moving pieces as the couple signed the register. He said: “It was such an amazing experience, actually, and something that I’ll remember for a long time.”

Kanneh-Mason said Meghan and Harry had requested an arrangement of Ave Maria, and recalled being at the chapel with the couple a few weeks ago to see what the cello would sound like.

“It was great for them to hear and get a feeling of what it would be like,” he said, adding that the newlyweds were “lovely people”.

Updated

The evening wedding reception, hosted by the Prince of Wales, will be held at Frogmore House in Windsor. The 17th-century English country house stands in the home park of Windsor Castle and is part of the crown estate.

The event will be a private affair and the newlyweds’ closest friends are expected to attend, allowing the guests to relax and celebrate with the happy couple.

Updated

Oprah Winfrey has thanked the fashion designer Stella McCartney and her team for working all night to get her dress finished because she realised on Friday morning that the beige dress she was planning to wear to the ceremony would photograph too “white” for a wedding.

She said: “[Stella McCartney’s] team did this overnite. Hat is vintage philiptreacy been in my closet since 2005 with new feathers. OMG was this an extraordinary day! Harry&Meghan RoyalWedding Lovedeveryminute”.

Updated

Kensington Palace said that Meghan would be speaking at the evening reception, not the lunchtime reception as it had mistakenly announced earlier.

Updated

Emma Dent Coad, the Labour MP whose constituency covers Kensington Palace and the burnt-out remains of Grenfell Tower, told the Republic convention that the royal family should do more to highlight inequality in her borough.

Dent Coad, who is also a councillor in Kensington and Chelsea, pointed out that her ward was the joint poorest in London. “What does Diana’s youngest son think of that?” she asked the convention.

She also claimed the royal family had done virtually nothing for those who survived the Grenfell fire. She said:

100 families are still stuck in hotels with some children regressing with appalling mental health and dropping out of school and university. Grenfell has had visits from the royals, and it is very sweet of them to come, but it hasn’t helped at all around Grenfell.

She added: “They are not allowed to be political. All they are allowed to do is wear beautiful clothes and be nice to people, which doesn’t work for me.”

She added:

I’m more impressed by the charity work by local celebrities we have seen at Grenfell, who have arrived in limousines rolled up their sleeves and scrubbed the toilets out for an entire day. I won’t tell you who that was, but it was a very famous singer.

But Dent Coad said survivors of the fire did not want charity from royals or celebrities. She said: “It is the most unequal borough in Britain and most people who are just struggling to keep going don’t want charity, they want their dues, they want their fair share, they want decent wages so they can pay their bills and put food on the table. They want justice, not charity.”

Responding to a question from the audience about converting Buckingham Palace into accommodation for homeless people, Dent Coad said: “I think that’s a lovely idea.”

She pointed out that the palace includes 80 bedrooms and a further 100 or more staff bedrooms. But Dent Coad said the priority should be freeing up 1,600 empty homes in Kensington and Chelsea.

Updated

It is customary to be clean-shaven when dressed in army uniform, but Prince Harry was given special permission by the Queen to sport facial hair while in the frock coat uniform of the Blues and Royals.

In a statement, Kensington Palace said: “Her Majesty the Queen gave her permission for Prince Harry to get married in his uniform.” It is understood that the permission covered the fact Harry has a beard.

The historian Hugo Vickers said the permission may also have been granted because Harry had retired from active service. British army rules do not usually allow beards, except in rare circumstances, such as because of skin complaints or for religious reasons.

Updated

If you are not gripped by the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle, you are not the only one. The BBC newsreader Simon McCoy has a nice line in sarcasm when it comes to breaking “news” from the royal family.

Updated

The celebrity gossip website TMZ has claimed that Sir Elton John performed Your Song at the lunchtime wedding reception.

The singer was asked by the bridegroom to perform, according to Kensington Palace, though it gave no other details on the performance.

It said in a statement: “Sir Elton performed for the newly married couple in recognition of the close connection he has with Prince Harry and his family.”

The star was in attendance at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel earlier with his husband, David Furnish. He was spotted ahead of the service talking to David and Victoria Beckham.

Updated

Victoria Beckham has sent the royal couple her best wishes in an Instagram post after joining the celebrations at Windsor Castle with her husband, David. She wrote:

Updated

Here are a selection of the most frequently asked searches related to the royal wedding, according to Google:

Q. How old is Meghan Markle?
A. She is 36.

Q. How did Harry and Meghan meet?
A. They were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend two years ago.

Q. How long have Harry and Meghan been together?
A. Their relationship began soon after their first date. They announced their engagement in November 2017.

Q. What will Meghan Markle’s title be?
A. She is now known as Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex. She also holds the titles the Countess of Dumbarton and Baroness Kilkeel.

Q. How old is Prince Harry?
A. He is 33.

Q. How tall is Prince Harry?
A. He is reckoned to be about 6ft 1in (186cm).

Q. What is a fascinator?
A. The headwear is a common sight for women at weddings in England.

Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy group Republic, has defended hosting the annual European Republic convention on the same day as the wedding.

In his speech to the conference, he said: “It is the best day to being doing this conference because everybody, not just republicans, are thinking about the monarchy. This event is a chance to tell the media to think about the monarchy differently and see it as politics, not entertainment.”

He said Republic’s message to the media was to “stop treating the monarchy as something that is uncontested and unchallenged”.

He added: “There was a recent poll which found that it was now a minority among 18- to 34-year-olds who support the continuation of the monarchy. Whether that poll holds up I don’t know, but it gives us hope for the future.”

Closing his speech, he said: “We know we are not yet a nation of republicans, but we are definitely not a nation of royalists, either. And everything is to play for.”

Updated

British Transport Police tweeted to tell people to stagger their journeys home from Windsor but said queues for both stations in the area were long but moving.

Updated

In Scotland, communities have been celebrating the royal wedding with events ranging from garden parties to afternoon teas.

Thousands watched the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with a screening taking place on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

The first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, led congratulations for the royal newlyweds, tweeting:

The Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson, praised a “wonderful sermon, fabulous choirs and a young couple just looking smiley and happy”, while Scottish Labour leader, Richard Leonard, also sent his congratulations.

Updated

European republicans meeting in London are divided over whether Brexit will help or hinder the case for an elected head of state.

Viggo Smitt, chair of the Danish republican movement Republik nu, said the vote provides hope for a seemingly challenging campaign.

“Nobody expected Brexit. So in a way the unexpected event of doing away with the monarchy could happen as well,” he said.

But Hans Maessen, head of the Dutch campaign Republikeins Genootschap, said leaving the European Union will close off a potential legal route to challenging the monarchy. “Brexit will diminish the influence of the European courts in the UK because you want to be completely independent and sovereign,” he said.

He explained that republicans in the Netherlands were considering a challenge to the European courts to allow every person to become a head of state. He said: “That is a natural right in a democracy. That could be done in the European courts, but if you stand outside Europe, that option will not be there any more.”

Maessen also argued that monarchy was antithetical to transparent government.

“There is no such thing as a transparent monarchy. Each week our monarch talks to our prime minister in the Netherlands. What are they talking about? I want to know,” he told the convention.

Updated

Sir Elton John has performed at the lunchtime reception for guests celebrating the royal wedding, palace officials said.

Prince Harry asked Sir Elton to perform at the reception, which was hosted by the Queen at St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle.

Updated

Bishop Michael Curry’s address during the royal wedding prompted praise from some, while others highlighted the culture gap between Americans and Brits, with the latter having a reputation for a stiff upper lip.

At the service, Curry opened his 14-minute speech with the words of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

He said: “We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love. And when we do that, we will be able to make of this old world a new world. Love is the only way ... There’s power in love. Love can help and heal when nothing else can.”

Online commentators joked that the royal family were somewhat blindsided by the emotional address. The US actor Josh Gad, known for voicing Olaf in the film Frozen, tweeted:


Commentator Hugo Rifkind said:


Naomi Campbell tweeted:

Updated

There have reportedly been 3.4m tweets about the royal wedding already and only 1m of those were by the Mail’s royal correspondent (that’s not true).

Bishop Michael Curry’s sermon was the most tweeted moment with Meghan Markle the most mentioned individual, followed by the groom and then – winning the battle of the celebrities – was David Beckham. Victoria Beckham was fourth with Oprah Winfrey completing the top five and Diana, Princess of Wales, sixth.

Curry’s rousing address generated 40,000 tweets per minute. Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s performance of Ave Maria on the cello generated 28,000 per minute and when the couple were announced as husband and wife there were 27,000 tweets per minute.

Updated

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead estimated that just over 100,000 fans watched the procession along the route.

British Transport Police reported that 20,000 passengers had streamed through the town’s stations by 9.40am.

Police have had their hands full.

Updated

Viggo Smitt, chair of the Danish republican movement Republik nu, has accused the British media of blurring entertainment and bad governance over the royal wedding.

Speaking at the Republic convention in London, he said:

I am an admirer of not only British journalism but also British entertainment, but I do hope the two will not be mixed up. While a lavish romantic [wedding] may be entertaining, soap-opera style, it is not a defence for a undemocratic medieval institution.

Smitt said the idea of laid-back, so-called bicycling monarchies on the continent was a British myth. He said:

I’m told that the British public thinks that other monarchies are less stuffy than the Windsors. I’m really sorry to disappoint you – that is not the case. I have been working with the Norwegians, the Swedes and Spaniards and with you the British since 2010. The European monarchies are productions of the same soap opera with just different characters.

That’s good news for us republicans because it helps us debunk myths and bad arguments for monarchy.

He pointed out that the Danish monarchy was resisting attempts by journalists to release correspondence between the Danish government and the crown prince in the same way that Clarence House had for years tried to block the Guardian’s attempts to publish the so-called spider letters between Prince Charles and the UK government. “So much for so-called apolitical constitutional monarchy,” Smitt said.

Citing Hamlet he said:

Closing his speech, Smitt said:

Monarchy still seems a mighty foe in our battle. But we do have one mighty ally – reason itself. Reason will prevail. The light of reason will dispose the darkest myths of monarchy. In my life, I have seen the Berlin Wall come down, the Iron Curtain fall and an African-American become president in America. So can we dismantle the European monarchies? I not only believe yes we can, but of course we can, and we will.

Updated

Martin Luther King Jr’s exhortation to “discover the power of love” was repeated by Bishop Michael Curry during his address at St George’s Chapel.

Bernice A King, daughter of the great civil rights leader, offered her five cents on the royal wedding on Twitter:

Below is what the 600 or so guests are tucking into at the reception, according to Kensington Palace.

Canapés, including:

  • Scottish langoustines wrapped in smoked salmon with citrus crème fraîche
  • Grilled English asparagus wrapped in Cumbrian ham
  • Garden pea panna cotta with quail eggs and lemon verbena
  • Heritage tomato and basil tartare with balsamic pearls
  • Poached free range chicken bound in a lightly spiced yoghurt with roasted apricot
  • Croquette of confit Windsor lamb, roasted vegetables and shallot jam
  • Warm asparagus spears with mozzarella and sun-blush tomatoes

Bowl food, including:

  • Fricassee of free-range chicken with morel mushrooms and young leeks
  • Pea and mint risotto with pea shoots, truffle oil and parmesan crisps
  • 10-hour slow-roasted Windsor pork belly with apple compote and crackling

Sweet canapés, including:

  • Champagne and pistachio macaroons
  • Orange crème brûlée tartlets
  • Miniature rhubarb crumble tartlets

Updated

The Duchess of Sussex’s father has paid tribute to his “beautiful” daughter on her wedding day, according to the celebrity website TMZ. Thomas Markle Sr was unable to attend the wedding of his daughter to Prince Harry following heart surgery on Wednesday that saw him have three stents fitted.

Speaking to TMZ from California, where he was recovering from the procedure, the 73-year-old said:

My baby looks beautiful and she looks very happy. I wish I were there and I wish them all my love and all happiness.

He said the ceremony was “emotional and joyful” as he watched from the west coast.
Markle had initially pulled out of the wedding, voicing concerns he would embarrass his daughter or the royal family in the wake of a scandal involving photographs allegedly posed for a paparazzi.

He then said he would attend but was struck down by ill health, undergoing surgery a week after suffering a heart attack.

Updated

Here is the wedding cake that will be served to guests at the reception. I wonder who will be taking home an extra slice in a napkin?

Kensington Palace has said that Markle will make a speech at the reception. She will be one of three people to speak at the lunchtime reception hosted by the Queen. The others are her new husband, Prince Harry, and the Prince of Wales. The Duke of Cambridge, Harry’s best man, will act as compere and the cake will be cut.

Updated

The broadcaster Anita Sethi told the Republic convention, taking place in London, how Prince Charles had questioned her nationality when she met him at the Commonwealth people’s forum earlier this year. She told the Prince she was from Manchester. “You don’t look it,” Charles said, Sethi recalled.

Referring to the Windrush scandal, she said:

I felt angry that there could be such casual ignorance in the corridors of power – an influence that permeates society not least because some British people who were invited here have been threatened with deportation. The fact that they don’t look like they are from here is a problem for some. A British person looks like me. I have a message for Prince Charles, I am here because you are there.

Sethi also criticised the royal family for insisting that Meghan Markle close down her social media accounts after becoming engaged to Prince Harry. She said the palace was trying to “silence independent thought”.

And she described Charles’s appointment as head of the Commonwealth as “pure nepotism”, lamenting the lack of outrage at a move instigated by the Queen.

The head of the Commonwealth. It is not a hereditary position. This was pure nepotism. The Commonwealth is Empire 2.0 and it needs to go along with the monarchy.

Updated

The “public” element of the wedding has concluded. The couple will now proceed to the lunchtime in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle. There will also be a smaller evening reception.

The wedding kicked off at 7am local time in New York City, where more than 100 people, mostly Americans, crowded into the Churchill Tavern to watch the ceremony while sipping mimosas.

Many people were decked out in wedding appropriate outfits, including one man who wore a kilt, while others accessorised with plastic tiaras and blow-up crowns. There was also a woman in a sequinned, union jack jumpsuit and elaborate plastic crown.

Desmond Barnes said he had been following the British royal family since Diana, Princess of Wales, entered the picture. He remembered seeing her wedding to Prince Charles as a child and couldn’t believe how extravagant it was. “We don’t have royalty,” he said. “We have a bunch of famous people.”

His friend Octavia Alford had been interested in the royals because of Diana as well. “I love the pomp and circumstance,” Barnes said.

They both were pleased Prince Harry had found someone to settle down with and said they appreciated the American tone that persisted throughout the ceremony, especially Bishop Michael Curry’s address. “I liked the fact that they incorporated some American traditions,” Alford said.

Guests toast during a royal wedding viewing party at the Churchill Tavern in New York City.
Guests toast during a royal wedding viewing party at the Churchill Tavern in New York City. Photograph: Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Updated

Harry appeared to say “Thanks Pa” to Prince Charles after his father had walked Meghan up the aisle, and then “You look amazing!” to his bride.

However, there has been plenty of speculation on social media that he said something else to the newly anointed Duchess of Sussex.

According to the lip reader Tina Lannin, when the newlywed couple stopped midway down the west steps of the chapel after the conclusion of the ceremony there was a moment of uncertainty over their first kiss as husband and wife.

Meghan discreetly asked Harry: “Do we kiss?” To which Harry quietly replied: “Yeah.”

Updated

More than 100 fervent republicans are defiantly shunning the royal wedding, and the sunshine, for the annual convention of the Alliance of European Republican Movements (see earlier). There is standing room only in Bridewell Hall, just off Fleet Street in London, in a venue that is usually used for weddings.

Hosted by Republic, the UK’s campaign for an elected head of state, the main item on the agenda is the abolition of the monarchy – not just in the UK but Europe and the Commonwealth.

Introducing the sold-out event, Republic’s Graham Smith said: “This is not just talking: we mean business when we say we want to get rid of the monarchy.”

Updated

In keeping with the contemporary feel of the wedding the BBC plays a montage of guests leaving to Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

Updated

On the lawns of the National Maritime Museum, beside Queen’s House in Greenwich, south-east London, Michelle Flynn, 37, and Sherene Ward, 35, watched the royal wedding on a big screen accompanied by a large group of friends and family.

When asked what they thought of the ceremony, Ward says: “It was breathtaking.”

Her friend Flynn adds:

It was a landmark moment. It’s like someone who is relatively normal has been accepted into an establishment that has been closed off for years.


The dress that Meghan Markle wore was “breathtaking”, Ward says. “It was quite mesmerising when she stepped out of the car.”

Flynn interrupts to add: “I felt like I wanted to cry!”

The pair were here with friends and family. They decided to come to Greenwich because it was a free event and the views are stunning, they explain. They brought with them an array of picnic items including strawberries, Victoria sponge, sausage rolls, jerk chicken and prosecco.

Were there any elements of the wedding that surprised them? “The gospel choir surprised me,” says Flynn. “That is traditionally Caribbean, and the guest list was surprising.”

“There’s been a lot of focus on the fact she is biracial,” she adds.

Ward interrupts:

That’s what I mean when I say she defies all odds. My understanding is to be accepted to the royal family you have to be whiter than white.


Flynn says: “She is also a divorcee and that goes against the constitution.”

The pair say they think we are starting to see a shift in what’s acceptable for the royals. Flynn says:

After Diana passed away, there had to be a lot more acceptance. Really, how could they shun Meghan away as well?

Above and beyond all the discussion, however, Flynn says one of the big elements that had drawn them to celebrate the wedding is that the couple seem genuinely in love. “This is not a marriage of convenience, it’s a marriage of love.”

The pair plan to stay in Greenwich until the coverage ends and they say they will definitely be watching the royal family more closely now. “It’s like watching the Kardashians but a British version,” Flynn jokes.

Michelle Flynn (far left) and Sherene Ward (second from left) enjoy the royal wedding in Greenwich
Michelle Flynn (far left) and Sherene Ward (second from left) enjoy the royal wedding in Greenwich. Photograph: Sarah Marsh for the Guardian

Updated

The rugby player James Haskell, who was one of the guests inside the chapel, told BBC News:

You could feel the electricity, the reverend was sensational ... It was probably the best wedding I’ve ever been to! It will go down in history.

Updated

The former Labour leader Ed Miliband, an atheist, is also a fan of the US bishop:

Updated

Amen to this:

The hairstylist to the stars Serge Normant was drafted in to do Meghan’s hair – a more polished take on her favourite messy bun. Her makeup was done by her “right-hand man”, the makeup artist Daniel Martin (he works for Dior, another French fashion house, just like Givenchy).

Updated

This was very nice.

Joss Stone was in the chapel but in thoroughly modern fashion has tweeted her congratulations to Harry and Meghan.

I wonder if any of the guests have already put pictures/videos on Facebook/Instagram etc? I suppose it’s probably not so much of an etiquette minefield when the ceremony is being broadcast live around the world anyway.

The happy couple are being greeted by cheers and screams in Windsor.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s carriage procession
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s carriage procession. Photograph: James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock

Updated

The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now off on their 25-minute journey through the streets of Windsor in an Ascot landau carriage.

Afterwards they will return to the castle for the lunchtime reception.

Meanwhile, the guests are leaving the chapel.

Updated

I think the crowd are doing three cheers: “Hip hip hooray”. As an American, Markle may be unacquainted with this very English tradition.

Updated

As the sun beams down on the lawns of the National Maritime Museum, beside Queen’s House in Greenwich, south-east London, crowds gathered to celebrate the wedding of the year. They brought picnics and are waving Union Jack flags.

People have come from across the capital and beyond to watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get married. All eyes are on the big screen in the middle of the lawn.

Among those who are there is Nigel Wraxall, 45, and his wife and children. His family is celebrating with another couple, who they went to university with, and their children.

“We are from Greenwich, so we have not come far. We have just walked across the park,” Nigel says.

He has come because he likes any excuse for a celebration and it’s a wedding, he says. “It’s also a nice day and not had too many of those,” he adds.

His son, Joe, 11, is also excited. “I like the royals. I like the Queen. She’s impressive for a 90-year-old and you’ve got to be nice to her as she chops people’s heads off,” he says with a grin.

Nigel says he thinks people are more interested in the royal family than they make out. “Not everyone here is a tourist – we do love an excuse for a party. People will be doing the same next month for the football.”

Others here to enjoy the weather and the wedding are Hermon, 40, from London, his wife, Mel, and their two children, Isaac, 3, and Sophia, 5. Mel says:

We wanted to watch the wedding together and the kids are really excited. We want them to feel part of it. It’s a nice event and everyone has come together. It’s nice to celebrate British culture and royalty. I am a big fan of the young royals especially.

As she talks her children wave flags and cheer as Markle arrives. One woman nearby says: “She looks amazing!”

Mel says her kids are particularly excited because they’ve been doing lots around the wedding in school. “There have been weddings parties and there was a royal cake sale at the end of the week,” she says.

She adds: “Harry and Meghan are young and in love. Their story is like a fairytale. They are also much more relatable than other members of the royal family.”

Nigel Wraxall and family watch the royal wedding
Nigel Wraxall and family watch the royal wedding. Photograph: Sarah Marsh for the Guardian

Updated

The national anthem’s been played and now Harry and Meghan are on their way out, smiling to guests. There are huge cheers as they emerge from St George’s Chapel into the sunshine. And they kiss for the expectant crowds.

Updated

More details about Meghan’s outfit: her bouquet was designed by the florist Philippa Craddock and features flowers that Harry handpicked on Friday from his private garden at Kensington Palace.

They were added to forget-me-nots (chosen because they were Diana, Princess of Wales’s favourite flower) as well as sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine and astrantia, and sprigs of myrtle. The latter is a royal tradition in bridal bouquets.

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Photograph: REX/Shutterstock

Updated

The wedding register is being signed as the cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason plays for the guests. Below he is playing No Woman No Cry (probably won’t be playing it today).

Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

Updated

Royal fans and Windsor’s homeless do their best to ignore each other
Royal fans and Windsor’s homeless do their best to ignore each other. Photograph: Hadley Freeman for the Guardian

Now the congregation are belting out a resounding version of Bread of Heaven, though it’s not quite as full-throated as when sung by Welsh rugby fans.

Updated

That’s no ordinary veil. Meghan “wanted all 53 countries of the Commonwealth with her on her journey through the ceremony” and so Waight Keller created a veil embroidered with the flora of each one. Each three-dimensional flower is unique and was embroidered on to the five-metre train by hand.

Here’s a fun fact from the palace:

The workers spent hundreds of hours meticulously sewing and washing their hands every 30 minutes to keep the tulle and threads pristine.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George’s Chapel
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George’s Chapel. Photograph: POOL/Reuters

Updated

It's official: Harry and Meghan are married

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, proclaims them “husband and wife”.

Cheers can be heard from outside the chapel.

Updated

After a lovely rendition of Ben E King’s Stand By Me, Harry makes his vow to take Meghan to be his wife “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part”.

Then Markle repeats the same words and it’s time for the rings to be exchanged as “a sign of our marriage”.

Updated

You can find out more about Michael Curry here:

I’m not sure some people knew what had hit them.

Updated

That was an incredibly powerful, emotive address by Curry, very different from those seen at traditional English weddings, let alone royal weddings. He concludes:

Dr King was right, we must discover love, the redemptive power of love. When we do that we will make of this old world a new world. My brother, my sister, I love you. God bless you. May God hold us all in those almighty hands of love.

Updated

Curry says that slaves in the US south explained the power of love even during their captivity, singing the following spiritual.

There is a balm in Gilead

Redemptive love changes lives, he says. Imagine governments where love is the way, Curry continues, “then no child will ever go to bed hungry again”.

“When love is the way we actually treat each other like we are actually family.”

Updated

After a reading from Princess Diana’s sister, the address is by the Most Rev Michael Curry, the first black presiding bishop of the Episcopal church in the US.

He quotes Martin Luther King Jr:

We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love and when we do that we will make of this old world a new world.

It’s the best-kept secret in the fashion industry – Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy has surprised everyone by being the designer of Meghan Markle’s dress.

After meeting earlier this year, Markle “chose to work with [Waight-Keller] for her timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour”, said Kensington Palace.

Waight-Keller is currently the creative director at storied French fashion house (having helmed Chloe for six years beforehand). “True to the heritage of the house, the pure lines of the dress are achieved using six meticulously placed seams. The focus of the dress is the graphic, open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasises the slender sculpted waist. The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three-quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity,” the palace has revealed.

Meghan Markle arrives for the wedding ceremony in Windsor Castle
Meghan Markle arrives for the wedding ceremony. Photograph: POOL/Reuters

Updated

The vows now. “I will,” says Harry, which prompts laughter.

Markle, with veil down now and looking more nervous, reciprocates, beaming.

Then it’s the turn of the congregation to say: “We will.”

Updated

The first hymn is Lord of all Hopefulness. Harry sings along, difficult to tell whether Markle is doing so under her veil.

Harry is looking more nervous now. Can’t blame him, not only is he getting married but he’s got hundreds of millions of people watching him do so. Markle looks more relaxed.

The couple hold hands and exchange smiles once more as the Rt Rev David Conner, the dean of Windsor, conducts the service.

Updated

Markle is also wearing Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara.

Markle walks up the aisle and exchanges smiles and a few words with Harry. Both looking very relaxed now.

Updated

Markle wearing Givenchy

The dress was designed by Clare Waight Keller for the French fashion house Givenchy.

Updated

Here is Markle wearing a very traditional (to my untrained eye) looking dress.

The bridesmaids, one of them just two-years-old, and flower girls have arrived. Markle’s car is approaching.

The Queen has arrived in a flared silk dress in lime, lemon, purple and grey by the designer Stewart Parvin and a matching Angela Kelly hat. She wins the brightest outfit of the day.

Updated

The mother of bride is in the chapel as are Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

I’m not sure who looks more nervous, the groom or the best man?

As Alex Ferguson famously said, it’s squeaky bum time.

If Markle is late, the benefit of halting all air traffic over Windsor for 15 minutes (see earlier post) from 11.45am to coincide with her arrival will be lost

The bride’s car has just passed crowds of cheering people lining the streets of Windsor. It is travelling at quite a pace now – wouldn’t want to be late.

Updated

Jill Palmeter, from Novia Scotia, and Susan Thompson, from California, made friends last night while camping outside the castle grounds.

When Thompson found out the wedding was to be in May in Windsor, she booked a hotel room for every weekend through the month and then cancelled the others when the exact date was announced.
She said:

I got a great deal on the hotel room because they honoured the booking. Like Jill, I’m really into the royals and I watched William and Kate’s wedding back in California, but this time I decided I would really love to be there.

I’m so excited that the bride is American. The other reason is because I think when Diana died, it was a moment that defined a generation. Everyone remembers where they were when she died and a lot of people feel we should support William and Harry as they don’t have their mother anymore.

Jill agreed, adding: “It’s a moment in history.”

Susan Thompson (left) and Jill Palmeter
Susan Thompson (left) and Jill Palmeter. Photograph: Nicola Slawson for the Guardian

Updated

Princesses Eugenie arrived a little earlier in what looks quite like a stewardess outfit, quite an interesting choice (a bit like Britney in her Toxic video); Princess Beatrice, meanwhile, is in an organza dress by one of our fave designers Roksanda (much better).

Princess Eugenie of York arrives for the wedding
Princess Eugenie of York arrives for the wedding. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/AFP/Getty Images
Toxic - Britney Spears
Princess Beatrice arrives at St George’s Chapel
Princess Beatrice arrives at St George’s Chapel. Photograph: POOL/Reuters

Updated

Here are Prince Harry and Prince William arriving.

They were greeted by two Gurkhas at the entrance to St George’s Chapel.

Updated

Princes Harry and William were chatting as they walked past the cheering crowds.

They are both wearing the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals after the Queen gave Harry permission to get married in his uniform.

Both uniforms were tailored at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row.

For those interested in the detail:

The frockcoats are made from blue doeskin and to the rank of major. They are single-breasted with a stand-up collar, complete with figured braiding of regimental pattern.

The intricate sleeve pattern apparently took one person one week to complete.

The badge on the left of Harry’s chest is pilots’ wings attained whilst serving with the Army Air Corps for flying Apache helicopters. The four medal ribbons below the wings are, from left to right: K.C.V.O., Afghanistan with rosette, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The trousers, officially called “overalls”, are made from a blue and black wool barathea and are fastened by a leather strap and buckle underneath the boot. They would have traditionally been worn on horseback.

The hat is a Blues and Royals forage cap.

There is a white buckskin waist belt with regimental buckle and slings but no sword.

Updated

Back at Windsor, the groom and his best man have arrived.

Away from the celebrity guests and the hoards thronging the streets of Windsor a much more modest crowd is due to assemble in central London to plot the overthrow of the crown heads of Europe.

The annual convention of the Alliance of European Republican Movements is holding its annual convention to coincide with royal wedding.

Anti-monarchy campaigners from the UK as well Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Spain are all due to take part. We’ll have updates from the convention once it gets underway at 1.30pm.

Those due to speak at the St Bride’s centre include the Labour MP Emma Dent Coad whose constituency covers Prince Harry’ official residence at Kensington Palace.

Dent Coad faced death threats after she mocked Harry’s military record at a fringe event at Labour’s conference last year.

Writing in the Guardian on Friday she argued there was no justification for taxpayers funding the wedding. She added:

“We should be free to have a public debate on the future of the monarchy, without receiving death threats. So I’m calling on the silent republicans to be bold and speak out. I want to discuss the constitution, parliamentary sovereignty, royal prerogatives, the power of veto, backdoor lobbying, preferential tax arrangements and the cost to the taxpayer. I am asking for a debate, not a revolution.”

Today’s convention is being hosted by Republic the UK campaign for an elected head of state. Its chief executive, Graham Smith, admits that republicans have an uphill task convincing the public of the case against the monarchy. But says he has reason for optimism. Smith said: “Support for retaining the monarchy is high but shallow - our challenge is to speak to the millions of people who don’t really care and show them there’s a real problem, and the solution is a new constitution.”

He points out that interest in Republic’s campaign has soared in the run-up to the wedding. It has now has more than 20,000 followers on Twitter, membership is on the up, and tickets for today’s convention have sold out. “The royals think the patronising soap opera will sustain them, yet all the evidence is that people are turning off their brand. Most people just don’t care anymore,” Smith said.

A YouGov pol, crowded-funded by Republic, found that almost a quarter of the population “wouldn’t mind” if the monarchy came to an end after the Queen dies. It also found that 46% would prefer “someone else” other than Prince Charles to succeed her, and only 37% want Charles.

Markle waved as she sat with her mother in the rear of a vintage Rolls-Royce limousine, loaned for the day by the Queen.

Here’s what we know about what Meghan Markle’s wearing so far – it’s white, it has a veil, a high neckline, her shoulders are covered, her hair is up ... designer still TBC.

Updated

Meghan Markle was wearing a long veil but as she was in the car it was difficult to make out much more.

Meghan Markle leaves her hotel.
Meghan Markle leaves her hotel. Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

She may be running a little late, she was supposed to leave the hotel where she was staying at more like 11am. The journey to Windsor Castle is expected to take about half an hour.

Updated

The bride-to-be is on her way!

Fergie looks like an absolute boss. The collar is quite Angelina-in-Maleficent, which is one of my all-time favourite vibes. The wedding guest theme is brightness turned up to full. Bright colours (Amal) or chic blush tones (Oprah, Serena) or bold prints (Cressida Bonas). No one is in a sweet spriggy floral. It is a great day for Eponine, the small label by the British designer Jet Shenkman. Bonas is wearing one of their dresses, and I definitely saw this dress on an early arrival.

The Duchess of York arrives
The Duchess of York. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

Updated

The actor Priyanka Chopra has arrived in a lilac skirt suit bearing the sartorial signatures of Vivienne Westwood, which she wears a lot (punk is present if so!).

The pastel theme is a recurring one. Oprah Winfrey opted for a pale pink Stella McCartney dress with scalloped lace; Serena Williams has arrived in a delicate salmon-pink (Versace, Versace, Versace); Julia Corden (wife of James) is in baby pink; even Norma Major got the memo – she’s wearing head-to-toe sherbet lemon.

Priyanka Chopra (centre) arrives at the wedding
Priyanka Chopra (centre) arrives at the wedding. Photograph: James Gourley/Rex/Shutterstock

Updated

James Corden has been spotted, as has the Duchess of York and Bollywood royalty Priyanka Chopra (insert observation about how the guest list reflects a more modern and diverse royal family).

Updated

The ITV hosts are speculating that Elton John might be performing later. Maybe it will be a supergroup with James Blunt and Victoria Beckham, the latter with auto-tune vocals?

A mash-up could be on the cards of Your Song, You’re Beautiful and um, You’re Out of Your Mind (that last one was Victoria Beckham and Dane Bowers for those not up to date with the hit parade).

Updated

The musician Joss Stone has also joined the rest of the guests.

Joss Stone (right) with a fellow guest.
Joss Stone (right) with a fellow guest. Photograph: Ian West/PA

Serena Williams, after a series of teasing posts on social media about going to “my friend’s wedding” has arrived.

The cast of Suits have also arrived.

The guest arrivals are updating the wedding dress runners-and-riders. Amal Clooney wearing Stella McCartney *probably* means Stella is out of the running for the wedding dress.

I don’t think Stella would design such an eye-catching dress for one of the most famous guests if she was doing the wedding dress, but I could be wrong ...

Thomas and Alan Defois arrived on Friday from Paris. They slept on the street to secure places at the front of the barrier near the castle’s Henry VIII gate.

Alan, who is a civil servant, admits he is the reason they have come over for the wedding.

He says:

About 15 years ago, I got a magazine all about the royals and have been a big fan since then. Harry is my favourite because he is the future of the monarchy.

Thomas, a store manager, agrees. “He is modern and young and cool.” It was chilly overnight but worth it for the getting such good spots at the barrier, he said.

We have got a really good spot, which is good as Alan is such a huge fan. There was a really good atmosphere here last night. Everyone is so friendly. There are people here from Italy, Belgium and Switzerland. It’s been great.

When asked what they were most looking forward to, they both said the wedding dress. Thomas said: “I think it’s going to be modern and we hope she’ll be wearing a tiara.”

Alan (L) and Thomas Defois
Alan (L) and Thomas Defois. Photograph: Nicola Slawson for the Guardian

Updated

Elton John and David Furnish have arrived.

Musician Marcus Mumford and actress Carey Mulligan are also there.

Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford.
Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford. Photograph: Ian West/PA

Updated

Designer Roland Mouret is there! He just kissed Victoria Beckham. Does that mean he has or hasn’t designed the wedding dress? The guests are high-octane glamour. A lot of “fashion content” as we say in the business.

George and Amal Clooney appear to be lit from within, Amal Clooney looks like a sunbeam. Her dress is Stella McCartney.

Victoria Beckham is more severe, in a very fashion-insidery long, narrow dark dress. Definitely more fashion-week cocktail hour than midday wedding. Pippa Middleton is wearing a £495 “Hepburn” dress by the British label The Fold.

Pippa Middleton and James Middleton arrive for the wedding ceremony
Pippa and James Middleton. Photograph: Ian West/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

Here is a quick recap of some of the celebrities who have arrived so far:

Idris Elba

Oprah Winfrey

George and Amal Clooney

David and Victoria Beckham

Tom Hardy

Jonny Wilkinson

Clive Woodward

James Blunt

Joss Stone

Rugby player James Haskell and fitness model Chloe Madeley

David and Victoria Beckham.
David and Victoria Beckham. Photograph: Rex/Shutterstock
Amal Clooney and George Clooney arrive
Amal and George Clooney. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

Updated

The actor Tom Hardy has arrived, as has Prince Harry’s ex Chelsy Davy. I wonder whether the Duke of Cambridge will mention her in his best man’s speech.

Chelsy Davy (C) arrives with friends.
Chelsy Davy (C) jokes with fellow guests. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Updated

This was the moment the Clooneys strolled in:

The Beckhams and Clooneys have just arrived. I think this is what they mean when they say star-studded.

The Earl of Spencer, Prince Harry’s uncle has arrived.

More guests are arriving …

James Haskell and Chloe Madeley arrive
James Haskell and Chloe Madeley. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/AP
James Blunt (right) and Sofia Wellesley arrive at St George’s Chapel
Sofia Wellesley and James Blunt Photograph: Pool/Reuters
Clive Woodward and Jayne Williams arrive
Clive Woodward and Jayne Williams. Photograph: Ian West/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

The first guests are here. This is looking to be a very high-fashion wedding. A traditional British wedding tends toward a low-key, cream-tea aesthetic but Idris Elba looks like he is dressed for the Oscars red carpet in his dark suit and narrow tie. Oprah Winfrey is wearing millennial pink, with a vogue-ish tiered hemline and an extremely bold hat.

Sabrina Dhowre, Idris Elba and Oprah Winfrey arrive at the royal wedding
L to R: Sabrina Dhowre, Idris Elba and Oprah Winfrey. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Updated

While Oprah Winfrey’s attendance has come as something of a surprise, she has been in the country since Thursday at least when she had dinner at the Delaunay before going to see Tina the musical.

Cascading hedgerows of forget-me-nots, foxgloves, peonies and lily of the valley coverthe chapel’s doorways as well as the archway under the organ, where Prince Charles will be waiting to lead Markle down the last part of the aisle.

All the flowers bloom naturally in May and the displays were created by the floral designer Philippa Craddock to be relaxed, free-flowing and ethereal. Nearly 30 people worked on the arrangements from Wednesday night. The Royal Parks contributed more than 150 pot plants from their super nursery in Hyde Park to the displays.

Craddock said working with the couple had been an “absolute pleasure”.

The final designs will represent them as a couple, which I always aim to achieve in my work, with local sourcing, seasonality and sustainability being at the forefront.

Updated

Here is a look back at six previous royal weddings to whet your appetite. Apart from Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s in 2011 they were all before the age of the Guardian live blog, so I have no idea how people coped.

Details of the wedding rings have just been announced. They have been made by Cleave and Company.

A statement from the palace says:

Ms Markle’s ring has been fashioned from a piece of Welsh gold, gifted by Her Majesty The Queen.

Prince Harry’s ring will be a platinum band with a textured finish.

The rings will be carried to St George’s Chapel on the day of the wedding by the Duke of Cambridge, in his capacity as best man.

Cleave and Company also made Markle’s engagement ring.

Updated

Is tennis legend Serena Williams on her way too?

The guests are beginning to arrive. Stringer Bell, aka Luther, aka Idris Elba, has just arrived with his fiancee Sabrina Dhowre, with Oprah Winfrey close behind.

James Blunt has arrived too. Hopefully he’s not singing You’re Beautiful (only joking, James).

Updated

There has been much talk about Markle’s ethnicity since the couple began dating. Markle, whose mother is African American and father is white, described some of the media coverage as “disheartening” and “discriminatory” because it centred on her racial background.

The prince took the rare step last year of attacking the British press for introducing “racial overtones” to the reporting of their relationship.

In a discussion on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, Doreen Lawrence, whose teenage son Stephen was murdered by racists 25 years ago, said Markle’s ethnicity made the wedding a significant moment. She said:

It’s just really amazing for the country to have someone like her joining the royal family.

Harry and Markle attended a memorial service last month to mark the 25th anniversary of Stephen’s death, which shocked Britain and led to the Metropolitan police being described as institutionally racist.

But Candice Carty-Williams, whose debut novel Queenie centred on the story of a 25-year-old black woman living in London, said the marriage did not represent a signficant shit on race.

She said:

Meghan is a white-passing mixed race woman who has light skin and very European features and very straight hair.

So, if that’s the closest they are coming day to day with a person of colour, then that’s not me, that’s not people like me.

Updated

For those who like to have their day planned out with no surprises, here are some precise timings of how events are expected to unfold:

My colleague Hadley Freeman has experienced a technical difficulty.

The crowds are flocking in already.

Royal fans gather behind the barriers on the Long Walk, in Windsor, ahead of the wedding and carriage procession
Royal fans gather behind the barriers on the Long Walk, in Windsor, ahead of the wedding and carriage procession Photograph: Oli Scarff/PA
Well-wishers gather outside Windsor Castle on Castle hill
Well-wishers gather outside Windsor Castle on Castle Hill Photograph: POOL/Reuters
Members of the public pass a security screening as they arrive on Castle hill ahead of the wedding
Members of the public pass a security screening as they arrive on Castle hill ahead of the wedding Photograph: Odd Andersen/AP

This is a nice story. Prince Harry has invited an orphan from Lesotho he befriended during his gap year 14 years ago to be outside St George’s Chapel during the wedding, the Express reports.

Mutsu Potsane, now 18, will be among a group of 10 representatives from the Duke of Sussex’s charity Sentebale who will be among the first group to greet the newlyweds, it says.

Prince Harry with young orphan Mutsu Potsane, 4, in 20004 at the Mants’ase Children’s Home for children orphaned by and suffering from Aids
Prince Harry with young orphan Mutsu Potsane, 4, in 20004 at the Mants’ase Children’s Home for children orphaned by and suffering from Aids Photograph: John Stillwell/PA

Helen of Troy may have been the face that launched a thousand ships but Meghan Markle is the woman who has halted flights over Windsor.

Officials at Heathrow airport have agreed to stop planes from flying overhead for 15 minutes, the Huffington Post reports.

National air traffic controllers will clear the airspace above Windsor and its ancient castle, beginning from 11.45am when Markle approaches the castle. The “no-fly” period will not extend into the service, which is scheduled to start at 12pm.

Meghan Markle in US TV series Suits
Meghan Markle in US TV series Suits Photograph: Allstar/Usa Network

As the 2,640 members of the public who were invited into the grounds of Windsor Castle for the big day stream in, they are being handed gift bags with branded treats.

Eyebrows were raised when the “commoners” were told to bring their own picnics. While not a packed lunch, the gift bags, which include shortbread, a giant chocolate coin and a bottle of water, will perhaps help stave off hunger for anyone who has forgotten their sarnie.

Gift bags for members of the public
Gift bags for members of the public at the royal wedding Photograph: Nicola Slawson for the Guardian

Updated

You may think you have shown commitment by eschewing your Saturday morning lie-in especially to follow the Guardian’s royal wedding live blog but your endeavours pale in comparison to these people.

A girl wakes up after sleeping outdoors next to the route the carriage will take.
A girl wakes up after sleeping outdoors next to the route the carriage will take. Photograph: Peter Dejong/AP
Royal fans sleep in their sleeping bags to hold a spot at the front of barriers for the carriage procession outside Windsor Castle.
Royal fans sleep in their sleeping bags to hold a spot at the front of barriers for the carriage procession outside Windsor Castle. Photograph: Frank Augstein/AP

Titles announced

The Queen has announced the titles given to the married couple.

Prince Harry, or to give him his formal title, Prince Henry of Wales, has been made Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel.

So he will be His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex and, once married, Meghan Markle will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex.

Updated

Order of service

The order of service was published this morning.

As is common these days, Markle will not promise to “obey” Harry. Given she was formerly a United Nations women’s advocate it is no great surprise, and it follows the same decision made by the Duchess of Cambridge when she married Prince William and Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, when she married the Prince of Wales.

The couple have selected words from The Marriage Service from Common Worship (2000) and will pledge themselves to one another: “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part”.

The marriage service also features contemporary language - using the word “you” instead of “thee” and “thou” and offers the most flexibility in the choice of reading.

Ben E King’s soul classic Stand By Me will feature in the service, performed by Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir.

Stand By Me - Ben E King

A gospel choir will perform Etta James’s uplifting version of Amen/This Little Light of Mine – a favourite in African-American churches – as the newlyweds leave the chapel.

The service will also feature the English Baroque composer William Boyce’s Symphony No 1 in B Flat. Music before the service includes Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves and Elgar’s Chanson de Matin.

The hymns include the Welsh rugby anthem Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, otherwise known as Bread of Heaven.

Updated

Of course the stars of the show are the bride and groom but there is a considerable supporting cast.

Most of the media attention this week has centred on whether Markle’s father, Thomas Markle Sr, would attend the wedding. After it was confirmed that he would be unable to because of heart surgery, attention moved to who would walk her down the aisle.

Yesterday, it was confirmed Prince Charles will do the honours.

Prince William takes on arguably the most nerve-wracking role, that of best man (don’t forget the ring, don’t mention the exes in the speech), reciprocating the role Harry carried out for him.

William’s two older children, Princess Charlotte, three, and Prince George, four, are among six bridesmaids and four page boys.

The service will be conducted by the Rt Rev David Conner, the dean of Windsor, while the archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will officiate as the couple say their vows. Welby has said he is nervous about dropping the rings.

The address will be given by the Most Rev Michael Curry, the first black presiding bishop of the Episcopal church in the US.

Diana’s sister Lady Jane Fellowes will give a reading from the Song of Solomon, which emphasises the strength and power of love.

Celebrity guests in the chapel are rumoured to include royal staples such as the Beckhams and Elton John, as well as Jessica Mulroney, the stylist and daughter-in-law of the former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney; the fashion designer Misha Nonoo, the couple’s rumoured matchmaker; the Indian actor Priyanka Chopra, and Markle’s former agent Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne.

There will be 2,640 public invitees in the grounds of Windsor Castle to watch the comings and goings, with 100,000 expected to head to Windsor in all.

And don’t forget the media – about 5,000 journalists have been accredited to cover the wedding, which doesn’t even include yours truly.

The Duke of Cambridge with Prince George and Princess Charlotte
The Duke of Cambridge with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Photograph: Kirsty O'Connor/PA

Updated

Roll out the bunting, the big day is finally here! Prince Harry, sixth in line to the British throne, and Meghan Markle, actor and activist, will tie the knot today.

Unless you are one of the 600 or so guests who will be admitted into the service in St George’s chapel, the Guardian’s live blog is the best seat in the house (and even if you are inside the chapel, feel free to follow the live blog but please put your phone on silent).

From the procession and the service, to the parties, well-wishers and wedding dress, we hope to have it all covered.

As you’ve clicked on this page, I’m guessing you have at least a passing interest in events but we’ll be doing our best to provide something for everyone, from the most ardent royalist to the staunchest republican and those who pretend to be the latter but can’t help being interested.

It’s far too big an event for a commoner like myself to cover singlehandedly so the Guardian, and our sister paper the Observer, have drafted in a crack squad of my colleagues to assist:

Tim Adams will be in the chapel, Hadley Freeman and Nicola Slawson will be soaking up the atmosphere in Windsor and Sarah Marsh will be taking in the celebrations around London. Jess Cartner-Morley and Scarlett Conlan will be providing updates on the fashion, including Markle’s dress.

If none of that is your cup of tea, Matthew Weaver is at the international convention of anti-monarchy group Republic, which is taking place in London today to slightly less fanfare from 1pm, and where speakers will include Labour MP Emma Dent Coad.

Back at Windsor, here is how the big day is expected to unfold (all timings BST):

8am - The 2,640 members of the public invited to stand in the grounds of Windsor Castle and watch the royals and their guests come and go are expected to arrive.

9.30am - The chapel guests will begin to arrive. They have been instructed to be in their seats by 11.15am.

12pm - The service will get underway.

1pm - Harry and Meghan will take to an open-topped, horse-drawn carriage for a 25-minute procession around Windsor town centre.

Afternoon - Following the carriage procession the newlyweds will join their wedding guests at a lunchtime reception hosted by the Queen in St George’s Hall inside Windsor Castle.

Evening - A second reception for family and close friends, hosted by the Prince of Wales, will take place at Frogmore House, a 17th-century property within the Home Park, an area of private parkland within the Windsor estate. This is presumably where they will get down to You To Me Are Everything, Dancing Queen etc.

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