An estimated 100,000 people are expected to descend on Windsor for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple. Thursday was an official military rehearsal day, and the town was packed with people joining in with the royal event.
About 5,000 media representatives have been accredited, from organisations including 79 international networks and 46 US affiliates. The US is especially excited to have its very own British princess.
- This bride booked her wedding before the royals, and had to have a police escort to the church - her son was her best man.
- Journalists outnumber locals.
On the Long Walk, journalists will be offered an unimpeded view of the carriage on its way to the castle. Media stands have sprung up along the route to capture the couple exiting the castle and going around the block before returning the royal garden – a five-hectare space in the grounds of the castle.
On the march
One of Sarah Lee’s favourite pictures from the assignment, these girls from a local primary school are the tail of the crocodile formation dashing to catch up with the head.
- Logan marches in his red outfit
Logan’s red outfit has done years of good service and is still going strong – he even sleeps in it.
- Eton students on the street
There are a lot of kids in town: some are less excited than others. One young boy can barely see out of his police helmet, and walks into a lamppost shortly after being photographed.
- A young police officer, pre-lamppost incident
- The pure joy of waving a small flag
- Union jacket, and Batman with his crown
Along the route
Railings along the route are lined with people who take merriment seriously. One lady has travelled from Australia and is attending her eighth royal wedding.
- Ladies on the railings along the Long Walk
- Travelling from Australia for her eighth royal wedding
- Prince Harry bunting, and dogs hoping for a long walk
- Taking a break in the sun on a bench outside the castle
Memento
Local businesses are used to royal ceremony and souvenirs are available at every turn. Scarves and flags are the stock and trade but there are quirkier offerings too.
- Caps and scarves for sale
- Window of an apothecary on Eton High Street
- A couple of likely lads selling union jacks
Flags, flags ... and bags
- The royal couple begin to take shape in a jigsaw being put together by the train station
Parade
Phones are held aloft at the entrance to castle waiting for the military parade to start. Members of the units Prince Harry served with are taking part in the event.
- Members of the Army Air Corps marching with fixed bayonets
Duty calls
The royal wedding is a huge security event, with officers drafted in from police forces all over the UK. These two police officers were not averse to testing out the frozen prosecco lollies on offer – for public protection, of course.
- Officers investigating the prosecco stand
- This young boy wanted the police officer’s helmet but lost his nerve when given the chance
- A police sniffer dog hard at work
- Police horses ... and swans in the river
Celebrations
Part of this event’s appeal is that it’s a simple excuse for a good old celebration. British people don’t need too much encouragement to get silly outside the pub.
Built in 1518, and a public house since 1689, this pub has been renamed The Prince Harry, with a new sign, a portrait of the prince and plenty of balloons and flag decorations, and is even serving a royal wedding pale ale.
- Some people are just here to show off
- Free pizza on the streets of Windsor
- A peek along the road
