The elements of the British military that will be conducting ceremonial duties in Windsor, England Saturday for the wedding of Prince Harry to the American actress Meghan Markle, have been undertaking their final drill rehearsals in the view of the public.
The Royal wedding, which will begin at midday Saturday (0700 EST), and concludes with a carriage drive around the town of Windsor for the newlywed couple at 1500 (1000 EST), is expected to be watched on television by millions around the world.
The British military is world-renowned for its ceremonial abilities as well as combat prowess, and units which Prince Harry has served with will play a major role on the wedding day, parading and standing guard in Windsor.
Among those are the Household Cavalry and the Army Air Corps, with whom Harry served in Afghanistan in 2007.
WINDSOR, ENGLAND – MAY 17: Union jack flags are displayed in the street in front of Windsor Castle ahead of the royal wedding of HRH Prince Henry of Wales to Ms. Meghan Markle on Saturday in Windsor on May 17, 2018 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Members of the Household Cavalry take part in a rehearsal for the wedding procession outside Windsor Castle in Windsor on May 17, 2018 two days before the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. – Britain’s Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle will marry on May 19 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Crowds begin to gather ahead of the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 18, 2018 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
A visitor carries a bag featuring Britain’s Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle in Windsor on May 17, 2018, two days before the Royal wedding. – Britain’s Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle will marry on May 19 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)
In addition to the usual Union Flags known to adorn London and Windsor for Royal events, there have been a number of American flags, in reference to Ms. Markle’s upbringing in the United States. Markle’s father was due to give the bride away, however following heart surgery this week he has been declared unfit to travel and Meghan will be given away by Charles, the Prince of Wales instead.
The stepping up by the heir apparent to the British throne came as a last-minute announcement Friday and follows weeks of speculation in the press over whether Markle senior would attend the event.
Artist Kaya Mar shows off his latest work in front of the castle in Windsor on May 17, 2018, two days before the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. – Britain’s Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle will marry on May 19 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
The Crown Equerry Colonel Toby Brown (C), head of the Royal Mews sits atop the Ascot Landau carriage pulled by Windsor Grey horses, on the Long Walk during a rehearsal for the wedding procession in Windsor on May 17, 2018 – Britain’s Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle will marry on May 19 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images)
FAREHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 16: Members of the Royal Marines and diving units take part in a final rehearsal, ahead of their role in the Armed Forces’ ceremonial duties at the royal wedding at HMS Collingwood on May 16, 2018 in Fareham, England. Sailors from the Royal Navy small ships, diving unit and the Royal Marines will provide ceremonial support at the royal wedding of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle on saturday, June 19 in Windsor. Photo by Andrew Matthews – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Soldiers from 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, led by Lieutenant Colonel English, practice drills at Wattisham Airfield near Ipswich, east of England, on May 10, 2018, during a photocall as they prepare ahead of the Royal Wedding. – Soldiers from 3 Army Air Corps will provide ceremonial support for the wedding of Britain’s Prince Harry and his US fiancee Meghan Markle, when they marry at Windsor Castle on May 19. (Photo by Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP) (Photo credit should read AARON CHOWN/AFP/Getty Images)
Members of the Blues and Royals cavalry regiment make their way during a rehearsal for the wedding procession outside Windsor Castle in Windsor on May 17, 2018 – Britain’s Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle will marry on May 19 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo credit should read DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)
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