Kensington Palace has confirmed the Armed Forces will play a “special role” in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding next month.
More than 250 members of the Armed Forces will provide ceremonial support on the big day, in a nod to Harry’s military background.
Harry, 33, spent ten years in the Armed Forces and conducted two tours of Afghanistan with the British Army. He took over from the Duke of Edinburgh as Captain General of the Royal Marines last year.
A palace statement on Wednesday read: “The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Armed Forces units with a special connection to Prince Harry will provide ceremonial support at his wedding to Ms. Meghan Markle on 19 May.
Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reveal all about their wedding invites!
“Prince Harry and Ms. Markle are pleased that members of the Armed Forces will play such a special role in their wedding.
“The Military, and these units in particular, hold a great significance for Prince Harry and the couple are incredibly grateful for their support.”
Further information released by the Ministry of Defence confirmed that units holding a “special relationship” with Harry will provide ceremonial support at the wedding and during the carriage procession through Windsor.
The Ministry of Defence said: “Members of the Household Cavalry will form a staircase party at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle as part of the wedding.
“The State Trumpeters and a Captain’s Escort from the Household Cavalry will also provide ceremonial support.
“Prince Harry joined The Blues and Royals in April 2016 and served with the Household Cavalry Regiment, undertaking two tours of Afghanistan and rising to the rank of Captain.”
It’s been confirmed the streets within the precincts of Windsor Castle will be lined by members of the Windsor Castle Guard from 1st Battalion Irish Guards, and by Armed Forces personnel from units with a special relationship to Harry.
Among them will be the Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving, as Harry is Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving, and the Royal Marines.
There will also be representation from the 3 Regiment Army Air Corps; Harry served as an Apache Pilot with the 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment Army Air Corps in Afghanistan.
Personnel from The Royal Gurka Rifles – whom Harry served with in Afghanistan – and RAF Honington, where he is an Honorary Air Commandant, will also be present.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of the Defence Staff, said: “I am proud that members of the Armed Forces have been asked to take part in the ceremonial celebrations taking place on the royal couple’s wedding day.
“It is a happy occasion for the whole country and reminds us of the role the Armed Forces play in marking important events in the life of the nation.
“I am particularly pleased to hear that members of the Armed Forces who have a close relationship with Prince Harry will be taking part. Servicemen and women from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force will all be honoured to offer their support.”
Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook
Harry and former TV actress Meghan, 36, will marry at midday on Saturday, 19 May at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
They will undertake a carriage procession through Windsor before attending a luncheon hosted by The Queen and an evening reception thrown by Harry’s dad, Prince Charles.
Are you excited about the royal wedding? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!