Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle have asked well-wishers to donate to charity rather than send them wedding gifts.
The couple, who will marry on Saturday, May 19, have named seven charities they support which members of the public can send donations to in lieu of gifts.
All the charities represent issues important to the couple, including women’s empowerment, the Armed Forces and HIV.
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The charities are:
– The Children’s HIV Association (CHIVA), which supports children growing up with HIV and their families.
– Crisis, the national charity for homeless people.
– Myna Mahila Foundation, which empowers women in Mumbai’s urban slums.
– Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity for bereaved Armed Forces children.
– StreetGames, which uses sport to make communities healthier, safer and more successful.
– Surfers Against Sewage, a national marine conversation and campaigning charity.
– The Wilderness Foundation UK, which promotes the benefits and enjoyment of the outdoors and nature.
A statement from Kensington Palace read: “Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle are incredibly grateful for the goodwill shown to them since the announcement of their engagement and are keen that as many people as possible benefit from this generosity of spirit.
“The couple have therefore asked that anyone who might wish to mark the occasion considers making a donation to charity, rather than sending a wedding gift.
“Prince Harry and Ms. Markle have personally selected seven organisations they would like to support, reflecting their shared values.
“Prince Harry and Ms. Markle do not have any formal relationships with the charities chosen. The couple have chosen charities which represent a range of issues that they are passionate about.
“Many of these are small charities, and the couple are pleased to be able to amplify and shine a light on their work.”
Harry and Meghan will marry at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle at midday on Saturday, May 19.
After exchanging vows, they will undertake a carriage procession through the streets of Windsor, before attending a lunch reception hosted by the Queen.
That will be followed by an evening reception thrown by Prince Charles.
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Harry and former actress Meghan have released several details of their big day.
Their cake will be made by London-based bakery, Violet Cakes, and will be lemon and elderflower flavoured, with buttercream icing and decorated with fresh flowers.
Florist Philippa Craddock is in charge of decorating the chapel and reception with flowers and plants, including branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves.
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More than 250 members of the Armed Forces will provide ceremonial support on the big day, in a nod to Harry’s military background.
However, some details remain under wraps including which designer Meghan has chosen to create her wedding dress, who will be best man and bridesmaids, and where the happy couple will go on honeymoon.
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