Guests for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated wedding have been confirmed with several high profile names snubbed as the Palace announces which members of the public have secured an invite.
Instead, members of the public from all walks of life will be amongst the 2,640 people at the Windsor Castle wedding.
Kensington Palace said in a statement: “Members of the public from around the UK have this week learned that they will be amongst the 2,640 people at Windsor Castle for Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle’s wedding.”
The Palace said Harry and Meghan have “asked Lord Lieutenants to invite 1,200 people to join the celebrations, including young people who have shown strong leadership, and those who have served their communities”.
Kensington Palace has slowly started to reveal some of the lucky invitees on Twitter, including former soldier Philip Gillespie, 30, who lost his right leg in an IED incident in Afghanistan and “works to raise funds and awareness for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity”.
Reuben Litherland, 14, who “was born deaf and has started lunchtime lessons to teach sign language at school” has also been added to the guest list, as well as 12-year-old amputee, Jorja Furze, who is an ambassador for the Steel Bones charity and help set up an Anxiety Group to help students adjust to life at school.
Despite speculation Barack and Michelle Obama would be invited, the Palace confirmed official heads of state including British Prime Minister Theresa May will be off the list in favour of close friends, in contrast to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in 2011.
“It has been decided that an official list of political leaders — both UK and international — is not required for Prince Harry and Ms Markle’s wedding,” a spokesman said.
“Her Majesty’s government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by the royal household.”
Harry and Meghan are just weeks away from tying the knot and have already revealed several details about their wedding. The couple announced on Monday they won’t be expecting a gift, instead the couple is asking for donations to a number of their favourite charities.
The pair have also ditched some of the more traditional royal choices, including their pick for a wedding cake, choosing a lemon elderflower cake that will “incorporate the bright flavours of spring”.
The couple will say “I do” in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19.