Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have given a behind-the-scenes first glimpse at their wedding procession plans, just weeks before they prepare to tie the knot.
The couple took a moment away from celebrating Princess Charlotte’s third birthday on Wednesday to reveal more of their exciting wedding plans – and it seems no amount of rain or cold weather will stop them meeting their fans on their big day.
The couple have chosen the Ascot Landau after visiting the royal mews at Buckingham Palace, which will make its way through Windsor from St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where they will exchange vows.
Sharing a photo of the open top carriage, Kensington Palace revealed: “The carriage is one of five Ascot Landaus in the Royal Mews. The carriages are used in official and ceremonial state events, such as Coronations, Royal Weddings and State Visits.”
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The palace added in a statement: “Prince Harry and Ms Markle are very much looking forward to this short journey which they hope will be a memorable moment for everyone who has gathered together in Windsor to enjoy the atmosphere of this special day.”
It’s not the first time this kind of open top carriage has been chosen, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose two similar ones for their wedding in 2011. Crown Equerry Colonel Toby Browne, who runs the royal mews, said Harry knows the carriage well.
“He was best man at his brother’s wedding so he rode in one of these with the bridesmaids and pages as part of the procession following the wedding,” he added, according to multiple media outlets. “But he’s also been in the Queen’s procession at the royal meeting at Ascot, so he’s ridden in these quite regularly.”
The carriage procession will begin at 1pm after the wedding service on May 19, and it will see the couple ride along Castle Hill, into Windsor town centre before returning along the famous Long Walk for their reception. It seems the Queen, Prince William and the rest of the family won’t join them, as there is only one carriage currently selected.
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However, ensuring the weather won’t hamper their plans, they have a back-up option – and will ride in the Scottish State Coach if it rains on the day. It was first built in 1830, but a new top was later added in 1969 with large windows, and a partial glass roof, to allow people lining the streets to get a clear glimpse of the passengers.
Col Browne added: “The fair weather option, the Ascot Landau, it was selected because it’s a wonderfully bright, small, lovely carriage. Very easy for people to see, the passengers can sit up quite high – so there’s lots of visibility for everybody.
“It was built in 1883, it’s one of five that we have, most of them are down in Windsor, we always keep one in London for occasions.”
Meanwhile, six Windsor Grey horses will be included in the procession ride. According to reports, Milford Haven, Plymouth and father and son Storm and Tyrone will pull the Landau and two others – Sir Basil and Londonderry – will be outriders.
The royal family released the latest details as they celebrated the third birthday of Prince William and Catherine’s daughter, Princess Charlotte, on Wednesday.
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Sharing a sweet photo of her sat on the step ahead of nursery, taken by Catherine herself, Kensington Palace wrote: “Wishing a happy third birthday to Princess Charlotte – thank you all for your lovely messages!”
Meanwhile, the royal family’s social media page added a snap of her giving her famous wave as she walked past cameras to see her baby son Louis for the first time. They wrote: “Happy Birthday Princess Charlotte! Princess Charlotte turns 3 years old today. This photo was taken last week when Princess Charlotte joined The Duke of Cambridge and Prince George at the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital to visit The Duchess of Cambridge and her new brother, Prince Louis.”