Who has the royal invite? A tentative guest list for Prince Harry's and Meghan Markle's royal wedding
The royal wedding is fast approaching, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to tie the knot at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19. The cost of the wedding is expected to cross $45 million, with various aspects of the couple's big day already set in stone. However, there is still constant speculation surrounding who will perform at the wedding and who will be the big names in attendance.
While the Obamas have fostered a close relationship with the royal family over the years, their attendance has not yet been confirmed, nor has that of other major political leaders such as Donald Trump and Theresa May, though, in the case of the latter two, it is unclear whether they were invited at all. But here are some of the names who will probably be gracing the special occasion:
#1 The cast of 'Suits'
It will be little surprise to learn that the 'cast and key executives' of 'Suits' were invited to the wedding, especially considering how Meghan's character, Rachel Zane, was an important running character in the show for seven straight seasons. The news was confirmed by an insider to Hello Magazine.
#2 The Spice Girls
The Spice Girls have been rumored to be performing at the wedding for the longest time, though their actual attendance has all but been confirmed by Mel B. Speaking on chat show 'The Real,' she said: "Well, it was [the] five Spice Girls. Why am I so honest?' When pressed for details, she revealed, 'Yes... It was proper. I’m not saying anymore! I’ve said enough... I need to go. I’m gonna be fired!"
Mel C tried to play down the announcement by telling E!News that her bandmate was joking, but it felt more like damage control than anything else.
#3 Sir Elton John
Sir Elton John was good friends with Harry's mother, Diana, and sang 'Candle in the Wind' in tribute at her funeral in 1997. He has already canceled two concerts of his world tour on May 18 and May 19, which coincidentally clash with the royal wedding, and despite management writing, it off as a 'scheduling conflict,' his presence seems all but guaranteed. Palace insiders confirmed to the Express that the singer would be in attendance.
#4 Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is another one of the rumored performers for the royal wedding and has previously expressed an interest in singing for the couple on their special day. That is if he is invited, which seems very likely considering his current standing in the music world.
#5 Priyanka Chopra
Indian actress and 'Quantico' star Priyanka Chopra met Meghan at Elle's Women in Television dinner in 2016 but famously strengthened her friendship and made her case for bridesmaid when she reprimanded Wendy Williams for describing her as 'Prince Harry's girlfriend.' She shot back: "Meghan Markle, actress. Suits. Her achievements... just saying." Friendship goals, indeed.
She confirmed her attendance to the wedding to US Weekly.
#6 Serena Williams
Serena and Meghan have been good friends since meeting at a celebrity charity football event in 2014, with the actress even writing about their friendship on her blog, 'The Tig.' Serena has most definitely been invited but her attendance will depend on whether or not she chooses to compete in the French Open, which coincides with the royal wedding.
#7 The Foo Fighters
The Sun reported that Foo Fighters' lead singer, Dave Grohl, has hinted at wanting to perform at the wedding. He had joked: "I’ve saved the date. The performance was good. It’s nice to feel like a wedding band when everyone’s at tables eating tiramisu." Considering the band performed at Prince Harry's Invictus Games in 2014, so the possibility is not too far of a stretch.
#8 Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York
Sarah Ferguson's has not been on good terms with the royal family, to say the least - her relationship with father-in-law Prince Philip is said to have frayed after her marriage with Prince Andrew broke down after 10 years - but since she is still a royal, expect to see her in attendance.
#9 Prince Seeiso of Lesotho
Prince Harry has reportedly invited guests from Malawi with whom he worked on a conservation project. Also invited is the Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who co-founded Sentebale - a charity which provides aid to children diagnosed with AIDS - with the groom.
#10 Misha Nonoo
According to the Daily Mail, fashion designer Misha Nonoo is supposedly Meghan's close friend, and her ex-husband is said to have attended Eton College along with Prince Harry and Prince William.
#11 Cressida Bonas and Chelsy Davy
Considering both Cressida Bonas and Chelsy Davy are Harry's ex-girlfriends - he dated Chelsy from 2004 and 2011 Cressida between 2014 and 2016 - it might be peculiar that they are invited but since both are said to be on good terms with the prince, it's possible that they might be in attendance.
#12 Millie Mackintosh
Millie and Meghan are supposedly good friends since 2016, and considering Millie does have a royal connection - her co-star on Made in Chelsea, Spencer Matthews, is now Pippa Middleton's brother-in-law - it's possible she could be present for the big day.
#Daniella Timperley
Not related to either the bride or groom, Daniella scored an invite to the wedding because the couple were reportedly impressed with her charity work, reported CBS News. The news was announced by Daniella's grammar school on Twitter and will get to sit in St. George's Chapel for the ceremony, and attend the luncheon hosted by the Queen at St. George's Hall.
#Roland Mouret
Meghan was reportedly taken with Roland just after their first meeting, with the bride telling Fashion Magazine: "I was in a hotel elevator in Istanbul, and this man in a bathrobe said, 'I love to dress you.' I thought, 'Whaaat?' Then he told me who he was and we’ve been friends ever since."
#Nacho Figueras
Somewhat of an unknown in the list, CBS News reported that Figueras, an Argentinian polo player, has been invited to the wedding. His connections with either the groom or bride are unclear.
#2,640 members of the public
The breakdown of the 2,640 members are:
1,200 members of the public who will be nominated by nine regional Lord Lieutenant Offices.
610 Windsor residents and members of St. George's Chapel.
530 members of the Royal Households and Crown Estate.
200 people from charities they're associated with and 100 students from local schools with close ties to Windsor Castle.
#The survivors of the Grenfell fire
The fire at the Grenfell Tower block of public housing flats in North Kensington, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, West London caused 71 deaths and over 70 injuries. In a show of solidarity with the victims, Harry and Meghan have reportedly invited the survivors of the fire to be in attendance as they tie the knot.