Prince Harry served 10 years in the Army and has supported a number of veterans’ causes since, so it is no surprise that he is having a large military presence at his wedding in May.
The palace and Ministry of Defence have just announced who will be partaking in Harry and Meghan’s big day – and it will be a statement, with more than 250 uniforms there to carry out ceremonial duties.
Members of the armed forces will provide ceremonial support at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images
The Prince, who will no doubt be in his own uniform (probably that of the Blues and Royals, as seen at his brother’s wedding, but theres a chance he might opt for that of the Royal Marines, too), and his bride will be greeted members of the Household Cavalry on the steps of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle as part of the wedding. They will form a ceremonial ‘staircase party’.
State Trumpeters and a Captain’s Escort from the Household Cavalry will also be present on 19th May.
Out in the town of Windsor, members of the Windsor Castle Guard from 1st Battalion Irish Guards will line the streets, supported by various other members of the military. These include: the Royal Marines (Harry is their Captain General taking over from Prince Philip) Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving (Prince Harry is their Commodore-in-Chief); 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, which the Royal was part of as an apache pilot on his second tour of Afghanistan; The Royal Gurkha Rifles – again Prince Harry served with them (1st Battalion) in Afghanistan in 2007, and also met their trainees whilst in Nepal; and members of RAF Honington, of which Prince Harry is Honorary Air Commandant.
Musical support to the ‘street liners’ will be provided by the Band of the Irish Guards.
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.”
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan 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.”
Which uniform will Prince Harry wear on the day?
It was also announced this morning that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will attend the UK team trials for the upcoming Invictus Games at the University of Bath Sports Training Village on 6th April.
