Hello, we're back to share two very interesting stories from the weekend's papers!
Harry and Meghan have been busily planning the royal wedding this month, from the guest list to the dress designer and numerous little touches which will ensure that while it's a Royal wedding, the day will be very much theirs. The Sunday Times' inimitable reporter Roya Nikkhah shared an exclusive detail about the speeches on the big day: Meghan intends to give one of her own. Meghan is said to be planning an "affectionate" tribute to her husband-to-be and will use the opportunity to thank Her Majesty, family and friends for their support.
More from The Sunday Times:
'After the best man, will it be the best woman? Meghan Markle is planning to deliver a speech of her own at her wedding to Prince Harry this spring. In a striking departure from royal marital tradition, the American former actress is understood to be ready to speak at the reception that will follow the wedding ceremony on May 19.
Prince Harry, 33, and Markle, 36, will marry in front of about 800 guests in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The bride, who is expected to be gifted the title of Duchess on her wedding day, is planning an “affectionate” tribute to her new husband and will offer thanks to the Queen, her family and friends. There may even be a couple of jokes.
Markle’s father, Thomas, 73, a former Hollywood lighting director who is known to be deeply private, is expected to walk his daughter down the aisle, but is less likely to speak at the reception. A source said: “The feeling is if Meghan’s father doesn’t speak for her, she wants to have the chance to thank her husband and everyone who has supported them. Harry thinks it’s a great idea.”
Meghan is an excellent public speaker and writer; I suspect the speech will be a heartfelt one reflecting on the joy of the day, gratitude for the support she has received, talk of her excitement for the future, and with a little joke or two...possibly at Harry's expense :)
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We know Harry and Meghan intend to continue their pre-wedding tour around the UK meeting locals and visiting organisations and charities. It looks like Meghan has also been enlisted for one of the most important events on the royal calendar this year, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April. Camilla Tominey reports: "Meghan Markle will face her toughest royal test yet when the Queen hosts the biggest gathering of heads of state ever to be held in the UK during a Commonwealth summit - and Meghan and Prince Harry are poised to take on roles usually reserved for Prince William and Kate."
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is being held in London in April with an array of forums and events from the 16th - 20th. Leaders from all member countries are expected to gather in London and Windsor. They will come together to reaffirm common values, address the shared global challenges faced and agree how to work to create a better future for all Commonwealth citizens, particularly young people. Politically, the event has added significance because of Brexit and the government will be eager to deploy the Royal family throughout the week. Prime Minister Theresa May said: "In hosting CHOGM, the UK is committed to working with all members, not only to reaffirm these shared values, but also to re-energise and revitalise the Commonwealth to cement its relevance to this and future generations. As we look to create a truly global Britain, the deep partnerships that we share through a 21st century Commonwealth can help us strengthen the prosperity and security of our own citizens, and those of our many friends and allies across the world."
'The Royal Family will be central to the week-long event, with the Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla and younger royals including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry all expected to take part. Meghan, 36, expressed a desire to find out more about the Commonwealth during an interview with Harry following their engagement last November.
A royal insider said: “A huge amount of planning has gone into making CHOGM a success and members of the Royal Family will have a significant presence throughout the summit. Prince Harry will definitely have a role to play, and now he is engaged to Meghan Markle, CHOGM would provide the perfect opportunity for her to find out more about the Commonwealth.”
A Whitehall insider said: “The Royals pack a formidable soft power punch around the world as it is, but Meghan’s presence at the summit would propel CHOGM coverage to the front pages, which is just what we want when projecting a positive vision of Britain overseas.”
The Commonwealth is home to 2.4 billion people - a third of the world’s population - and includes countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, which have already indicated a willingness to strike free trade deals post Brexit. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is also expected to take part in the summit, and Foreign Office staff are thought to be keen to harness the popularity of Ms Markle, who was cheered as she has accompanied Harry on engagements in Brixton and Cardiff in recent weeks.'
Ms Tominey believes there is a possibility Meghan could be present at the glittering State banquet at Buckingham Palace.
'It is thought she will accompany Harry, 33, on a number of appointments - with speculation the couple may even need to step in for William and Kate because their third baby is due around the time of the conference, which starts on April 16.
This could see Harry and Meghan attend a glittering state banquet at Buckingham Palace, where the American actress could be asked to don a royal tiara for the very first time - just weeks before her wedding on May 19.'
If Meghan and Harry attend, I wouldn't necessarily expect she'll wear a tiara. As noted by reader Eve, In June 1981, Lady Diana Spencer attended the Saudi State banquet at Claridge's during her engagement to Prince Charles. Diana wore beautiful jewellery from Collingwood. Although, she could have worn her family's Spencer tiara, she elected not to.
Eve also noted Diana attended the Nigerian State Banquet in 1981 before her wedding. Again, sans tiara.
The article also reports Harry and Meghan will attend the Commonwealth Day Service, as a prelude to CHOGM, on 12 March at Westminster Abbey.
Eve also noted Diana attended the Nigerian State Banquet in 1981 before her wedding. Again, sans tiara.
The article also reports Harry and Meghan will attend the Commonwealth Day Service, as a prelude to CHOGM, on 12 March at Westminster Abbey.
I found this story incredibly interesting and unexpected; it's highly unusual for a royal fiancée to play a role in an event of this magnitude. World leaders and global media will descend upon London and Windsor throughout the week with a firm focus on Brexit. At its core, it's going to be a week filled with discussion surrounding the Commonwealth and shared challenges member countries are facing. There are going to be various forums with discussions on young people and women. I could see Harry and Meghan attending those. As for the State banquet, I would be surprised if the couple attend pre-wedding, however, I wouldn't entirely rule it out either. Meghan has clearly impressed the Queen and royal aides who obviously wish to deploy her and Harry. I imagine she has privately expressed a strong interest too. It's the perfect opportunity for the future Duchess to learn about the Commonwealth, ahead of her first tours, which are set to include Australia later this year.