First Post-Wedding Engagement Revealed... With five days to go, wedding updates are coming thick and fast! The first today was news confirming Harry and Meghan's first official engagement which will take place just three days after the royal wedding. On Tuesday, 22 May, the couple (by then the Duke and Duchess) will join Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall for The Prince of Wales' 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace. The event will celebrate The Prince of Wales' patronages and military affiliations. A number of guests from the police, fire and ambulance, mountain rescue and first responders after the bombing at the Manchester Arena will be present.
It's a lovely choice for their first engagement as a married couple and a touching show of support for Charles. It will be an additional treat for the 600 guests to meet the newlyweds. I'm very much looking forward to this one! The day will mark the first of many garden parties for Meghan, we can expect to see her in a summery dress and hat.
More from The Telegraph:
'The May 22nd event will see representatives of each of the charities he is patron of, as well as the military regiments he is affiliated with, visit the palace grounds for entertainment and speeches, as well as the customary garden party tea.Invitations have already been sent to some guests, with key charities tasked with selecting their lucky chosen few to attend.
It is understood to have been the first choice of the Prince who wanted to use the garden reception to thank his charities and patronages for their work over the years. A palace insider said: "He wasn't comfortable with a big event that was just about him. He felt like this would be a much better option."
It is the start of birthday celebrations which is likely to involve a private party for family and friends around the actual date of November 14, and a new official portrait. The Prince is patron or president of more than 400 organisations, focusing on topics ranging from the environment to youth opportunity, food sustainability, architecture and faith.'
Where Harry and Meghan Will Stay the Night Before the Wedding... The Palace revealed the locations where Harry and Meghan will spend their last night before becoming husband and wife. On Friday evening, Meghan will travel with her mother Doria to the Cliveden House Hotel, on the National Trust's Cliveden Estate in Windsor.
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel. Sprawling out beyond the country estate lies 376 acres of magnificent Grade I listed formal gardens and woodlands. Standing majestically upon the chalk cliffs which lend the house its name, the house commands panoramic views over the Berkshire countryside.
Owned, managed and lovingly cared for by the National Trust, the gardens feature the celebrated Parterre, season-long floral displays, distinctive topiary and a collection of exceptional sculptures.
Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of intrigue and glamour for the elite. Enriched with antique furniture and period features, it has stayed true to its roots whilst also providing a luxurious setting to rest, meet and play.
Cliveden provided the backdrop for one of Britain's most scandalous affairs - the Profumo Affair:
'With a history of unapologetic debauchery, our Grade I listed stately home's most heinous of scandals shook the British parliament and played out on these very grounds.
The year was 1961. While the Cold War was slowly chilling British politics, Cliveden House was engulfed in a sultry summer of sweltering heat. Cooling off in the now famous outdoor pool, was Christine Keeler, a nineteen year old mistress of a suspected Russian spy.
Attending a hot mid summer's party hosted by the then owner Lord Astor, the young woman was one of a few exclusive guests enjoying the luxurious celebrations held within Cliveden House's magnificent gardens. Also in attendance was John Profumo, an up-and-coming Conservative Secretary of State for War and husband of well-known actress, Valerie Hobson.
Profumo and Keeler embarked on an illicit affair following their chance meeting at Cliveden House; an affair which was to force his resignation, irrevocably damage the Prime Minister's reputation, and impact on the course of British politics forever.'
All of the Deluxe Suites are newly refurbished in a traditional, classic style. Luxurious and generously proportioned, the suites feature high ceilings, are decorated with antiques and original works of art and offer very spacious lounge areas. Suite names include 'The Prince of Wales', 'Buckingham' and 'Windsor'.
The Prince of Wales lounge.
Meghan and Doria will no doubt enjoy a splendid evening at Cliveden.
A 30 minute drive away, Prince Harry will spend the night at the Dorchester Collection's Coworth Park with Best Man Prince William.
More from People: "Harry’s hotel, Coworth Park, is one of England’s most iconic 5-star country house hotels. The luxury retreat is set on 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland. The estate features an eco-luxury spa with an indoor pool and three restaurants. The rooms have stunning views of the lime grove, meadows and polo fields."
The luxury retreat is set on 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland. The estate features an eco-luxury spa with an indoor pool and three restaurants. The rooms have stunning views of the lime grove, meadows and polo fields."
Coworth Park is a much loved polo venue for Prince Harry and this time last year, Meghan cheered him on as he participated in the Audi Polo Challenge. Meghan was joined by Harry's dear friend Mark Dyer, often described as one of the most influential figures in his life. Meghan was chic in a navy Antonio Berardi dress on the day.
Take a look at the Stable Premium Suite.
It's going to be a very exciting night for both of them!
A Sneak Peek Inside the Windsor Kitchens... And if today's news wasn't enough, the Palace shared a peek inside the kitchens as preparations get underway to serve 600 guests on Saturday. All the staff are delighted to be involved on the day. 'We've even had old staff contacting us if we need some extra support,' says Mark, The Head Chef of The Royal Household.
The menu which will be served on Prince Harry and Ms. Markle's wedding day, has been led by the freshest produce available. 'Luckily the seasons have just fallen perfectly and that's become the main focus in the decision making of the menus,' said Mark. 'The couple have been very involved in every detail of it', he says. Harry and Meghan attended several tasting trials held in the Windsor Castle kitchen in March, sampling each of the dishes made from scratch in the castle's kitchen.
Mark said much of the produce used in the dishes, that will serve up to the 600 guests attending the reception, will be delivered from farms across counties like Kent, which is known as the 'garden' of England and Norfolk. The asparagus being prepared for the lunchtime reception at The Royal Windsor Horse Show came from Portwood Farm in Attleborough in the county. However, Mark says the produce has also been taken from Her Majesty's Estate at Windsor.
Pastry Chef Selwyn Stoby, who will be working on the day of the wedding, revealed how he prepares chocolate truffles – a favourite dessert served at receptions throughout the year at Windsor Castle. You approach every Royal event with the same care and attention to detail', says chef Stoby. 'But you don’t get many opportunities to do a Royal Wedding in your lifetime, so this is very special.'
More on the menu from People:
You can view a brief chat with chef Mark Flanagan below.
It's certainly getting close now :)
More on the menu from People:
'It won’t be a big sit-down lunch for the 600 lucky guests attending the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday.
Their friends and family will be served bowls of food and canapés — all prepared with classic seasonal produce, drawn largely from Queen Elizabeth’s royal estates.
The sweet and savoury welcome nibbles are made to be consumed in two bites, while the bowl dishes are designed so they can be eaten standing up.
This will ensure that Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36 — who will arrive at the party after their carriage ride through Windsor — can get around to talk to as many of their guests as possible.'
You can view a brief chat with chef Mark Flanagan below.
It's certainly getting close now :)