The day before the Royal Wedding has been packed with announcements, special moments and concluded with gorgeous photos of Meghan Markle arriving with her mother Doria Ragland at the Cliveden House Hotel.
This morning, Kensington Palace released the following statement: "Ms Meghan Markle has asked the Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George's Chapel on her wedding day. The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to the Royal family in this way." Meghan will make the first half of the walk with the page boys and bridesmaids before joining Prince Charles who will escort her to her prince. I understand it was always her intention to make the first portion of the walk alone. There was an abundance of speculation and reports suggesting Doria would do it. Ultimately, at such short notice, it was the sensible choice. I have no doubt it was discussed as a family and the decision was made to ask Charles. Last night, Meghan and Harry met with the Prince of Wales and Meghan led the conversation by asking him if he would do the honours. Reporters say he was "touched" and "absolutely delighted".
Harry, Meghan and Doria spent much of the day at Windsor Castle where they joined the Queen and Prince Philip for afternoon tea. Doria has been warmly welcomed by the Royal family. Hours after she arrived she travelled to Clarence House for tea with Charles and Camilla and yesterday she met the Cambridges. The Telegraph reports the meetings were "jolly" and "thoroughly enjoyed" by all.
The Times reports:
Below, Harry and Meghan arriving at Windsor earlier today. The next time we see these two together they will be exchanging their vows.
There are moments we'll remember from this wedding and for me the images of Doria and Meghan arriving at Cliveden will stand out; it has been an incredibly difficult week which caused distress no one should have to encounter days from their wedding let alone on the global stage. Doria has been a constant source of unwavering support for Meghan and has conveyed nothing but complete dignity and decorum despite the relentless media attention she's been subjected to. Despite the challenges, they were both beaming, and proud mother Doria is obviously enormously excited to see her "flower" marry tomorrow. And Meghan? There's quite simply no one she would want by her side more.
An arrival video.
When asked how she was feeling, the radiant bride-to-be smiled and said "wonderful, thank you".
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 of 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.
One of the beautiful suites.
Meanwhile, the groom and his best man were in great spirits as they met the crowds in Windsor.
The Mail reports: "Harry was asked twice in quick succession if he was nervous, but did not answer. Shortly afterwards, when asked how he was feeling, he said: 'Great, thanks. How are you feeling?' Meghan O'Shea, aged seven, from Holyport in Berkshire, was among those who chatted with Harry. The prince noted the 'H' in the little girl's name - like his soon-to-be wife Meghan - and she said he remarked: 'Is that like the one I'm going to marry? There's not very many Meghans with a 'H' around.'"
The appearance echoed the eve of William's wedding when he and Harry met fans.
A video from the walkabout.
From there, the pair travelled to Coworth Park where they will spend the night. 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.
Meghan looked beautiful in the Roland Mouret Barwick fit and flare dress.
The £1,350 dress is described as "a romantic option for the Resort 2018 season, the Barwick Dress in navy double wool crepe can be easily transition from day to night. Angled panels create an alternative take on a boatneck-shaped neckline and a flirty, handkerchief waterfall off to the side of the knee-length skirt creates an ultra feminine silhouette". It's available in limited sizing at Orchard Mile, Roland Mouret and FarFetch.
The dress also comes in red and light blue.
Meghan has been friends with the designer for years. How did they meet? "I was in a hotel elevator in Istanbul, and this man in a bathrobe said, 'I love to dress you,'" Markle said at an after-party dinner at the Jane Corkin Gallery. "I thought, 'Whaaat?' Then he told me who he was and we’ve been friends ever since." Mouret dresses women beautifully and he's tipped as the possible designer of Meghan's second dress which she'll wear at Frogmore House.
Meghan's Mirror notes Meghan wore the Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in light grey suede. The colour is currently unavailable.
We saw a glimpse of Meghan's earrings. It appears they could be her new Birks pair.
It's been quite a day! We'll see you at 8 am for our Live Blog. In the meantime, any last minute dress predictions? I'm hedging my bets on one of the following: Ralph & Russo, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Erdem and Roland Mouret. Although Meghan could very well surprise us. And need I ask, are you excited? :)
This morning, Kensington Palace released the following statement: "Ms Meghan Markle has asked the Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George's Chapel on her wedding day. The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to the Royal family in this way." Meghan will make the first half of the walk with the page boys and bridesmaids before joining Prince Charles who will escort her to her prince. I understand it was always her intention to make the first portion of the walk alone. There was an abundance of speculation and reports suggesting Doria would do it. Ultimately, at such short notice, it was the sensible choice. I have no doubt it was discussed as a family and the decision was made to ask Charles. Last night, Meghan and Harry met with the Prince of Wales and Meghan led the conversation by asking him if he would do the honours. Reporters say he was "touched" and "absolutely delighted".
Harry, Meghan and Doria spent much of the day at Windsor Castle where they joined the Queen and Prince Philip for afternoon tea. Doria has been warmly welcomed by the Royal family. Hours after she arrived she travelled to Clarence House for tea with Charles and Camilla and yesterday she met the Cambridges. The Telegraph reports the meetings were "jolly" and "thoroughly enjoyed" by all.
The Times reports:
'The warm relationship between the Prince of Wales and Meghan has been developing for months as the prince has gone out of his way to make her feel welcome. It deepened this week when he made time to have Ms Markle's mother to tea at Clarence House - an event described as "very jolly". "They have spent a lot of time together", a source said. "She was particularly touched by the welcome that the Prince of Wales provided to her mother. It was really lovely.'
Below, Harry and Meghan arriving at Windsor earlier today. The next time we see these two together they will be exchanging their vows.
There are moments we'll remember from this wedding and for me the images of Doria and Meghan arriving at Cliveden will stand out; it has been an incredibly difficult week which caused distress no one should have to encounter days from their wedding let alone on the global stage. Doria has been a constant source of unwavering support for Meghan and has conveyed nothing but complete dignity and decorum despite the relentless media attention she's been subjected to. Despite the challenges, they were both beaming, and proud mother Doria is obviously enormously excited to see her "flower" marry tomorrow. And Meghan? There's quite simply no one she would want by her side more.
An arrival video.
When asked how she was feeling, the radiant bride-to-be smiled and said "wonderful, thank you".
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 of 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.
One of the beautiful suites.
Meanwhile, the groom and his best man were in great spirits as they met the crowds in Windsor.
The Mail reports: "Harry was asked twice in quick succession if he was nervous, but did not answer. Shortly afterwards, when asked how he was feeling, he said: 'Great, thanks. How are you feeling?' Meghan O'Shea, aged seven, from Holyport in Berkshire, was among those who chatted with Harry. The prince noted the 'H' in the little girl's name - like his soon-to-be wife Meghan - and she said he remarked: 'Is that like the one I'm going to marry? There's not very many Meghans with a 'H' around.'"
The appearance echoed the eve of William's wedding when he and Harry met fans.
A video from the walkabout.
From there, the pair travelled to Coworth Park where they will spend the night. 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.
Meghan looked beautiful in the Roland Mouret Barwick fit and flare dress.
The £1,350 dress is described as "a romantic option for the Resort 2018 season, the Barwick Dress in navy double wool crepe can be easily transition from day to night. Angled panels create an alternative take on a boatneck-shaped neckline and a flirty, handkerchief waterfall off to the side of the knee-length skirt creates an ultra feminine silhouette". It's available in limited sizing at Orchard Mile, Roland Mouret and FarFetch.
The dress also comes in red and light blue.
Meghan has been friends with the designer for years. How did they meet? "I was in a hotel elevator in Istanbul, and this man in a bathrobe said, 'I love to dress you,'" Markle said at an after-party dinner at the Jane Corkin Gallery. "I thought, 'Whaaat?' Then he told me who he was and we’ve been friends ever since." Mouret dresses women beautifully and he's tipped as the possible designer of Meghan's second dress which she'll wear at Frogmore House.
Meghan's Mirror notes Meghan wore the Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in light grey suede. The colour is currently unavailable.
We saw a glimpse of Meghan's earrings. It appears they could be her new Birks pair.
It's been quite a day! We'll see you at 8 am for our Live Blog. In the meantime, any last minute dress predictions? I'm hedging my bets on one of the following: Ralph & Russo, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Erdem and Roland Mouret. Although Meghan could very well surprise us. And need I ask, are you excited? :)