Order of service blends British tradition and American influences Queen meets Meghan Markle's mother Doria Harry's father Prince Charles to walk Meghan down aisle Meghan feeling 'wonderful' as she arrives at hotel Harry and William meet supporters in Windsor Schedule and timetable for couple's big day in full Who is on the guest list: Full details of who will be attending How and where to watch the wedding – on TV or at screenings Meghan Markle said she was feeling "wonderful" on the eve of her wedding as she arrived at her accommodation with her mother.  Speaking outside the luxury Cliveden House Hotel after meeting the Queen for afternoon tea, Meghan smiled broadly and looked at ease as they were greeted by the hotel general manager. Minutes earlier, Prince Harry said he feels "great" ahead of the royal wedding as he and his best man the Duke of Cambridge greeted crowds outside Windsor Castle. The groom-to-be looked relaxed as he joked with an international gathering of well-wishers and even took a teddy bear from one, which he carried back into the castle through the Henry VIII gates.  Both will now spend the night in separate hotels and the next time they will see each other will be at St George's Chapel on Saturday lunchtime when the Prince of Wales walks her part-way down the aisle. Prince Harry – flanked by his best man the Duke of Cambridge – wore open-necked white shirts and jackets to meet crowds outside the caste on Friday afternoon. Royal wedding countdown in pictures as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's preparations begin Adoring audience members filmed the occasion on their phones as a team of security guards made sure nothing untoward took place.  At one point Harry was handed a small teddy bear wearing a red sweater, which he gave a quick hug before moving on to speak to a young boy sporting a red, white and blue crown-style hat. Prince Harry did not answer when members of the public asked him if he was nervous, but told one well-wisher that he was feeling "great". He told a woman who had travelled from Toronto: "Thank you so much for coming all this way." The prince also asked excited fans if they were looking forward to Saturday. Earlier today, Meghan Markle asked the Prince of Wales to accompany her down part of the aisle on her wedding day to Prince Harry, opting not to be given away. The US star, who this week learned that her own father would not make the wedding due to ill health, will walk the first half of the St George's Chapel aisle alone, surrounded by young page boys and bridesmaids but without anyone by her side. Meghan's mother Doria Ragland met the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle today ahead of the big event tomorrow. At the Quire, which effectively marks the second half of the aisle, Ms Markle will be met by the Prince of Wales, her future father-in-law, who will take her arm for the final steps. The ceremony will omit the traditional moment of "giving away", where the presiding Archbishop asks: "Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?" Ms Markle is understood to have asked the Prince of Wales to accompany her after her father, Thomas Markle, told her he was unable to fly to the UK. She has spent a great deal of time with him during her relationship with Prince Harry, a source said, and has built an affectionate bond. It was Ms Markle's idea to ask him to do the honours on her wedding day, offering the suggestion to Prince Harry who was delighted. The Prince of Wales was very happy to accept, a source said.  Prince Harry and Ms Markle smiled and waved to photographers on Friday afternoon as they arrived at Windsor Castle in a Land Rover. They accompanied Ms Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, as she met the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh for the first time - for afternoon tea. Ms Ragland, a yoga instructor and social worker, had been the favourite to walk her daughter down the aisle, but will instead join her for the car journey to the chapel before taking her place in the congregation.  Unlike Ms Ragland, Harry's father is vastly experienced at appearing at large-scale public events amid intense scrutiny.  In statement, Kensington Palace said: "Ms Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness 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."  Ms Markle's father, Thomas Markle, pulled out of attending the wedding on medical advice in a dramatic upset just two days before the wedding. He cited heart problems after it emerged he had colluded with the paparazzi for staged photographs in his home town in Mexico. As royal superfans camped out overnight in Windsor to secure the best spots, Ms Markle and Prince Harry were spotted being driven into Windsor Castle for a final rehearsal in St George's Chapel on Thursday afternoon. Well-wishers gathered in Windsor will be hoping to catch another glimpse of the bride or groom on Friday before the big day. Harry accompanied his brother Prince William, now the Duke of Cambridge, on an impromptu walkabout outside Clarence House, in central London, the evening before his wedding to Kate Middleton. Crowds in Windsor got a glimpse of the Prince before he spends his final night of bachelorhood at the Dorchester Collection's Coworth Park in Ascot. The bride will stay at the Cliveden House Hotel, set in a National Trust estate in Taplow, Berkshire, with her mother. Stay with us for the latest updates throughout the day – and all weekend. Royal wedding PREMIUM GRID 3:04AM Order of service error As we reported earlier tonight, Meghan Markle's father made his decision not to attend so late that he is still included in the order of service. This is what the text says: The Bride, having been greeted by the Dean of Windsor, moves in procession through the Nave where she is joined by her Father, Mr Thomas Markle, to the High Altar. The Bridegroom and his Best Man await. 2:27AM Royal wedding flowers Alice Morgan speaks to Thomas Broom-Hughes, Head of Horticulture at Petersham nurseries, about everything flowers for the big day. From what Ms Markle may have in her bouquet to looking back at past royal wedding traditions and which flowers traditionally work well for a summer wedding bouquet.  1:37AM Download your own order service The Official Order of Service for the Wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle is now available to download.https://t.co/dRHckWM0j8— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 18, 2018 Kensington Palace has made the order of service available to download if you want to follow along while watching at home. 1:34AM Ring of steel Armed police pose with a boy in a Prince Harry mask for a photo Credit: Reuters Police will effectively create a ring of steel around Windsor Castle as part of a massive security operation for the royal wedding. The wedding on Saturday is one of the largest public events policed by Thames Valley and in the run-up to the big day officers have been patrolling Windsor, including armed officers dog handlers and even mounted police. Metal barriers have been put up in the Berkshire town to deter attackers from using vehicles, like the terrorist atrocities committed on London and Westminster Bridges. On Friday, police were seen manning the barricades outside the castle, and sniffer dogs were out as checks continued before Saturday's ceremony. 12:26AM Order of service reveals transatlantic touches Page one of the order of service The order of service for the royal wedding has now been published, revealing a fitting blend of British tradition and American influences. Here's our story: When Meghan Markle enters St George’s Chapel to begin the last steps in her journey to join the Royal family, the state trumpeters will sound a fanfare that has accompanied its brides for generations. Before long, as she says her vows to Prince Harry, that time-honoured tradition will give way to striking modernity, with the soaring voices of a gospel choir singing music from Ben E King and Etta James. Saturday's Royal wedding ceremony, with each detail chosen by the couple, will blend the best-loved elements of British pageantry with a modern outlook that reflects the Prince and Ms Markle, in a service designed to capture the best of each of their heritage. From the music of Sir Charles Hubert Parry and a reading from the Bible to a procession of a newlyweds accompanied by a rendition of This Little Light of Mine, their choices go to the heart of their relationship: English customs blended with an American influence, offset by an overriding message of joy. 11:55PM Last minute preparations Staff at The Royal Mews apply their final touches, ahead of tomorrow’s #RoyalWedding. Find out more about the horses and carriages that will be used: t.co/LDnofYXlbapic.twitter.com/Yx6ufe7SQ0— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 18, 2018  Everything needs a last-minute polish. 11:13PM Poet laureate offers wedding verse Carol Ann Duffy, the poet laureate, has written a poem to mark Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding. The poem, titled Long Walk, deals with privacy after a week when Ms Markle's father Thomas dropped out of the ceremony following controversy surrounding his alleged staging of paparazzi photos. Ms Duffy's poem, revealed in Saturday's edition of the Guardian, also notes the fascination in the wedding by the public, who "wave" with mobile phones. It should be private, the long walk on bereavement’s hard stones; and when people wave, their hands should not be mobile phones, nor their faces lenses; so your heart dressed in its uniform. On. Then one blessed step and the long walk ended where love had always been aimed, her arrows of sweet flowers gifting the air among bells – yes, they all looked – and saying your name.   10:49PM Father 'proud' Prince Charles will walk with Meghan Thomas Markle last night said he had given his blessing to Ms Markle's decision to ask the Prince of Wales to accompany her, saying he was "honoured and grateful" he had stepped up to the role.  Mr Markle reportedly told US gossip site TMZ  his daughter had been very "sweet" on the phone, telling him she loved him and worrying about his health. Mr Markle added that he planned to watch the ceremony from on TV "in a secluded place with friends". 10:09PM UK papers cover the wedding “I’m getting Harryed in the morning” @TheSun#RoyalWedding#tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/TQUSlcX5Hu— Gareth Milner (@mrgarethm) May 18, 2018 Saturday's Daily Mirror "Happy as Harry"#tomorrowspaperstoday#bbcpapers (via @MsHelicat) pic.twitter.com/IUww8VdD5r— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) May 18, 2018 Saturday’s DAILY EXPRESS: God bless! #tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/gWqaE9RCas— Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) May 18, 2018 Saturday's Daily Mail "A magically modern royal wedding"#tomorrowspaperstoday#bbcpapers (via @MsHelicat) pic.twitter.com/JAEzsKi5sT— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) May 18, 2018 Saturday's Times "Welcome to the family"#tomorrowspaperstoday#bbcpapers (via @MsHelicat) pic.twitter.com/rF9t4Er2tp— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) May 18, 2018 9:56PM Tomorrow's Telegraph Saturday’s TELEGRAPH: ‘This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine’#tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/7D81GZLURk— Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) May 18, 2018   9:41PM Serena Williams arrives for wedding Serena Williams has been spotted arriving into Heathrow's Terminal 5 ahead of tomorrow's ceremony. The tennis champion was accompanied by her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who could be seen carrying their daughter Olympia. Williams recently pulled out of the Italian Open, which is also taking place this weekend. Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian and baby Olympia arrive at Heathrow Airport from Los Angeles Credit: Splash News    8:34PM Windsor station changes name in honour of royal wedding   8:09PM Lesotho's Prince Seeiso says Harry is 'one of us' Prince Harry is "one of us", Lesotho's Prince Seeiso has said ahead of the royal wedding. Harry, who marries Meghan Markle on Saturday, has had a long relationship with the African nation, having visited during his 2004 gap year. Seeiso said the children at Sentebale, the HIV charity he formed with Harry, would make Ms Markle "most welcome". "For us, Harry is one of us. (That) he is taking a person who has African roots again cements our love for Harry and his respect for the African continent," he told ITV News. Seeiso also praised his fellow prince for giving his energy, passion and "love for the children" during visits. "The children of Lesotho have been as honest with him, as open with him as humanly possible. Because they see him as one of their own," Seeiso, 52, said. "They don't see him as an invader, an intruder, a white prince coming from London to Lesotho just to show face." 7:58PM The crowds gathered to meet Prince Harry 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." Little Meghan said of her namesake: "I think she's very nice." Saskia Frayling, 14, said of Harry and William: "They seemed so calm and relaxed the day before the wedding." Harry stopped with two women who were wearing white baseball caps adorned with both the Union flag and US flag, telling them: "I like the hats." The prince, who was given a teddy bear by one well-wisher, laughed when one little boy told him he had been waiting "quite a while". With Castle Hill packed with people, some of whom are camping out, Harry asked one fan who was without luggage: "You haven't got an overnight bag, have you?" He told a woman who had travelled from Toronto: "Thank you so much for coming all this way." Prince Harry meeting the crowds Credit: Ben Cawthra/London News Pictures Ltd The prince also asked excited fans if they were looking forward to Saturday. As Harry was returning to the castle, he spotted a friend in the crowd who has made it home from a big cycling trip just in time for the wedding. Dean Stott, 41, travelled the 14,000-mile Pan American Highway in 99 days, 12 hours and 56 minutes, knocking an astonishing 17 days off the previous best. He finished the epic feat, which took him from the tip of Argentina to Alaska, early on Saturday morning, leaving barely a week to return to the UK and take up his invitation to the royal wedding. The former special forces soldier trained with the prince for six weeks in 2007 and the pair have stayed close, with the groom-to-be finding time to congratulate his guest on the record-breaking achievement. Afterwards Mr Stott said it was the first time he and Harry had seen each other since he returned, adding that he had not quite realised the magnitude of the wedding. "My wife has been telling me how big it was. It's only just now that it's sunk in how big an event it is," he said. Mr Stott said he was "honoured and privileged" to be attending the wedding. He said Harry told him he was "looking skinny", as he had lost 12 kilos (26.4 pounds). Despite his military career, Mr Stott said he had never seen such security as that around Windsor. Talking about how Harry picked him out of the crowd, Mr Stott said: "I'm follicly challenged so I do stand out quite a lot, so it's quite easy to recognise me." Asked if Harry looked nervous, he said: "If he is nervous, he's hiding it very well." 6:28PM Meghan Markle and her mother Doria Ragland pictured Meghan Markle said she was feeling "wonderful" on the eve of her wedding as she arrived at her accommodation with her mother.  Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland, arriving at Cliveden House Hotel on the National Trust's Cliveden Estate to spend the night before her wedding to Prince Harry Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Speaking outside the luxury Cliveden House Hotel after meeting the Queen for afternoon tea, Meghan smiled broadly and looked at ease as they were greeted by the hotel general manager. 6:23PM The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh have met Meghan Markle’s mother Doria Ragland, Meghan Markle's mother, has met the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle.  The meeting has been in the diary for months, but Buckingham Palace confirmed members of the two families met today. 5:50PM Prince Harry and Prince William talking to crowds Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge have met the public outside Windsor Castle ahead of Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday.  Both seemed relaxed as they shook hands with members of the public and talked to the huge crowds who have gathered in Windsor. The international reception waiting for the Royal wedding joked and laughed with the princes, who made their way down the line, engaging people in conversation.   Both wore white shirts without a tie, while Harry wore a light-coloured jacket and his brother in a navy one.  Prince Harry with a teddy bear he was given from an adoring audience member Credit: Stephen Lock/I-Images Adoring audience members filmed the occasion on their phones as a team of security guards made sure nothing untoward took place.  At one point Harry was handed a small teddy bear wearing a red sweater, which he gave a quick hug before moving on to speak to a young boy sporting a red, white and blue crown-style hat. When asked how he was feeling, Harry replied: "Great." 5:44PM Diana's wedding dress designer soaking up the atmosphere in Windsor David Emanuel, who designed Princess Diana's dress for her wedding to the Prince of Wales in 1981, was soaking up the atmosphere ahead of Saturday's ceremony. "I think it's incredibly exciting," he said. "Meghan is going to bring a lot of glamour to the royal family and I just want her to look so elegant tomorrow." The 65-year-old designer said he was enjoying the buzz of the town and was excited to see what the dress would look like. The Prince and late Princess of Wales return to Buckingham Palace by carriage after their wedding, July 29, 1981 Credit: Hulton Royals Collection/Princess Diana Archive He added: "By now, the designer should have delivered her gown to the hotel for final pressing ready for the big day." Mr Emanuel has had a very successful television career after being catapulted to fame in 1981 but says he has fond memories of working with Prince Harry's mother. He added: "The sad note is that Diana won't be here tomorrow. Diana was such a joy to work with. I delivered the gown to Clarence House and when I got there, there were all the corgis for the Queen Mother and we were given a private bedroom for Diana and we kept the bridesmaids in a separate bedroom. "What was fun was, in the morning, Diana on her dressing room table had the television on and we could see all of the bands, and then we looked out of the window and going down the mall were the bands. David and Elizabeth Emmanuel Credit: Philip Hollis "It was a very special time. She had a lot of energy and a lot of fun, and that's what I miss. If people remember anything, just remember she gave a lot of happiness to people and was a lot of fun. It's a shame she's not here to enjoy it." 4:29PM From Lesotho to Los Angeles: royal wedding parties around the world The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is being celebrated around the world, with parties planned from Lesotho to Los Angeles, reports Harriet Alexander. In Ms Markle’s hometown of Los Angeles, British pubs across the city are advertising their “slumber parties” for the 4am-local-time ceremony. The British consulate will host 150 for a celebratory afternoon tea, while girls studying at Ms Markle's former school – the Immaculate Heart, in Hollywood – will gather to watch the events as they happen at 4am local time. Students and teachers at Meghan Markle's former Los Angeles high school stage a 'Here's to Meghan!' celebration ahead of her wedding  Credit: MIKE BLAKE /Reuters In Washington DC, a royal wedding pop-up bar will be open from 6:30am, for the 7am local time ceremony, with full breakfast on offer inside a recreation of St George's Chapel, while in New York the British ambassador to the United Nations is hosting a party, as is the British consul – at Harry’s Bar, in lower Manhattan. In Russia, where the Kremlin has been encouraging a return to traditional values and religiosity, the top-selling newspaper ran an article focusing on Ms Markle's age ahead of the royal wedding. “Even if you are over 30, there is still hope to marry a prince. There is now evidence to back up this 'hymn' of lonely women,” wrote Komsomolskaya Pravda. The Russian version of the free newspaper Metro, which is handed out in the Moscow underground, suggested a drinking game that wouldn't leave readers “indifferent” while watching the nuptials. Participants should take a sip of “something strong” every time they hear a reference to Prince Harry's cousin Beatrice, Wallis Simpson, or Grace Kelly, the American actress who married the Prince of Monaco. After they hear five such references, they should down their drink, it said. Students at Immaculate Heart High School and Middle school celebrate with British flags Credit: DAVID MCNEW /AFP/Getty In Kenya, a hotel in Nairobi is charging £7,000 to watch the royal wedding on television – a price equivalent to what the average Kenyan earns in nearly seven years. The six-hour event includes “an English brunch by a seasoned English chef”, champagne toasts to the royal couple and a fashion show. And in Lesotho a street party is being held in the villages of Mohales Hoek to celebrate the royal wedding. Prince Harry spent his 2004 gap year and founded in 2006 the Sentebale charity, to support children in southern Africa living with HIV and Aids. 3:56PM Archbishop of Canterbury: Charles is doing this is a sign of his love Asked about what he thinks of the Prince of Wales being chosen to walk Meghan Markle down the aisle, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said Charles is "someone of great care and affection". He added: "He's a very warm person and that he's doing this is a sign of his love and concern and support. And I think it's wonderful. It's beautiful." The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at St George's Chapel, Windsor Credit: Steve Parsons /PA The archbishop, who has attended several rehearsals for the ceremony, said of Prince Harry and Ms Markle as a couple: "They're a very, very sensible, they're a very self-possessed couple. "And at the rehearsal they just got on with it and it was very relaxed, laughing and enjoyable." 3:47PM Meghan's former Suits co-stars: 'Extraordinary' to watch wedding Meghan Markle's former Suits co-stars have expressed their delight at being asked to attend her wedding to Prince Harry and have spoken of her "great match" with the royal. Suits cast members Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres and Rick Hoffman have confirmed they will be guests at the ceremony in Windsor on Saturday. Appearing on American talk show Today, which was filmed live from Windsor, Torres joked that she was "still reacting" about being invited to the big day. Asked if she was shocked, the US actress, who plays lawyer Jessica Pearson in the legal drama series, said: "I mean, I was. You hope, and I hope nothing but the best for them, this is an incredible step in her life, so to bear witness to that is extraordinary." #today A post shared by Rick Hoffman (@rickehoffman) on May 18, 2018 at 6:14am PDT Rafferty, who plays legal secretary Donna Paulsen in the show, joked that "doves flew out" of the envelope when she received her invitation. Torres and Rafferty said they were aware of Ms Markle's relationship with Harry in the earlier days of their romance, but that they knew "very little" at the time. "We knew she was excited and there was reason to keep it close to the vest," Torres added. Ms Markle recently ended her time on Suits after seven seasons playing paralegal Rachel Zane, after retiring from acting. 3:14PM Street parties to be overrun as organisers complain too few planned Street parties across the country for the royal wedding are set to be overrun as so few have been planned, reports Helena Horton. Some organisers have complained that councils have made it difficult and expensive to host parties this year.  There has been a dramatic reduction in the number of street parties for this royal wedding than there were for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Judging by the number of road closure applications received by the county council, Kent is holding 14, compared to 182 in 2011, which is a drop of 92 per cent, while Hertfordshire, which usually holds a record number of street parties, has faced a drop of 83 per cent. The county hosted 298 celebrations in 2011, and is now only holding 51 this weekend. Click here for more. There were thousands of street parties to celebrate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding Credit: David Levenson/Getty Images 2:50PM Follow The Telegraph Royals Instagram account Prince Harry and Meghan Markle look happy and relaxed as they arrive at Windsor Castle a few moments ago. The couple are set to accompany Ms Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, as she meets the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh for the first time – likely for afternoon tea. Click here to follow The Telegraph Royals Instagram account for the best pictures and videos from the royal wedding – and other royal events. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have arrived at Windsor Castle on the day before their Wedding in Windsor. A post shared by Telegraph Royals (@telegraphroyals) on May 18, 2018 at 6:39am PDT 2:29PM Watch the route Harry and Meghan will take on their carriage procession Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding schedule will see them undertake a tour of Windsor immediately after their nuptials, to greet well-wishers who are expected to turn out from all over the world to see them. This video released by Kensington Palace shows the route they will take. Here is everything you need to know about how to watch the procession and where to stand in Windsor. 2:02PM Ring of steel around Windsor Castle amid massive security operation Police will effectively create a ring of steel around Windsor Castle as part of a massive security operation for the royal wedding. The wedding on Saturday is one of the largest public events policed by Thames Valley and in the run-up to the big day officers have been patrolling Windsor, including armed officers dog handlers and even mounted police. Metal barriers have been put up in the Berkshire town to deter attackers from using vehicles, like the terrorist atrocities committed on London and Westminster Bridges. On Friday, police were seen manning the barricades outside the castle, and sniffer dogs were out as checks continued before Saturday's ceremony. A police officer on horseback rides past a cut-out of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor Credit: MARKO DJURICA /Reuters As part of Thames Valley Police's (TVP) operation to safeguard Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, their guests and spectators, airport-style security scanners and bag searches will be in operation in Windsor. But as well as the visible security arrangements, officers will also be engaged in covert operations. Armed police officers patrol near The Prince Harry pub in Windsor Credit: TOLGA AKMEN /AFP With the US actress a big draw to both British and American fans, huge crowds are expected and the newlyweds' carriage ride route may be closed to latecomers if the predicted 100,000 revellers become a safety issue. If this proves to be the case, TVP, in consultation with others like Network Rail and British Transport Police, could also order trains not to stop at Windsor's two stations. Almost every TVP officer will be on duty on Saturday, working right across the force's area. Video: Aerial views of Windsor on Friday As part of the security arrangements, drones have been banned from flying over the Windsor Castle estate on Friday and Saturday, and aircraft are restricted from flying below 2,500ft. The security operation for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge cost police more than £6 million, figures revealed in April. Nearly £3 million was spent on overtime costs alone, with hundreds of officers drafted in to help police the crowds watching the event in London in 2011. But the cost of Harry and Ms Markle's wedding cannot yet be confirmed. 1:31PM 'Get your flag here, cheapest flags in Windsor' There is a jovial mood on the packed streets of Windsor, reports Victoria Ward. Members of the public, mobile phone cameras aloft, are already lining the streets and flocking towards the castle. Flag and selfie stick sellers are doing a roaring trade: “Get your flag here, cheapest flags in Windsor.” Many have been camped out since Tuesday, such is the desire to be a part of this event and catch a glimpse of the happy couple. There is a heavy police and security presence and so far, things on the streets at least, appear to be running smoothly. 'Meghan Markle' surrounded by flags outside a souvenir shop in Windsor Credit: Stephen Chung/LNP  A royal fan wears a Prince Harry mask outside Windsor Castle  Credit: HANNAH MCKAY /REUTERS Royal fans bedecked with Union flags and crowns pose for a photograph on the Long Walk in Windsor  Credit: BEN STANSALL /AFP Two women in novelty headgear near Windsor Castle  Credit: CLODAGH KILCOYNE /Reuters 12:45PM Can't find bunting in the shops? Here's how to make your own! After reports that stores across Britain are running out of bunting, we've pulled together a handy guide on how you can make your own. Royal wedding | How to make your own bunting 12:32PM Town crier in full voice as he prepares to greet 150,000 watchers The official town crier for Windsor is looking forward to his role of greeting visitors to the town on the royal wedding day – all 150,000 of them. Chris Brown, 49, has been stopped on the packed footpaths of the town by people eager to have their picture taken with him, decked out in his ceremonial garb. Ringing his bell, the town crier proclaimed his congratulations to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with their wedding now just hours away. "The Mayor has asked me to be here to welcome the guests, 150,000-odd of them. I'm very excited, we haven't had an event of this size in town before as far as I can see. "We've had huge events, we had the Queen's birthday celebrations, the Jubilee but this I think is the biggest we've ever had," he said. Chris Brown, official town crier of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhea Credit: Steve Parsons /PA Mr Brown wore his heavy outfit in India at an event five years ago so laughed off any suggestion the predicted heat for Saturday would prove a challenge. He said: "Quite frankly an English summer's day – no problem at all!" 12:19PM Markle & Sparkle: Windsor M&S store rebrands Royal wedding fever has well and truly hit Windsor – including the town's branch of Marks and Spencer, which unveiled a rebrand on Friday morning… The town-cryer announcing our Windsor store rebrand, earlier this morning #markleandsparklepic.twitter.com/0uHVvm5Y67— M&S (@marksandspencer) May 18, 2018 Meanwhile, retailer John Lewis said it had seen a surge in sales of partyware in the run-up to the wedding. Lisa Rutherford, buyer at John Lewis, said: "Over the past week sales of our royal wedding party decorations, napkins, plates and cups have increased 279 per cent on the previous week. "In total we expect to sell over 22,000 royal wedding-related products from china mugs to party napkins and tea towels." 12:14PM Wedding confetti 'poses security risk', police warn The police force in charge of security for the royal wedding has urged well-wishers in Windsor not to throw confetti. Thames Valley said the tradition posed a "potential security risk" during the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's carriage procession but was also a "bit of a pain to clean up". �� Confetti at the #RoyalWedding �� Please do not throw confetti or any other items at any time during the day, particularly during the procession. It poses a potential security risk and it's a bit of a pain to clean up! �� We hope everyone enjoys the day �� pic.twitter.com/wrMlIe8Hfy— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) May 18, 2018 Crowds in central London threw confetti during the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding day in 2011. Prince William and Prince Harry also showered their father Prince of Wales and stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall with confetti as the newlyweds left Windsor Castle on the evening of their wedding in 2005. The brothers had also scrawled "Just married" and "Prince and Duchess" along with hearts and "C+C" in white pen on the windows of the car and had attached red, white and blue balloons on one side, and silver heart balloons on the other. The confetti – ivory and pink freeze-dried delphinium petals – had been specially ordered by William and Harry. Video: Royal superfans gather in Windsor A massive police operation is under way in Windsor with a "ring of steel" surrounding the town centre for the wedding at St George's Chapel on Saturday. 11:48AM Which celebrities will be royal wedding guests? The next big development is expected to be confirmation of some of the more high-profile guests who will be among the 600 people inside St George's Chapel. Some of Ms Markle's former Suits co-stars have started to make their way to the UK. Patrick J Adams, who played Ms Markle's on-screen husband, Mike Ross, in the US legal drama series, has already arrived and is believed to be attending the ceremony in Windsor. He and his wife, Pretty Little Liars actress Troian Bellisario, have been pictured at the Royal Standard of England pub in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, in a post on Instagram. Happy 18th birthday, @clare.stephenson_ – thanks for taking us to our new favorite bar. A post shared by Patrick Adams (@halfadams) on May 17, 2018 at 1:00pm PDT Two more Suits stars, Gabriel Macht, who plays Harvey Specter, and his wife Jacinda Barrett, who plays Zoey Lawford, have also been in the UK this week and are thought to be on the wedding guest list. On Tuesday, the couple both posted pictures from a visit to London's Hyde Park. Yesterday #london #hydepark Today #guess A post shared by Gabriel Macht (@iamgabrielmacht) on May 16, 2018 at 7:51am PDT Sarah Rafferty, who plays Donna Paulsen in the series, has been sharing pictures from a trip in Paris in recent days, and has now arrived in London. And Rick Hoffman, who plays lawyer Louis Litt in the TV show, has also recently flown in. On Thursday, he announced on Instagram that had had touched down at Heathrow Airport. Other former co-stars and friends of Ms Markle, including Gina Torres, Abigail Spencer and Wendell Pierce, are rumoured to have been invited. Indian actress and philanthropist Priyanka Chopra, a close friend of the bride-to-be, previously said she would be attending the wedding. In the early hours of Friday morning, she posted pictures on Twitter from a transatlantic flight. Alongside one picture, from her seat on the plane, the Quantico actress wrote: "C u on the other side." While Kensington Palace is not releasing an official full guest list, a number of other high-profile stars are expected to be adding some showbiz glamour to the wedding of the year. Victoria and David Beckham? Victoria and David Beckham are likely to attend, and the fashion designer recently appeared to confirm during an interview on James Corden's US chat show that they would be there for the nuptials. The famous couple were among the star guests at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011. Sir Elton John? Sir Elton John and husband David Furnish, close friends of the royal family, are expected to be attending. Musician Sir Elton has cancelled two of his Las Vegas shows this week so he can fly to the UK, according to reports. Serena Williams, Ed Sheeran, Cara Delevingne? US tennis champion Serena Williams, who is a close friend of Ms Markle, is reported to be another big name on the guest list. Also rumoured to be attending the wedding in Windsor are the likes of musicians Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding, model Cara Delevingne and former Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh. 11:04AM What will happen tomorrow: The moment Prince Charles takes Ms Markle's arm – and how the ceremony will be changed Ms Markle will walk the first half of the St George's Chapel aisle alone, surrounded by young page boys and bridesmaids but without anyone by her side. At the Quire, which effectively marks the second half of the aisle, Ms Marke will be met by the Prince of Wales, her future father-in-law, who will take her arm for the final steps. The ceremony will omit the traditional moment of "giving away", where the presiding Archbishop asks: "Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?" 10:47AM Prince Philip will attend royal wedding tomorrow Buckingham has confirmed that Prince Philip will attend Saturday's wedding to see his grandson Prince Harry marry Meghan Markle. The Duke of Edinburgh, 96, has recovered well from a hip replacement operation that saw him spend 11 days in hospital. The Duke was spotted at the Royal Windsor Horse Show last week – the first public sighting of the Queen's consort since he left hospital. The Queen talks to Prince Philip at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on May 11 Credit: Mark Cuthbert /UK Press 10:35AM Prince will walk Meghan half way down aisle – and no one will give her away Hannah Furness, our Royal Correspondent, has learnt that the Prince of Wales will accompany Ms Markle down just one half of the aisle (the second half) at St George's Chapel – but no one will "give her away".  A significant gesture from Meghan Markle to ask the Prince of Wales to accompany her down (the second half of ) the aisle at St George's Chapel. No-one will "give her away" #RoyalWedding— Hannah Furness (@Hannah_Furness) May 18, 2018 10:14AM Prince Charles will be standing in for Meghan's father Orders of service have already been printed, stating that the bride "will be accompanied by her father".  In fact, Thomas Markle is not well enough to travel, citing heart problems after it emerged he had colluded with the paparazzi for staged photographs in his home town in Mexico. Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, will instead stand in for Mr Markle. The Prince previously escorted Alexandra Knatchbull, the daughter of his close friend, down the aisle at her high society wedding to Thomas Hooper in 2016. Prince Charles gives Alexandra Knatchbull away in June 2016 Credit: David Hartley/REX/Shutterstock  10:05AM Prince of Wales 'pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to Royal family in this way' In statement, Kensington Palace said: "Ms Meghan Markle has asked His Royal  Highness 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 Markle joined Prince Charles and other members of the Royal family for the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham Credit: Stephen Daniels  10:02AM Breaking: Prince Charles will walk Meghan down aisle   The Prince of Wales will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle at St George's Chapel in Windsor, Kensington Palace has confirmed.  Her mother Doria Ragland had been expected to perform the duty after Ms Markle's father, Thomas Markle, decided not to attend the wedding on medical advice after undergoing heart surgery. 9:39AM Royal superfans camp out overnight to secure best spots in Windsor Excitement is building for the royal wedding, but an army of superfans have taken it to a different level. Dozens of royalists have spent the first of two nights sleeping outside in Windsor in order to secure the best spots outside the castle. Rugged up in sleeping bags and blankets, they swerved a ban on tents to sleep rough so they could grab prime positions. Royal fans awake at first light on Friday having spent the night outside Windsor Castle Credit: PAUL GROVER for The Telegraph  Royal superfans spent the night in sleeping bags Credit: PAUL GROVER for The Telegraph  'Prince Harry' and 'Meghan Markle' in Windsor on Friday morning Credit: PAUL GROVER for The Telegraph  9:03AM Mike Tindall: Meghan will be nervous… all she can do is enjoy the day Mike Tindall, the former England rugby captain who married into the Royal family, said he was welcomed with open arms by them, and that Meghan Markle should just try and enjoy her wedding day. Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, the former England centre, who married the Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips in 2011 said of Ms Markle: "I think she'll be nervous, but coming from her background in TV she's used to public spotlight. "Not quite as much probably as has gone on this week, but she'll be fine and I think she's experienced enough to know that all she can do is enjoy the day. "And it's a special day for them both, and as long as they get a quiet moment during the day and actually have enjoyed the day that's what I wish for them, and hopefully they'll live happily ever after." Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall on their wedding day in Edinburgh in 2011  Credit: Martin Rickett /PA Mr Tindall said he remembers the drinks reception with the royals the night before his wedding to Ms Phillips. "We had a drinks event the night before and they are professional meeters and greeters, and I remember my family were in a corner and a little bit out of their comfort zone because it's not where they are used to being," he said. "But the best thing about the Royal Family is that they are so lovely and they'll spot the people who are looking a little bit nervous and go straight over and take away all of that tension straight out of the room, and that's what they are amazing at. "Then suddenly you're in the family and they welcome you with welcome arms." 8:59AM Here comes the sun! 'Ideal' weather forecast for royal wedding day After months of planning, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be relieved that one feature of a perfect wedding day is virtually guaranteed – plenty of sunshine. Windsor is expected to see "ideal" wedding conditions on Saturday, with balmy temperatures and clear skies accompanied by a light breeze. The glorious forecast comes with a health warning for the thousands of well-wishers expected to turn out – use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat. However, the weather is set to be just right for when the newlyweds emerge from St George's Chapel before a ride around the town in the open-top Landau carriage at around 1pm. Met Office meteorologist Martin Bowles said: "We are expecting wall-to-wall sunshine all day. The beginning of the day will start off cold – around 6C (43F) or 7C (45F) – but will rapidly warm up. "Temperatures will peak around 3 o'clock at 21C (70F) and there will be light winds – all ideal for a wedding." Preparations for the #RoyalWedding are well underway. It is going to be warm and sunny in Windsor on Saturday so if you are going to be there plan for the hot weather t.co/wWTqIdS6qFhttps://t.co/h3DW76m721— Met Office (@metoffice) May 17, 2018 The mercury is expected to have reached a summery 19C (66F) by the time the couple set off in the carriage procession. After lunch hosted by the Queen at St George's Hall at the castle, the wedding party will then move on to the evening reception at nearby Frogmore House hosted by the Prince of Wales. "Once again we are expecting clear skies during the evening; it will be pleasant with sunshine, but temperatures will drop relatively quickly," Mr Bowles said. "At 8pm it will be around 12C (54F), but once you get past midnight it will be 8C (46F) or 9C (48F) and minimum temperatures will again be around 6C." A royal fan waits behind barriers on The Long Walk leading to Windsor Castle  Credit: DAMIR SAGOLJ /Reuters The sun will set at 8.53pm on Harry and Meghan's wedding day. A chilly night is in store on Friday for any die-hard royal watchers planning to camp out in order to bag the best spots along the route. The sun rises at 5.05am; however, it will take an hour or two before things will begin hotting up ready for the day's festivities. "The minimum we are likely to get will be about 6C (43F) at around 6am," Mr Bowles said. "That's quite cold to be camping, but there will be low winds of maybe around 3mph and no rain is expected at all." 8:53AM 'Ethereal-tasting' wedding cake breaks with tradition The royal couple's "ethereal" tasting wedding cake will be displayed in a special installation, their baker has revealed. Claire Ptak, who is making the culinary centrepiece for the couple's big day, said the layered lemon and elderflower cake – in three parts of varying sizes – would be presented in a non-traditional way. The final design will be unveiled on the big day although Meghan and Harry are in on the plans. "You'll have to wait and see on the day. It's an installation of the way that we're putting it out. It's the last thing that we'll reveal. It's a non-traditional layout," Ms Ptak said. "It's a slight shift from tradition." The chef, who owns the small, trendy Violet Bakery in east London, has been working with her team of six bakers full time for five days in the large kitchens of Buckingham Palace. She described the flavour of the cake as being a balance of sweet and tart, combined with "ethereal" elderflower. The cake, which is being decorated on the outside with a white, elderflower swiss meringue buttercream, is made of layered lemon sponge, drizzled with an elderflower syrup to a recipe specially created for the couple. The layers are sandwiched with buttercream and lemon curd. Some 200 Amalfi lemons are being used in the recipe, as well as 10 bottles of Sandringham Elderflower Cordial made using elderflower from the Queen's Sandringham estate, 20kgs of butter, 20 kgs of flour, 20kgs of sugar and 500 organic eggs from Suffolk. Claire Ptak, owner of Violet Bakery in Hackney, and head baker Izaak Adams put finishing touches to the cake Credit: HANNAH MCKAY /Reuters Ms Ptak said: "It's a lemon sponge – a special sponge that I developed just for the couple, and we drizzle the layers with elderflower cordial from the Sandringham estate so it's really lovely and as local as you can get. "We have a lemon curd made from Amalfi lemons which to me have the most delicious flavour. "And then we've got elderflower swiss meringue buttercream." 8:01AM Final wedding preparations under way as countdown begins The bunting is going up and the sun is shining (for now). Good morning and happy royal wedding eve! Excitement is building in Windsor as crowds gather ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's nuptials on Saturday. As The Telegraph's Royal Correspondent Hannah Furnessreports, Ms Markle has been left negotiating the last-minute dilemma of who is going to walk her down the aisle, as her mother settled in to life with the Royal family. Doria Ragland, who is now the most likely candidate to accompany the bride down the aisle, enjoyed tea with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall on Thursday, after Ms Markle’s father was confirmed as being absent from the wedding.  She will meet the Queen on Friday at Windsor Castle. Ms Ragland on Thursday spent time with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte as they took part in a full rehearsal of Saturday's service. The young page boys and bridesmaids were shown the ropes at St George's Chapel, with ten children aged between two and seven due to accompany Ms Markle. Meghan Markle Doria Ragland leaving Los Angeles on her way to London Credit: Snorlax/Rachpoot/ MEGA  In a heartfelt statement, Ms Markle asked for her father to be given “space” to recover after he contacted her to tell say he would not be able to come to the wedding, after taking medical advice. The bride-to-be was photographed with Prince Harry being driven down Windsor Castle’s Long Walk to undertake final rehearsals for their wedding at midday on Saturday. Smiling and fiddling with her engagement ring, Ms Markle appeared to be taking a difficult week in her stride as the Royal family rallied round to help. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive for wedding rehearsals in Windsor on Thursday Credit: Karwai Tang Ms Ragland, who only flew in to Heathrow on Wednesday, took tea at Clarence House with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. In what was described by sources as a “jolly” encounter, Prince Harry, Ms Markle and her mother joined the heir to the throne at home to enjoy a quiet moment in the middle of a busy day of meetings. Ms Ragland is said to have “thoroughly enjoyed” the gathering, feeling welcomed by the Prince and Duchess with whom she has much in common. The Duchess has recently taken on patronages of charities to support the elderly, Ms Ragland’s area of work, while both are known to be regular practitioners of yoga. Markle family The issue of who will walk Ms Markle down the aisle remains under discussion, with Ms Markle understood to want to delay announcing a replacement for her father too soon out of respect for him. Orders of service have already been printed, stating that the bride "will be accompanied by her father".  In fact, Thomas Markle is not well enough to travel, citing heart problems after it emerged he had colluded with the paparazzi for staged photographs in his home town in Mexico. In a statement issued by Kensington Palace on Thursday , Ms Markle said: “Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding,” she said. “I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health. “I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. “Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday.”   Meghan Markle with her father Thomas Credit: TIM STEWART NEWS LIMITED  By Ms Markle’s side on the final days leading up to the wedding, her mother is helping finalise plans for the day. Already confirmed as travelling with Ms Markle to the castle for the service, she is considered the most likely candidate, reflecting their close relationship and the bride’s belief in gender equality. Ms Markle could still choose to walk alone, or be accompanied by a male friend of member of the Royal family such as the Prince of Wales or Duke of Cambridge, who already has duties as best man. The Duke of Edinburgh, who walked Princess Margaret down the aisle in 1960, is expected to attend after recovering well from a hip replacement operation.  In Windsor, thousands of members of the public turned out to watch preparations outside the castle walls, where the armed forces carried out a dress rehearsal for their roles on the day. Video: Military in royal wedding rehearsal in Windsor Some 250 members of the armed forces are expected to take part in Saturday's festivities, lining the streets as the newlywed man and wife head on a 25-minute carriage ride through the town. There is a heavy police presence, with armed officers stationed around town and other officers on top of buildings looking over the crowds. The warm and sunny weather experienced by visitors is due to continue until Saturday when, according to forecasters, it will be 21C. Let's hope they are right. Wedding at Windsor Castle After The Wedding Route

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