• FILE - In this Thursday, May 10, 2018 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, waves as he leaves a meeting with the head of Greece's Orthodox Church Archbishop Ieronymos, in Athens. Kensington Palace announced on Friday, May 18, 2018 Prince Charles will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle in her wedding to Prince Harry. Photo: Petros Giannakouris, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Photo: Petros Giannakouris, AP
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FILE - In this Thursday, May 10, 2018 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, waves as he leaves a meeting with the head of Greece's Orthodox Church Archbishop Ieronymos, in Athens. Kensington Palace announced on Friday, May 18, 2018 Prince Charles will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle in her wedding to Prince Harry. less
FILE - In this Thursday, May 10, 2018 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, waves as he leaves a meeting with the head of Greece's Orthodox Church Archbishop Ieronymos, in Athens. Kensington Palace announced on ... more
Photo: Petros Giannakouris, AP
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A royal fan puts on masks in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
A royal fan puts on masks in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in Windsor on Saturday ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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A man wearing a bowler hat passes in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19. less
A man wearing a bowler hat passes in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May ... more
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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A woman looks up to a person holding a small flag reading "Hip Hip Hooray" as they sit on a terrace near Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19. less
A woman looks up to a person holding a small flag reading "Hip Hip Hooray" as they sit on a terrace near Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal ... more
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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A hostess walks past an unfinished mosaic of the royal couple in a shopping mall in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19. less
A hostess walks past an unfinished mosaic of the royal couple in a shopping mall in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry ... more
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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FILE - In this Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 file photo, front from left, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Rear From left, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Price William, Meghan Markle, and her fiancee Prince Harry, following the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England. Kensington Palace announced on Friday, May 18, 2018 Prince Charles will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle in her wedding to Prince Harry. less
FILE - In this Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 file photo, front from left, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Rear From left, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Price William, ... more
Photo: Alastair Grant, AP
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This handout picture from Kensington Palace shows the news that the Prince of Wales will accompany Meghan Markle down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry, Friday, May 18, 2018. The father of groom Prince Harry stepped in after Markle's dad fell ill days before the wedding and was unable to fly to Britain. Markle appealed for people to give Thomas Markle "the space he needs to focus on his health" amid reports he had had a heart procedure. (Kensington Palace via AP) less
This handout picture from Kensington Palace shows the news that the Prince of Wales will accompany Meghan Markle down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry, Friday, May 18, 2018. The father of groom Prince ... more
Photo: AP
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FILE - In this Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 file photo, Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle arrive to attend the traditional Christmas Day service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England. Royal wedding organizers on Thursday May 17, 2018, are preparing for a rehearsal of the proceedings to take place in Windsor — but without the bridge and groom. less
FILE - In this Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 file photo, Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle arrive to attend the traditional Christmas Day service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, ... more
Photo: Alastair Grant, AP
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A town crier announces makes an announcement to the crowd in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 in front of the storefront of Marks & Spencer which changed its name to Markle & Sparkle to mark the upcoming royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19. less
A town crier announces makes an announcement to the crowd in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 in front of the storefront of Marks & Spencer which changed its name to Markle & Sparkle to mark the upcoming ... more
Photo: Emilio Morenatti, AP
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Flags decorate houses along the route that the carriage carrying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take after their marriage, in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
Flags decorate houses along the route that the carriage carrying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take after their marriage, in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ... more
Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth, AP
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A woman passes a decorated house along the route that the carriage carrying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take after their marriage, in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
A woman passes a decorated house along the route that the carriage carrying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take after their marriage, in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's Prince Harry and ... more
Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth, AP
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A flag seller wears a Meghan Markle mask as she sells flags in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry in Windsor on Saturday May 19.
A flag seller wears a Meghan Markle mask as she sells flags in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry in Windsor on Saturday May 19.
Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth, AP
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Local residents hang flags to decorate their house along the route that the carriage carrying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take after their marriage, in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
Local residents hang flags to decorate their house along the route that the carriage carrying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take after their marriage, in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's ... more
Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth, AP
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A town crier announces the wedding to the crowd in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19. less
A town crier announces the wedding to the crowd in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May ... more
Photo: Emilio Morenatti, AP
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Flags decorate houses along the route that the carriage carrying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take after their marriage, in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
Flags decorate houses along the route that the carriage carrying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take after their marriage, in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ... more
Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth, AP
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A horse drawn carriage passes decorated houses along the route that the carriage carrying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take after their marriage, in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
A horse drawn carriage passes decorated houses along the route that the carriage carrying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take after their marriage, in Windsor, England Friday, May 18, 2018. Britain's ... more
Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth, AP
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A royal fan gets out of her sleeping bag in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
A royal fan gets out of her sleeping bag in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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A man wearing a bowler hat passes in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19. less
A man wearing a bowler hat passes in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May ... more
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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Armed police patrols the streets in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
Armed police patrols the streets in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in Windsor on ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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Armed police patrols the streets in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
Armed police patrols the streets in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in Windsor on ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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Two police officers join in making a mosaic of the royal couple in a shopping mall in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19. less
Two police officers join in making a mosaic of the royal couple in a shopping mall in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince ... more
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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A town crier announces the wedding to the crowd in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19. less
A town crier announces the wedding to the crowd in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May ... more
Photo: Emilio Morenatti, AP
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A cryer rings his bell in front of Windsor Castle in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
A cryer rings his bell in front of Windsor Castle in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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A Union Jack umbrella covers fans from the sun in front of Windsor Castle in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
A Union Jack umbrella covers fans from the sun in front of Windsor Castle in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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A hostess walks past a mosaic of the royal couple in a shopping mall in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19. less
A hostess walks past a mosaic of the royal couple in a shopping mall in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan ... more
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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A man wearing a bowler hat looks at his mobile phone in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19. less
A man wearing a bowler hat looks at his mobile phone in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan ... more
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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A cryer and a pig wedding couple advertises the renaming of Marks and Spence store into Markle and Sparkle store in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
A cryer and a pig wedding couple advertises the renaming of Marks and Spence store into Markle and Sparkle store in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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A cryer and a pig wedding couple advertises the renaming of Marks and Spence store into Markle and Sparkle store in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that will take place in Windsor on Saturday May 19. less
A cryer and a pig wedding couple advertises the renaming of Marks and Spence store into Markle and Sparkle store in Windsor, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations are being made in the town ahead of the wedding of ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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A woman sits after spending the night in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19. less
A woman sits after spending the night in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday ... more
Photo: Emilio Morenatti, AP
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Fans spend the night in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19.
Fans spend the night in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19.
Photo: Emilio Morenatti, AP
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A woman spends the night near Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19.
A woman spends the night near Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday May 19.
Photo: Emilio Morenatti, AP
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A man sleeps on the ground, spending the night near Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday, May 19. less
A man sleeps on the ground, spending the night near Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ... more
Photo: Emilio Morenatti, AP
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A woman sleeps on the ground in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday, May 19.
A woman sleeps on the ground in front of Windsor castle, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Saturday, May 19.
Photo: Emilio Morenatti, AP
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Britain's Prince William, right, and Prince Harry greet crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday May 19. less
Britain's Prince William, right, and Prince Harry greet crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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Britain's Prince Harry, centre and Prince William greet well-wishers outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday.
Britain's Prince Harry, centre and Prince William greet well-wishers outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday.
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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Britain's Prince Harry reacts as he greets crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday May 19. less
Britain's Prince Harry reacts as he greets crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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Britain's Prince Harry, centre and Prince William, right, greet well-wishers outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday.
Britain's Prince Harry, centre and Prince William, right, greet well-wishers outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday.
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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Britain's Prince Harry, centre, and Prince William, in background at right, greet well-wishers outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday. less
Britain's Prince Harry, centre, and Prince William, in background at right, greet well-wishers outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle ... more
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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Britain's Prince Harry greets crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday May 19. less
Britain's Prince Harry greets crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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FILE - In this Tuesday, May 15, 2018 file photo capuccino coffees with the image of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on top are pictured at a coffee shop in Windsor, England. The royal wedding smorgasbord of merchandise includes Harry and Meghan Marmite, Royal Wedding ale, Wedding Rings cereal and a limited-edition bucket of royal wedding KFC chicken. That’s just a smattering of the millions of dollars’ worth of souvenirs being sold to commemorate Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle. Estimates are that consumers will spend 40 million to 70 million pounds ($54 million to $94 million) on royal wedding-related merchandise. less
FILE - In this Tuesday, May 15, 2018 file photo capuccino coffees with the image of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on top are pictured at a coffee shop in Windsor, England. The royal wedding ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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Britain's Prince Harry reacts as he greets crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday May 19. less
Britain's Prince Harry reacts as he greets crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ... more
Photo: Alastair Grant, AP
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A well wisher takes a photo of Britain's Prince Harry as he greets the crowds, outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of his wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday.
A well wisher takes a photo of Britain's Prince Harry as he greets the crowds, outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of his wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday.
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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Britain's Prince William, top left, and Prince Harry, center, greet crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday May 19. less
Britain's Prince William, top left, and Prince Harry, center, greet crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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Britain's Prince Harry, center right, reacts as he greets crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday May 19. less
Britain's Prince Harry, center right, reacts as he greets crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and ... more
Photo: Emilio Morenatti, AP
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Britain's Prince Harry reacts as he greets crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday May 19. less
Britain's Prince Harry reacts as he greets crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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Britain's Prince Harry, centre and Prince William, in background, greet well-wishers outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday. less
Britain's Prince Harry, centre and Prince William, in background, greet well-wishers outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on ... more
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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Britain's Prince Harry, left and Prince William, in background, greet well-wishers outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday.
Britain's Prince Harry, left and Prince William, in background, greet well-wishers outside Windsor castle, in Windsor, England, Friday, May 18, 2018 ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday.
Photo: Peter Dejong, AP
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Britain's Prince William, top left, and Prince Harry, center, greet crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday May 19. less
Britain's Prince William, top left, and Prince Harry, center, greet crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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Britain's Prince William, right, and Prince Harry return to Windsor Castle after greeting crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday May 19. less
Britain's Prince William, right, and Prince Harry return to Windsor Castle after greeting crowds in Windsor, near London, England, Friday, May 18, 2018. Preparations continue in Windsor ahead of the royal ... more
Photo: Frank Augstein, AP
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WINDSOR, England (AP) — Meghan Markle will have an heir to the British throne walk her down the aisle — and have her mother and friends on hand for support — when she marries Prince Harry at Windsor Castle.

Friday's announcement that Markle has asked her future father-in-law Prince Charles to offer a supporting elbow, stepping in for Markle's father after he became ill, meant arrangements were almost complete for Saturday's royal wedding.

The event's mix of royalty, celebrity, pomp and ceremony has drawn stratospheric levels of interest around the world and will be broadcast live to tens of millions.

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Meghan Markle will walk to the altar on her wedding day with her future father-in-law, Prince Charles

Media: People

Kensington Palace said Prince Charles "is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to the royal family in this way" after Markle's father Thomas was unable to attend due to illness.

Thousands of well-wishers descended Friday on Windsor amid final preparations for the wedding, which has drawn royal fans and an international media throng to the castle town and royal residence 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of London.

Union Jacks have been unfurled, security barriers and police patrols put into place and fans were already camping out to capture the prime viewing positions for Saturday's royal carriage ride through the town.

Harry and Prince William, his brother and best-man, delighted royal fans when they emerged from Windsor Castle late Friday afternoon to greet well-wishers.

If Harry was feeling nervous, he didn't show it. The smiling prince gave a thumb's up and answered "Great, thank you" when asked how he was feeling on the eve of his wedding. The 33-year-old prince accepted a teddy bear from one well-wisher as he chatted to people from Britain, the United States, Canada and elsewhere.

Tens of thousands of spectators, including many Americans who have come in support of the California-born Markle, are expected in Windsor to soak up the royal atmosphere. British police say they will be subject to airport-style security scanners and bag searches. Metal barriers have also been erected to stop vehicle attacks like the ones that killed several people on London and Westminster bridges last year.

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Sniffer dogs and mounted patrols are also out and about, and well-wishers have been asked not to throw confetti when the newlyweds ride through town in a horse-drawn carriage Saturday.

"It poses a potential security risk and it's a bit of a pain to clean up!" said Thames Valley Police.

Buckingham Palace also announced that Queen Elizabeth II's husband the Duke of Edinburgh will attend the royal wedding, just a few weeks after undergoing a hip replacement operation. Harry's 96-year-old grandfather has largely retired from public duties and it had not been clear earlier whether he would be well enough to attend.

Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, flew to England from her California home earlier in the week and had tea Friday with the queen at Windsor Castle. It was her first meeting with a head of state within whom she's about to share a family bond.

On Thursday, Ragland dined with William's family and a day earlier she met Charles and his wife Camilla.

Ragland had been was the bookies' favorite to escort the bride down the aisle, but Charles has a lifetime of experience in appearing at large-scale public events amid intense scrutiny.

"I think some people will be disappointed — people who were looking forward to the historic moment of a woman walking her daughter down the aisle, and a woman of mixed race heritage from America. It would have made an historic shot," said royal historian Robert Lacey.

But, he added, "for Prince Charles, the future king, to walk a bride down the aisle, what more could Meghan dream of?"

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who will conduct the wedding ceremony, said Charles is "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 also said Harry and Markle are "a very self-possessed couple" and the atmosphere in rehearsals has been "relaxed, laughing and enjoyable."

It's not the first time a royal bride hasn't been walked down the aisle by her father. The monarch's sister, the late Princess Margaret, was walked down the aisle by Prince Philip because her father was dead. Queen Victoria walked two daughters down the aisle.

Roseline Morris, 35-year-old fan from Basildon, England, noted that Charles hasn't got a daughter himself.

"He's never going to get the chance to walk a daughter down the aisle, so this will be nice for him as well," she said.

Having the father of the groom escort the bride is yet another twist in a royal wedding that is proving to be different from many others.

Master baker Claire Ptak said Friday that the royal wedding cake — a three-part layered lemon and elderflower cake — will have an "ethereal" taste and be presented in a non-traditional way.

Markle will not have a maid of honor but there will be 10 young bridesmaids and page boys, including 4-year-old Prince George and 3-year-old Princess Charlotte, the elder children of William and his wife Kate.

The 600 invited guests include members of the royal family and celebrity friends of Harry and Meghan's including, it's rumored, Elton John. Also invited are several of Markle's co-stars from the legal TV drama "Suits."

The couple will be married by Welby in a Church of England ceremony, but the Most Rev. Michael Curry, the first black presiding bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, will also deliver a sermon.

Curry — the son of an American civil rights activist and the descendant of African slaves — has spoken out for gay rights and plans to join a march on the White House next week to reject U.S. President Donald Trump's "America first" stance.

On Friday, Curry said seeing the couple up close, he saw "two real people who are obviously in love."

"When I see them, something in my heart leaps," he said. "That's why 2 billion people are watching them."

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Lawless reported from London. Danica Kirka contributed from London.

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For complete AP royal wedding coverage, visit https://apnews.com/tag/Royalweddings