Good evening and welcome to Windsor, and our new home slap bang
in the centre of the action.
For the next two days, we'll bring you every live
and exciting moment, including the remarkable build-up
to the wedding of the year.
Here we are. Bandstand HQ.
And we mean everything - the fashion, the flowers,
the food, the guests, the worldwide press coverage,
the spectators, the setting and all the who's, the what's
and the when's.
Did we forget anything?
The why, perhaps?
Ah, but that's the easy bit.
The oldest 'why' there is.
Quite simply, because they're in love, and if you don't know
who I mean by 'they', I don't think this
is the show for you.
It's only your classic boy meets girl story -
or in this case, the dashing British prince meets the beautiful American
actress and humanitarian.
If that doesn't melt your heart and make you go 'ahhh', then,
like we said, this isn't the show for you.
Yes, this is quite the fairy tale.
The couple announced their engagement six short
months ago, and tomorrow, as the world watches,
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will make their vows surrounded
by friends and family at Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel.
And we'll be there to cover every moment of the ceremony itself,
so you won't miss a hat, a tear or an 'I do.' And,
of course, like any wedding, it's not just about the big day,
it's about the build-up.
And here, in the centre of Windsor, the sense
of excitement in the evening air is, frankly, tangible.
This historic and beautiful little town is buzzing,
as the crowds start to gather ahead of what we're pretty sure is going
to be a rather wonderful day.
In the last hour, to the delight of the crowds, the groom himself,
Prince Harry, and his best man, a bloke called Prince William, came
out for a walkabout. Similar to 2011, the princes came out. They
spent a lot of time with the kids as well. There are a few phones
pointing at them but there are a lot of handshakes. Look who's year just
got made. A lot of people waiting for hours. I have to say, the groom
looks pretty relaxed. It was a pretty chilled affair. Meghan has
recently arrived at her hotel, Cliveden House in Berkshire. She is
with her mother. There is Doria Ragland. She is extremely close to
her mother. She has travelled to Windsor with Doria by her side. Her
father, Thomas Markle, will not be there. I think we can see where
Meghan inheritor considerable glamour. Meghan's mother looks
absolutely stunning. It was announced today that it will be the
Prince of Wales who is going toward the bride down the aisle tomorrow at
St George 's Chapel. Her mother, Doria, flew over this week. She got
a chance to meet Harry's family, including the Queen and the Prince
of Wales. Just your average pre-wedding meeting with the
in-laws. No big deal.
But hopefully, Harry and Meghan will be able to relax a little
before tomorrow's excitement.
Yes, we've got interviews coming up with The Archbishop of Canterbury,
and Meghan's producer on her TV show, 'Suits', Aaron Korsh.
We'll be chatting with some of the folks lucky enough
to have been invited, and going behind the scenes to meet
the people working hard to make sure the big day goes without a hitch.
No pressure.
We'll also be live in the Royal Mews tonight, to meet the team preparing
the horses and carriage for Prince Harry and Meghan's
procession around Windsor tomorrow.
So clearly there is a lot to do to make sure the big event runs as
smoothly as possible.
smoothly as possible. Let's look at how people are gearing up for the
Royal invasion tomorrow. I have lived here all my life. The
last few days it has been quite heavily populated. Lots of security.
But we are all looking forward to it. It is smashing. Everybody seems
to be happy. There is a smile and everyone's face. We are expecting
thousands of people in the town, so we ordered extra stock. We have just
run out of stock. It will be a huge event for us and the whole time. I'm
very excited. I have been living here for nearly ten years. The first
time ever I will experience something involving the royal
family. I'm preparing as if we are going to
have the busiest day in all the history of the 20 years the shop has
been open. They will apparently be 100,000 people in town, which is a
lot of people. It's more people that I can make fudge for.
We are due to play two fanfares, one for the arrival of the Queen and one
for the entrance of the bride. Considering we only play for 30
seconds, we are practising corrupt are two hours a day building up for
the wedding. It is a huge honour to be performing
at the Royal Wedding. It is something I have been preparing for
for a while. I am very excited. It will be a thrilling experience. It
is something I'm not used to. I'm glad to have been invited.
It's more friendly, more informal. Everybody is in a happy mood. So
festive. The shops have entered the spirit. They are all decorated.
Everyone is in a good mood. We have a nice cardboard cutout of them in
the window. The tourists love it. They thick -- they keep thinking
it's them and they wave. It is ten times bigger than anything I have
ever seen. Even the Queen's 90th doesn't come close. It is fantastic.
Everybody is super, super excited. Nice. They are rallying! They are
making as much fudge as humanly possible. Windsor is utterly mobbed.
Only about 600 people will be in St George 's Chapel for the service. I
am delighted to say we are joined by one of them now.
one of them now. Nacho is a guest tomorrow. How did you feel when you
got the invite? It was great. I am very honoured to
be invited to this incredible day. I think it will be wonderful. I am so
happy for Harry. It will be the best part of his life. You have known him
for ten years. How did you first meet him? Through polo. In 2007, we
had a match in England to raise money for Sentebale. I felt right
away from his heart that he cared about this. We have been playing
polo around the world raising money for this great charity. I have been
to Lesotho. It is incredible what they do. If they know polo, people
watching, they will know that you were a megastar of polo. But not
everybody knows polo. We should thank you for coming. Sentebale,
people know the name, they may not be familiar with the aims of the
charity. What is its remit? It means forget-me-not. It is a charity
founded by Harry and the brother of the King of Lesotho. Lesotho is a
country with the second highest HIV amount of people. So, it's a big
stigma for children and adolescents there. Sentebale's work is mostly
helping these kids grow without the stigma and help them
psychologically, have better lives, take care of themselves, don't get
infected, don't get other people infected. They do a great job. Harry
has said it was one of the most important trips of his life. It
turned him from a boy into a man, along with the military. Let's get
back to polo. What sort of polo player is he? Do you play together
against each other? Is he quite dirty as a polo player? He is very
competitive. We play with and against. Both are a treat. Playing
with him is wonderful. Playing against him is a challenge. It's
good. He is good. Often people in positions like his, Royal people,
ten to think they are very good but sometimes they are not so good. Izzy
good? He is very good. He is competitive. He has been riding on
his life. His grandfather played polo, his father played. He is very
competitive. Who passes more? We both passed to each other. Something
that strikes me about the Sentebale film is the way that Harry relates,
there is something that goes on, and it is similar to his mother, Harry
and children. There is an interesting connection there. You
have seen it first hand. How would you describe it? It is magical, it
is real, is from the heart. That is what moves me. It makes me want to
help him. Someone like him, who has all the power in the world and could
be doing anything, that is what he cares the most about. He needs
little people like me to help it become even bigger. He cares. He
loves those children. He is the first one to ask questions when we
are there. Why is that not working? How can we fix it? Engaged. The
first one to wake up and get his hands on the work. He loves the
children. The children love him. Very special. When you see that you
go, OK, I get it, I want to help. Are you wearing a top hat tomorrow?
No. Just thought I'd ask. Very nice to meet you. Congratulations on
having the best name of the weekend so far. Thank you.
so far. Thank you. Obviously the media are going slightly crazy about
the wedding.
But we want you to have your say too.
Get in touch and tell us how you're planning to watch the wedding.
Are you having a party, perhaps?
Are you getting married as well tomorrow?
Had you got some advice for Meghan about living in Britain? Always
apologise even if it is not your fault. Learn how TQ. Even though she
will probably not have to queue that much. Somebody just said, we love
you Dermot!
Yes, so please share your comments, photos and videos with us
on social media @bbcone, using the hashtag RoyalWedding.
Tonight, and throughout the big day, we'll be sharing your
thoughts and pictures.
And if there's not at least one Union Jack waistcoat and a pair
of Meghan and Harry looky-likeys, we'll be very disappointed indeed.
Very disappointed. Everything is building up to the actual day. Who
better than Hugh Edwards, to give us a guide, in the grounds of Windsor
Castle. It is a stunning setting. For the
best part of a thousand years Windsor Castle has been a royal
residence. It is remarkable to think the Queen is the 39th monarch to
live here. That is the kind of heritage we are talking about. The
castle is an enormous structure. You can't see half of it from here. But
the spiritual heart of the castle is St George 's Castle, which is this
rather splendid and iconic building to my left. That is the focal point
of the events tomorrow. That is worth the wedding service will take
place. What is happening in there? Roundabout service. A 600 people in
the congregation. They are there because they have a clear link with
the bride and groom. Friends and family, obviously. But more than
that, people who represent different charities and organisations that
mean something really important to Harry and Meghan. That is inside.
But look, outside, in what we call the Lower Ward, a very big area,
some 2000 people. They have been specially selected. Lord of tenants
around the UK saying thank you to people for all of the work they do
in their local community. They will be here. They will have a fantastic
view of all the comings and goings in the morning and after the
service. They will have a great view of lots of prominent people,
including the Beckhams and Sir Elton John, but of course the royal family
themselves and the Queen, when she arrives for the wedding service. And
then the bird's eye view of the as they leave as man and wife. It is
going to be memorable. It is going to be colourful. It is going to be
very enjoyable. You're not going to miss a thing.
Not with you, you're not. 26 men from the Mounted Regiment will
escort the procession around Windsor Park after the ceremony. They will
come write down here, Castle Hill, and straight up there.
and the carriage and horses that will be used are kept
in the Royal Mews here in Windsor.
And stationed there with oats and sugarlumps is a woman
who probably thought she'd have the night off tonight.
No chance.
It's The One Show's Alex Jones.
Hello, there is no night off and also prepared with sugar lumps. We
have been lucky to be let into the Royal Mews where it is nice and
calm. The Queen keeps her private horses and ponies here and the Royal
carriages and it will be -- of activity later as they make the
final preparations for one of the standout moments of the wedding when
Harry and Meghan will be in the carriage greeting the crowds in
Windsor. Back here, we have Natalie, one of the outriders in the
procession. It is a big day for you, Natalie, how are you feeling?
Definitely very excited, everybody has put a lot of effort into
tomorrow some more than ready. Any sleep tonight? Definitely, we have
worked hard, we will need it! This is a horse you will be riding in the
procession. This is Sir Basil, it is his first job tomorrow. First big
one, and he has been excellent in the rehearsals. Big responsibility,
can we get Sir Basil over four A/? He is into his head. To be fair.
Four horses carrying the carriage. How'd you decide which are suitable?
Who gets the main job? We do have a team of ten Greys, all suitable, but
it comes down to the coachman. They are massive, all the best. Later, we
will look at the actual carriage, but don't belong, because Natalie
and these handsome beasts need some beauty sleep.
Thank you. I did like Sir Basil, but I really liked the coat! Thank you,
Sir Basil. Making a Royal wedding code -- wedding cake is not a piece
of cake at we are delighted to say she joins us today, the maker of the
cake, far more relaxed. This is more like it! Back in 2011, at this point
in the proceedings, the night before the big day, around about now, what
we doing? Round about now, we had walked away from the wedding cake.
We had stepped away. We worked for two and half days in Buckingham
Palace, myself and my team. I stress it was not just me. It was a team.
And we worked for about six weeks beforehand. That is the cake, that
is quite something. That is absolutely beautiful.
How much instruction we've given about what it should look like? Cake
making is a very creative thing. People as good as you are creative
souls. We left to it or given a lot of direction? No, the Duchess of
Cambridge is very creative and it was her brief that we would
interpret, just interpreting her ideas. The couple wanted fruitcake.
So we started making lots of different recipes. They were already
familiar with our fruitcake. I have not brought any for you! That was
the least you could have done! And she did say, I would like, they
would like the cake to fit in with the story of the wedding. The
wedding would come together. So it was classic. Two years, but not ten
feet high like the kegs beforehand. Like The Queen's, that was ten feet
high. The person with your job today, Claire Ptak, she is making a
lemon and elderflower cake, that is very contemporary? It is a wonderful
chase. Less choice. As an American, I would have been surprised if
Meghan has chosen a fruitcake because that is not what an American
would choose. And Elderflower and lemon is very seasonal, the flavour,
and it is great and I cannot wait to see it. It is going to be beautiful.
Thank you so much and we forgive you for not bringing the cake, next
time. The owner! This town does not know what has hit it. The crowds
have grown and grown, more so since we have been anathema 120,000
tomorrow morning expected.
Ore has gone exploring on the High Street.
Buzzing is the word! Isn't it, everybody? I don't think Windsor
High Street has seen anything like it. We have gone for a Union Flag
for text! I have never seen so much red, white and blue. As you can see,
we have more people in Windsor than on any regular day. You having a
good day? Yes! They have been coming here for days, some since 8:30am and
some from far and wide, Rachel, where have you come from today?
Australia. Australia, everyone, if anyone says they have come further,
they are lying! We got a view of Harry and William today, didn't we?
Worth the wait and 24 hours until we see the married couple and it will
be worth it. Somebody watching from inside Windsor Castle very soon will
be with me, so come back soon. Make some noise, everybody.
Nice, we will chat to them later.
Tomorrow's carriage procession is going to travel down
the High Street, through the town, and will finish with the iconic
sight of the crowds greeting the couple on The Long Walk.
It's one of the best places to see the procession,
and Tina Daheley is there for us now.
Yes, this really is prime position, there is a great international crowd
here, people have come from all over, Charmaine, where you from?
Ottawa, Canada, it is a long way to come but I'm very excited, Harry and
Meghan refresh couple, everyone is fantastic, people from all over the
world having a great time and enjoying each other. Where are you
from? Windsor. This is local, how'd you feel about it? Nothing big has
happened here, is amazing. Do you have a favourite? Harry, always. If
you're watching, Harry, she is excited and she is excited as well!
People camping out, what is your name? Rosie. Meghan. Harry.
Did you really get Harry and Meghan? How long did that take? A shoulder
shrug, you knew she was excited!
Now, fulfilling one of the most important tasks at the heart
of the wedding tomorrow will be The Archbishop of
Canterbury, Justin Welby.
And joining him is Bishop Michael Curry, who is head
of the Episcopal Church in America.
Huw Edwards talked to them earlier today about their roles.
Archbishop Justin and Michael Curry, nice to meet you on a very happy
occasion. Is it something that is appealing to the country because
people just like a wedding, or is it because people fancy being cheered
up a little? Your guess is as good as mine! I think it is a wonderful
excuse for a great celebration. And the celebration starts with the
service. In a beautiful way. The celebration with God, Christ. This
wonderful exchange of promises and vowels. And the party goes on. So I
think we feel the need for a party at some time and this is a great
excuse. Everyone will want to know, Bishop Michael, what was your
response when you got the call they wanted you to take part? Well, I
relaxed and immediately said... No, he did not! He is really not telling
the truth. I will tell the truth! When I was first told, I said, get
out of here, you must be kidding, is this an April. Rank? I assumed it
was a prank. When I realised it really was true, my first response
was, oh, my God. And then, oh my God! And then, oh, my God! And
tomorrow, oh, my God! It would be interesting, Archbishop, to know
what extent the couple had been engaged in the shape of the service,
the content, how would you describe it? I would describe it that they
have taken it enormously seriously. They have both got into the detail.
But also, really engaged in the words, the meaning, the commitment
they are making to each other. And it has been very, very powerful to
experience talking that through with them. And it will make tomorrow much
more special. Archbishop, is it about giving advice, guidance, is it
about giving encouragement, what is the purpose of the message in a
service such as this? It is about inspiration. And about recognition
that all love comes from God. Whether people know that or not,
love is the gift of God, supremely seen in Jesus Christ. And this
commitment you are making will grow richer and deeper and more wonderful
as you go on. Viewers would like me to ask you both about the pressure
you will both be under because she will be, given the size of the event
and the audience, is it possible for you to enjoy taking part, despite
that profile? Sure, of course, one would be nervous, how could you not?
And yet, I have been a priest longer enough and married a number of
couples and when I am in that service, I am focused on that couple
and praying for them and hearing their vows. And they almost become
the centre of the world just for that moment. And when that happens,
you are not worried about anything else, you are praying for them. It
is lovely to taught you both and behalf of the viewers, we wish you
well and everyone wants to enjoy it. Look with it. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Huw.
Don't forget, we want to hear from you this evening.
You can get in touch on social media @bbcone,
using the hashtag RoyalWedding.
Yes, people have already got in touch. This is my favourite so far.
Madame Tutu, whoever you are, says, I am going to be on the sofa
squeezed into my 25-year-old wedding dress and drinking wine.
Congratulations, Madame! Jen says, on my own in front of the TV, two
bottles of balls, crisps, feet up! Beth says, it is going to be early
in the morning in the US, TV coverage starts at 4am, but my mum
and I are having a sleepover and watching in our pyjamas and drinking
strong team. Nice! And we have pictures. Enjoying the festivities
this week, it getting wedding for the big day on Saturday. Even got a
Royal baby. And Philip in the shorts on the left! More pictures? Look at
that pyramid! Queen is doing a sterling job in the centre at the
bottom. Next to the Duchess of Cornwall. This is from LV and Alfie.
We can safely say they are very enthusiastic about the Royal Family.
Beautiful pictures, thank you for getting in touch. Look at that! Some
children, Mike Birch has sent that, going into school this morning, they
had their own wedding day and they look splendid. Even a bit of red
hair, very nice!
As we've already seen, the military will play a very
significant role tomorrow.
It's something Prince Harry particularly wanted.
It's a big responsibility.
But looking at our next guests, I think the couple
are in extremely good hands.
Welcome, Corporal of Horse, Frankie O'Leary.
Corporal Major Daniel Snoxell.
And Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew Stokes.
And I feel we are horribly unaddressed! First, Frankie, you
have an important role tomorrow, you are with the Mounted Regiment of the
Household Cavalry, riding in the Escort with the carriage. Yes,
travelling as good. That sounds splendid. What is most important is
it is personal for you and for Harry because you served with him in
Afghanistan. Exactly that. Weddings are wonderful occasions. We have
done weddings before. We have been doing this job for 360 years as a
Regiment. When you know them personally, it has a bit of glass,
of course. Tell me about Harry, when you served and you saw active
service in Afghanistan, that is when the character of somebody comes out,
how would you describe Harry's character? As an officer,
professional. Honourable, courageous. And he ticked all the
right boxes professionally. As a man, humorous, bags of humour, but
always turns poor situations into laughable situations. And a caring
man as well. Lovely. You get Corporal, it that sounds strange?
Yes, the only area gets everywhere! Daniel, explain what you are doing
tomorrow. You are lining the steps, how preparations going?
Preparations are all done. Off the booze tonight. You and me both!
Vernon, you have been heavily involved in preparations. You are
clearly a man with a lot of responsibility. Do you feel nervous
tonight? I do hope it all goes well tomorrow, that's for sure. I think
we've planned this long enough. We've prepared it. We've rehearsed
it. I think it is time for the nerves to go away now and for
everybody to play their part and enjoy the moment. Is there something
about the fact that especially in your case, frankly, you have served
with this guy? Tomorrow will take on a special resonance for you, I
guess? I think it adds to the next level. We do weddings and state
ceremonies. The horses are always on show. Having that personal
connection adds a little bit more pride. I think what is nice about it
is everybody involved tomorrow has a special relationship with Prince
Harry. In his unit were the individuals on parade. It is a huge
privilege for everybody. Everybody is looking forward to it. We wish
you all the very best. I don't want to get to tub thumping about it but
nobody does it like the British military. We are looking forward to
seeing you. I am sure they will play a crucial role. You have so much to
do and we're so grateful you took some time to see us. Really to meet
you.
Now, of course, Meghan is an actor by trade,
and is best known for her role in American legal drama, 'Suits'.
However, by an incredible coincidence, her character has just
been written out of the series and won't be returning.
Who saw that coming?
But Meghan spent the best part of seven years in the show,
and we've heard that 20 of the cast and crew are invited and have flown
over for the wedding.
But just before they left, Richard Bacon met up
with Aaron Korsh, the show's creator and the man responsible
for casting Meghan Markle in her second-most famous role.
Aaron, thanks so much for talking to us today.
Would you mind, just for those people that haven't
seen your television show, can you explain what 'Suits' is?
'Suits' is about six characters trying to make their way
in the world, all of whom are flawed in some way or another.
And obviously one of the most important characters is Rachel Zane
played by Meghan Markle.
We were having difficulty casting the role because we needed
to have beauty, charm, intelligence, wit and the ability
to have a strength and give it to her co-star without seeming
unlikeable. And that's a tall order.
And Meghan walked in, and the second she read the part
we all looked at each other and we were like, "This is the one."
There was something about her.
The real thing was she was charming and strong at the same time.
As we've got to know more about Meghan, we've learned
that she is someone who is also very sincere in advocacy for charities.
Is that something that you were aware of when you
are making the show?
I remember early on, I think it was season one or season two,
she realised when they were finished with the crew lunches or dinners,
that a lot of times they were throwing the food away.
And she thought it was crazy.
Why are we throwing the food away when there are people who are hungry
around and we can give it to them?
And she'd gone up the chain to try to get this food to be given
away to people that were hungry.
And there was some sort of policy or insurance,
or some bureaucracy that was getting in the way.
And Meghan - this kind of sums up Meghan.
She sees a problem.
There is some sort of impediment to it that doesn't really make sense.
She decides this impediment is harming people that
are hungry from getting food, and I don't know how she did it,
but the next thing you knew, we give the food away
to the hungry people.
So, that would sum up Meghan.
And that is something that obviously she's had
in her since she was a little kid.
Tell me about the process of knowing someone who is
joining the Royal Family?
When I first found out about it, yeah, it was crazy -
you're like, "What?
This is insane!"
In a great way.
Was the feeling, as this relationship came together,
that she really was in love?
Because it happened very quickly. He really was the one?
Yes.
Look, I think when you find the right person, you know.
Yeah.
So I feel like the feeling that I have certainly,
and the cast, I would imagine, had, was they met, they fell
in love, they knew it was the right thing and it worked out.
She was so like, bursting with joy about it.
And you could just see that a light had been turned back on in her that
had probably been off for a little while.
And it was very nice to see she's going to be happy in her life,
and that's a great thing.
Is there any sadness in the fact that she won't be acting again?
There might be a small part that it's a shame she's not acting,
because she's a great actress and I would love to see
what you would do with the rest of her career.
But I feel like the platform that she's been given now,
and the things she is going to do with her life, are far more
important than acting.
So, if there is a sadness, sure, I wish that she could do
both at the same time.
But I think she is going to go on to do much bigger and better things.
Now, despite being in LA, Richard won't miss a second of the wedding.
He's going to be at a screening party in Santa Monica.
It's the unending sacrifice of that man that impresses me.
Richard...
Yeah! I just heard the word party and ran here as quickly as I could.
Overlooking Santa Monica Pier. This is Meghan Markle's home town. This
is where she was born. Where she grew up, where she went to school,
where she has lived most of her life. One of the most interesting
things about this event from an LA perspective is that the service
starts at four in the morning Los Angeles time. It is not a late-night
town. People clear out of bars and restaurants by 10pm. And yet tonight
this town is staying up all night. I have had countless conversations in
which people have discussed what they are going to wear to watch a
wedding on television at four o'clock in the morning. You just
heard from somebody who is going to wear the wrong wedding dress. People
are making a real effort. Join me here tomorrow. This is the watch
party. It will be rammed and packed with fans and enthusiasts. They will
also be joined by people who know Meghan and have done for a very long
time. We will watch them as they watched their hometown girl join the
British Royal family. See you tomorrow, thank you.
OK, time to get serious and talk fashion.
If you've actually managed to avoid speculation about the wedding dress
over the past few weeks, then welcome back from your time
on the space station.
Guesswork as to how the bride will look tomorrow has
reached fever pitch but, in truth, aside from Meghan
and the lucky designer she's chosen, and all those hardworking
seamstresses, nobody knows a thing about the dress.
Or do they?
Well, Jo Elvin is Editor of You magazine and a
proper fashion insider.
You have got a little twinkle in your eye. I've got my crystal ball!
As the month has gone by, for those of us interested, the line-up of
possibilities seems to have gotten narrower. Let's talk about the names
that appear to be in the frame. There is a really small group of
people who all the gossip is concentrated on. Heard them is
number one. He is already an established favourite of the Royal
family and Meghan. There she is full stop --. A beautiful maxi dress she
wore to a wedding last year. He really does specialise in romantic
floral designs, very intricate lace, but also body con, I think. Quite
figure hugging. You have to have a great body to wear him. I think
Meghan has got that. For me, it satisfies the fusion of romance and
a bit of edge, which I think is Meghan. There is a lot to negotiate.
This is not just a choice about how this woman wants to look. There is a
lot about what is appropriate. It must be a British designer. Easy a
British designer? He is Canadian by birth but he is definitely a British
established designer. He has been established in Britain. He started
his business here in 2005. We will let him pass on that. Do you think?
Do you think she will pick two dresses? One for the ceremony and
one for the two have shows. That seems to be it. Something protocol
serving, as you say, and perhaps something more showbiz for the
evening. The Ralph & Russo dress she wore to the engagement pictures, it
is a couture house. They are based in Mayfair and they do, as we can
see, this beautiful, intricate, dazzling, slightly show busy thing.
Are they in with a shout? Real show stopping. Couture means bespoke.
They have a warehouse of mannequins for their clients so every
measurement is precise. Everybody in Hollywood. Angelina Jolie meeting
the Queen. Madonna, Cate Blanchett. Meghan as well. I was reading with
that dress there was some talk about the cost. You think that will count
against them? There are always motorings with the wedding. Ralph &
Russo is about £15,000. Kate Middleton's dress was rumoured to be
about £400,000. I think she is being thrifty with 50 grand! One of the
other names in the
other names in the frame is woollen grey. She loves wearing his stuff.
They she is looking absolutely drop-dead fabulous. He is brilliant
at dresses for real women. Everything gets pushed up and sucked
down where it should be. That sort of architectural panelling that
really flatters everybody's figure. I think that would be a stunning
choice. Christopher Bailey at Burberry in with a shout? That is
another rumour, that this is his swansong as he is about to leave
Burberry. You can't get a bigger Reddish heritage brand. A word on
what is called the Meghan effect. In the magazines I read, she is wearing
something, it sells out immediately. Absolutely. The minute she wears
something, it stands out. From the engagement code onwards. It is
crazy. As you sat down and you got your microphone on, you said there a
rumour. Stella McCartney. 20 minutes ago in New York, page six. Make
sense again? You heard it here! Which is why she is coming back
tomorrow, for five hours!
We heard from Huw earlier that some members of the public have received
a special invite to watch the wedding from within the castle
grounds, and some of that exclusive group of lucky so-and-sos
are with Ore Oduba.
Some of the first people who will get to meet Harry tomorrow will be
members of the charities that are really close to him. Perhaps none
more closer than the Diana award, said up in memory of his mum in
order to help young people who can make a change to the world and make
a change for the better. I've got a girl here and her family, and
inspirational girl. Faith Dickinson and her mum, carry. And her
grandmother. You are here as an award winner but a legacy award
winner as well. For your charity work when you were nine. I created
Cuddles for Cancer when I was nine. Six years ago in July. I make
blankets for cancer patients going through treatment. Soldiers and
veterans overseas when they return home or suffering from PTSD. It is
an incredible thing to start when you were nine. You won the Legacy
award. You met the Princes last year? Yes, this day last year I
received my award from Prince Harry. I could never have imagined that I
would be back attended his wedding. What did he tell you on the day? He
told me I was the most impressive redhead in the room! Which is
something coming from a prince who also happens to have wonderful locks
as well. You must be so proud of your daughter? So proud. Really
proud. We couldn't be prouder. This was supposed to be a summer project
and here we are six years later. The only shame, after you have come all
the way from Canada, is you can't be in there to watch it with your
daughter. Granny, how are you going to watch the ceremony? In a pub with
a glass of wine and fish and chips. A cold point for me. I have heard
you drink it warm here, is that right? No! Don't drink it warm here.
What are you looking forward to? I'm so excited for everything. I'm
excited to be among the others invited through the Diana award and
share a picnic. And to see the dress. We all cannot wait.
Congratulations on your amazing work. Keep it up. We will join you
for a fish and chips. Cold beers only.
Let's rejoin Alex Jones, who's at the Royal Mews in Windsor,
as they make their final preparations for tomorrow.
Well, it's been a hive of activity. Matt has been up to his eyes. Here
it is. The actual carriage. Isn't she beautiful. The Ascot Landau.
They will travel in this tomorrow. Any chance we can go inside? And
afraid not. I tried! Give us some history. This was built in the
mid-1800. There are five of these vehicles. All predominantly used for
the Royal Ascot meeting in June. This has just literally been
restored by our internal restoration. It has taken about six
months to be restored. It is perfect for tomorrow, isn't it? Yes. It is a
landau. The hoods do open. Everything is very light and bright.
There will be seen quite easily. We will catch all those beautiful,
romantic moments. What is your role? I am the wheel postilion. There will
be four horses connected to this vehicle. I am at the one -- I'm the
one of the back. They're responsible for pulling, stopping and moving the
vehicle. They will control the pace and direction. There will be two
outriders as well.
It must be a pinch of salt moment, your parents must be proud of you?
Guess, I suppose you are, it is one of the highlights of my career. I
was involved in the last wedding. I just had the bridesmaids last time
and is to have the Prince and the carriage is quite a highlight! It is
big-time today. We will be watching tomorrow, good luck, Matt, thank you
so much. Good luck! Best wishes, lovely.
Now, Harry and Meghan have chosen Alexi Lubomirski
as their photographer tomorrow, and clearly he's got
quite a job on his hands.
Those pictures have to capture a fleeting moment in time.
How'd you get that perfect Royal photograph?
For William and Catherine, I took the formal wedding portraits,
which were a combination of private pictures and public pictures.
And I can say, without doubt, it was probably the greatest
commission I've ever had.
The preparation to take a photograph like that is enormous.
We spent about three days setting up the lights to guarantee that it
looked like a warm spring day, which it then turned out to be.
We had spares for all the lights.
We had spares for the spares.
So come the actual moment, we were so excited.
And I can say I know that everyone in the room
was happy with the results, which was great.
The official photographs were formal representations
of the historic event.
My photographs were for their private enjoyment,
for their albums and photo frames.
And so, they were much more informal and relaxed
about capturing their spirit and their relationship.
Inevitably, I was very nervous in the build-up.
But once I'd started photographing, you sort of don't have
time to be nervous.
There's so much to think about.
Catherine very sweetly said that I didn't need
to photograph all night.
She wanted me to enjoy the party.
But I was surrounded by stunning guests, in an extraordinary setting,
on a momentous occasion, and I couldn't really
stop taking photographs.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding was one of the biggest
moments of my career, and I was just outside the front
of Westminster Abbey to capture those first moments as they emerged
as a married couple.
I remember the roar of the crowd and the chorus of camera
shutters as they came out.
It's indelibly printed in my memory.
Last year, I was in Toronto photographing the Invictus Games,
and it was a wonderful surprise to see Prince Harry
and Meghan Markle walk out together, hand-in-hand.
They were clearly very much in love.
It was lovely to catch those candid moments.
Over the years, I've spent a huge amount of time
photographing Prince Harry, and he's absolutely one of my
favourite people to photograph.
He's got a real energy and passion about everything he does.
There was an electric atmosphere when they posed for their first
engagement photographs.
What's great about these moments is that the nation
is kind of excited.
Everyone is behind it.
It's all anyone is talking about it.
You're sort of taking a front-row seat to this moment,
capturing those images and getting them transmitted around the world.
A wedding day is full of all sorts of wonderful emotions.
The photographer's job is to immortalise these
emotions in their images.
Prince Harry and Meghan have got a photographer who has a great
advantage, in that he's already done their engagement photographs.
So, I know they are going to have a lot of fun,
and I know that they're going to come up
with great pictures.
And we are delighted to welcome the man of the moment.
fashion and A-List celebrity
photographer Alexi Lubomirski who, last November, took those very
memorable engagement photos.
Give us an insight on how you got photographs like that. When I met
them originally, we were talking about how we could try and make them
more authentic and take them a step further and involve the engagement
photo thing. And when we were talking about how we were going to
approach the subject, in issue to, I was showing them reference pictures
and as we were talking, I was watching them on the couch together
and every time they chatted and they glanced towards each other, they
giggled and smiled and there was a twinkle. I said, listen, this is
exactly what I want, just be like this, you are adorable together.
When you see love in its infancy, it is really just adorable. That is
what it was, I was lucky to be there with a camera taking pictures. But
to must honest, you are not a wedding photographer! Tomorrow, you
sort of doing a favour for a friend so in a weird way, there is more
pressure! What is going to happen tomorrow? You have six shots. When
the couple go on a carriage ride, I have to run from the chapel to where
we do the shoot. Everything is already set up. Then they come in
and we will do a large family and gradually get smaller and smaller
until we get to the two of them. You have taken pictures of people like
Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce and you have done Harpers Bazaar and folk.
When you have a two-year-old and a four-year-old and those boys who I
reckon trouble, what is your technique to wrangle them?
technique to wrangle them? I think there is going to be lots of bribing
going on and a lot of candy! And the parents will be there as well so
hopefully crowd control! Come on, guys! There are some six-year-olds
and seven-year-olds as well. It is a bit unfair, you are probably the
person who enjoys the service list tomorrow. Never mind the best man,
you thinking... It is good because I see the dress and I can figure out
if my layout works and how long the trainers. Tell me about Meghan. When
you said, I said to the couple, this is what I want to come together as
you are and the intimacy and the love and the sparkle, for some body
like Meghan, who is able to perform and forget about the camera, that is
maybe not an easy thing, but you can understand how she gets there.
Somebody like Harry, not an actor, he is known around the world, but
not in that celebrity way. More difficult for him in front of the
camera to do that stuff? In the beginning, it was a little... The
same with every shoot, it takes a shot to warm everybody up and to get
people to trust you. Generally on my set, I am not photographer, tortured
artist who wants to thrust my vision onto you. Good for you! Thank you
very much. Once they saw I was interested in seeing them for them
and documenting it rather than forcing them to do something,
they're relaxed and they loosened up and Harry was that way and he could
see how excited I was. When you know you have the shot and you are taking
great pictures, I get so excited, great, great! He thought I was quite
amusing because I was getting so excited. As the day progressed, we
got more and more intimate moments. There was a black-and-white picture
which ended up running. That was an incredible moment where I said to
him, he was wearing a large overcoat because it was November and was
called, I said, just wrap her up inside and she spun around and there
was a magic moment where they looked at each other and it is cosy and
warm! Got it! We wish you the best for tomorrow and you are clearly
more than up to the job!
OK, the crowds are building on the Long Walk.
No doubt they're settling in for a night of good
old British bonhomie, so let's go back to Tina Daheley.
Aside from good cheer, what's going to get them
through a long night on The Long Walk, Tina?
Yes, I'm having a lovely time with these ladies. They have travelled
all the way from Portsmouth. You are camping out tonight, are you
prepared, what have you packed? Our blow-up bed, our sleeping bags, warm
clothes and lots of alcohol! That will keep you warm! Have you had a
fun day so far? Yes, amazing, the atmosphere is great, looking forward
to tomorrow. What is it about Harry and Meghan? They are so down to
Earth and they have really nice personalities and they are great for
the Royal Family, I can't wait to see them tomorrow. You are camping
here tonight and where are you staying? In a fancy hotel five
minutes down the road. Right next door to Sir Elton John. So they are
camping and you are glamping. Where have you come from? Dallas, Texas.
Married two years ago and for my birthday, it has been a lifelong
dream to come to a Royal wedding and we are here! You are a great catch!
What is it about Harry and Meghan and why has this been a lifelong
dream? At eight years old, and watched Charles and Diana and Meghan
is American. You have a fantastic outfit and you did not want to sit
on the ground! What are you wearing tomorrow? A traditional morning
suit, a top hat with a fascinating. Same thing! I can't wait. They
clearly will be unaddressed. -- and dressed. Thank you.
Huw has now made his way here from St George's Chapel,
and we've also been joined by another beautiful and treasured
British icon, the FA Cup.
Did you write that?
Yes, it's doubling as a punch bowl for tomorrow night's reception.
Dan Walker is here to explain all.
Hello. Hello, this is fun! Terrible timing, on the same day! Thank you
for being our five-hour walk warm up. That is how it is working. There
is the small thing of the FA Cup tomorrow, at 5:15 p:m.. We will be
on at 2pm watching the Royal wedding and you guys in our build-up. And we
have got the road to Wembley programme, an interview with Jose
Mourinho and coverage of the final starts at ten past four. Who are you
backing? I know you're family are Chelsea fans. They are, I am
declaring that interest now! I am not personally a Chelsea supporter
but there you are, I have to mark that up! It is a strange final
because Chelsea win the final last year and their manager Antonio
Conte, everybody expects this to be his last year in charge and Jose
Mourinho is under pressure, so I'm avoiding going for a team and I am
sitting on the fence. I did notice that! Yes, Motherwell and Celtic
also tomorrow.
also tomorrow. That is at three o'clock at Hampden Park, Celtic
going for the double trouble, so plenty of football to keep you
entertained after the Royal wedding. Just an admin point, Prince William
is a President of the Football Association and he should be there
tomorrow to give that cup away. He won't be there tomorrow to give it
away, he is giving it away? It is a really nice touch because many
people will know the name Ray Wilkins who passed away in April and
he scored a magical goals for Manchester United in 1983 and he
played for Chelsea and he was assistant manager for Chelsea and
his widow, Jackie, is handing the trophy out to the winning team.
After the final. A lovely touch and there will be banners unfurled by
both sets of fans as well so hopefully it is a special day for
his family. Who is the bookies favourite? Chelsea tailed off a bit
over the last couple of weeks. You could say that! Is that points to
say he has been arresting people the final? It is interesting because it
is so tight and last time I looked, Manchester United were the
favourites to win it but Mourinho has only won the FA Cup once and
that was when he was manager of Chelsea and they beat Manchester
United in 2007. It is a game, there will be a lot of interest in the
Royal wedding so I have to plan for tomorrow. What is wrong with an
all-day barbecue? Start early and get the party rolling with the Royal
Family and extended into the afternoon. What the Scottish Cup or
the FA Cup. I hope you were glad I did not shame you with my knowledge
of football, that is why I stayed completely quiet! We asked you to
get in touch and social media. We asked for advice for Meghan. This is
my favourite, from Charlie. It is illegal to crack a smile so remember
that, Meghan. Sad, but true.
That is all we have got time for, it has gone too quickly. Tomorrow as
well, there would be fantastic music in the service, a preview today and
the quality is amazing so people should be sitting back and soaking
it up. So join us tomorrow at 9am for coverage of the Royal wedding
between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. We will see you then. We
will do!