A fairy tale romance: Harry and Meghan's Royal Wedding

As May 19th approaches, people across the UK and around the world are looking eagerly towards Buckingham Palace for the latest surrounding Harry and Meghan's Royal Wedding.

How Harry Met Meghan

The pair were introduced by Harry's childhood friend Violet von Westenholz who organised a blind date in 2016 where the magic all started. The pair were first spotted together at the Invictus Games later that year. The couple then holidayed together in Botswana, and their romance stayed relatively under the radar until the Prince reportedly proposed over a chicken dinner in November 2017. The ring he used to pop the question contains diamonds from Harry's late mother Princess Diana's jewellery collection.

So what do we know so far?

Aside from the date and the venue, little has been confirmed about what the day itself will be like but we do know that it's a non-state occasion, meaning Harry and Meghan are under no obligation to invite any political figures or national leaders. It means Theresa May and other key people who'd normally be expected to attend are unlikely to get an invite and the couple will be able to fill St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle with close family and friends.

This doesn't mean that there will be no familiar faces there, as celebrities from Cara Delevingne to Ellie Goulding and Serena Williams are rumoured to be on the guest list.

Whether William will be best man - as Harry was for him when he married Catherine Middleton in 2011 - is unconfirmed. It is also unclear as to whether his youngest son, who will be just a few weeks old, will attend. Whether William's other two children - Prince George and Princess Charlotte - will be included in the bridal party is uncertain.

How has the world reacted?

Since Clarence House announced Prince Harry’s engagement alongside the news of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcoming their third child this month, people across the world have been planning celebrations.

For many who have watched the progress of both of Princess Diana's sons since her tragic death in 1997, the past few years have marked a fairy tale ending that the two men deserve after losing their mum at such a young age.

Harry's father Prince Charles, speaking on behalf of him and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall shortly after the engagement was announced, said: "We're both thrilled. We both hope they'll be very happy indeed."

Of course, many people will be hoping Harry and Meghan will start a family of their own and it won't be too long until we're welcoming another royal baby. Their wedding on May 19th is expected to be watched around the world by millions of viewers.

How is Barchester celebrating?

Love stories resonate throughout our Barchester homes and many residents and staff are excited for Harry and Meghan's big day. It's a celebration of happy endings and new beginnings - something we can all happily get behind.

Many Barchester homes throughout the UK will be celebrating the royal wedding in style with special Royal-Tea parties, serving delicate sandwiches and a selection of sweet and savoury pastries, some are even enjoying the day with pet therapy corgi’s!

If you'd like to celebrate with us, find your nearest Barchester care home here.