LAST NIGHT OF FREEDOM
Meghan Markle arrives for final Royal Wedding preparations at Cliveden House with her mother Doria
MEGHAN Markle and mum Doria have arrived at Cliveden House to enjoy a final night of preparations ahead of tomorrow's royal wedding.
The 36-year-old bride-to-be beamed as she walked into the Windsor estate with her mum by her side after a turbulent build-up to the event of the year.
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The pair were driven from Windsor Castle to the luxury hotel after Doria met The Queen for the first time over tea earlier this afternoon.
Meghan will spend tonight preparing for her big day at Cliveden while Prince Harry will stay with his best man Prince William at the nearby Coworth Park.
While Meghan was whisked off for the night, Harry and his best man Wills tonight met thousands of royal fans on the streets of Windsor.
The Royal pair greeted jubilant crowds - many covered in Union Jacks and bunting - who have lined the streets of the town to witness tomorrow's spectacular procession.
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Prince Harry greets crowds on walkabout in Windsor with Prince William ahead of Royal Wedding to Meghan Markle
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Meghan has appeared to remain calm and relaxed, despite a difficult week which has seen her dad pull out of the ceremony.
It was today confirmed she will enter St George's Chapel alone before Prince Charles walks her part of the way down the aisle.
Doria had initially been tipped for the role after Thomas Markle Sr pulled out due to a heart operation.
What we know so far…
- Meghan Markle will be walked down the aisle by Prince Charles, Kensington Palace announced today
- Meghan confirmed her dad Thomas Markle would not be at her wedding as he continues to recover from major heart surgery
- Thomas Markle had earlier said he wouldn’t be attending for fear of embarrassing Meghan over staged paparazzi photos
- The 73-year-old suffered a heart scare last week which he has reportedly blamed on an open letter by his son Tom Jr – who has since said he’s “mortified”
- Samantha Markle, Meghan’s half-sister, slammed claims Kensington Palace is supporting their dad in hospital before she was injured in a car crash on Wednesday
- Police have since said they could not find any evidence of the crash
- Doria met with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge a Royal Wedding rehearsal and later sat down for afternoon tea with the Queen
A Kensington Palace statement 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."
Prince Charles to walk Meghan Markle down the aisle at Royal Wedding after dad Thomas pulls out
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Despite 61-year-old mum Doria not walking her daughter down the aisle, it has been a big few days for the American yoga instructor - flying into London to meet the Royal Family, and later meet the Queen for tea.
Photographs show the Royal Standard flying over Windsor Castle this afternoon - showing the monarch is already there in preparation for tomorrow's ceremony.
Doria will stay with her daughter at Cliveden House tonight ahead of the wedding, while Prince Harry will stay with his best man Prince William at Coworth Park.
Anticipation is reaching fever pitch about Meghan's dress, with the Queen expected to see the gown before the big day tomorrow.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive in Windsor ahead of the Royal Wedding
WATCH LIVE: Huge crowds in Windsor as the town prepares for the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
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The royal family has started to make their way to Windsor, with it today confirmed the Duke of Edinburgh would be attending the wedding of the year, after fears he may have to miss it due to a string of health issues.
It's good news for Meghan and Harry, who have endured a turbulent week in the lead up to the big day.
Meghan had yesterday released an emotionally-charged statement to confirm her 73-year-old dad Thomas Markle, who lives in Mexico, would not be able to attend her big day.
In the statement, the bride-to-be said: "Sadly my father will not be attending our wedding.
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"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."
It was an astonishing statement that seemed to be directed towards her family, with her half-sister Samantha in particular claiming that she had needed to wire cash to their father to help him survive.
Meghan's estranged family members - including her nephews and sister-in-law - also landed in the UK despite not being invited to the wedding - have regularly trashed the 36-year-old bride.
Royal Family gives you the chance to experience wedding procession like Meghan Markle Markle and Prince Harry with carriage video
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DELICIOUS DELIGHTS: Recipe for Royal Wedding Cake revealed
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry's lemon and elderflower 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, revealed that it would be a "non-traditional" layout.
But while the final look is top secret until tomorrow, the ingredients of the delicious dessert have been released.
The cake includes:
- 200 Amalfi lemons
- 500 organic eggs from Suffolk
- 20kgs of butter
- 20kgs of flour
- 20kgs of sugar
- 10 bottles of Sandringham Elderflower Cordial
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The Royal Wedding plans were thrown into chaos when 73-year-old Thomas Sr announced he wouldn't be attending - after being left embarrassed over staged paparazzi photos.
While Meghan reportedly begged her father to attend - saying she still loved him - her reclusive dad eventually pulled out.
This means that mum Doria will be the only direct relative of Meghan's at the wedding.
Pals flew into the UK to support Meghan, with best friend Jessica Mulroney arriving this week.
The Canadian socialite's children are among those who will be bridesmaids and page boys during the ceremony.
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Prince George and his little sister Princess Charlotte will also be part of the ceremony at their uncle's wedding.
Police have been seen patrolling the area, with the heavy presence steadily increased throughout Windsor during the buildup.
Extra security measures may include snipers, undercover police and military tech, such as a counter-drone system.
Royal Wedding has ‘£30m’ ring of steel security operation as snipers descend on Windsor ahead of big day
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