Prince Harry at Meghan Markle will marry in Windsor in May

Prince Harry at Meghan Markle will marry in Windsor in May



Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding will take place at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in May because it is a place 'close to the couple's hearts', it was revealed today.



The couple chose the 'very special' venue because the prince and his fiancé had spent time there together during their 16-month romance and Harry spent long periods in the town with his Army regiment.



They have not revealed the exact date of their 'fun and joyful' wedding today but thanked millions of people around the world 'celebrating with them' since their engagement was announced yesterday.



American divorcee Meghan, a protestant who went to a catholic high school, will be baptised and confirmed before the spring ceremony, Kendington Palace said.



While you don't have to be baptised or confirmed to marry in a church but after the Archbishop of Canterbury gave his blessing it may be she has been asked to do this in return for marrying in a church.



Meghan will also be taking British citizenship to become a dual national before May, a process that usually takes years.



The couple have shunned a larger wedding at Westminster Abbey or St Paul's for a more intimate church service at St George's where his father married Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2005 - but it is likely to be televised.



In choosing Windsor Castle and its chapel the Queen and Prince Philip can easily travel to the wedding of the year as it was revealed that the royal family will pay for the event, the music, the flowers and the reception.



It has also emerged today Meghan will not be continuing her work on gender with the UN or with other organisations, but instead will starting her charity work as a full-time royal afresh and touring the country



And the couple's first public engagement will be on Friday at the National Justice Museum in Nottingham





Harry's communication's secretary Jason Knauf said Windsor was a 'very special place' for Harry, and that he and Ms Markle had spent time there together during their 16-month romance. He said the couple were delighted to be holding the wedding in the 'beautiful grounds of Windsor'.



The prince's regiment the Blues and Royals, one of two regiments which make up the Household Cavalry, are also based in Windsor and he spent many happy periods at the castle, where his grandparents spend large portions of the year.





Mr Knauf said the couple, who were grateful for the warm wishes from the public, would be putting their stamp on their wedding day'. They will be making sure it reflects who they are as a couple,' he said.



The newly-engaged couple have also plumped for May to avoid clashing with the birth of Prince William and Kate's third child, which is due in April.



As the couple make preparations for their big day, Ms Markle, a protestant who went to a catholic high school, will be both baptised and confirmed, ready for the religious ceremony.



The royal family will pay for the wedding, including the church service, the music, the flowers and the reception, the palace said.



Mr Knauf revealed that while one of Ms Markle's beloved dogs Guy was legally allowed to stay with her in the UK, the other - Bogart - would not be joining her.



'Bogart is now living with friends,' Mr Knauf revealed.



In Nottingham, the pair will visit the Nottingham Contemporary which is hosting a Terrence Higgins Trust World Aids Day charity fair, and also visit Nottingham Academy to meet headteachers taking part in the Full Effect programme.



There will also be a walkabout by the bride and groom-to-be - a royal rite of passage for the future royal.



Ms Markle is to become the fourth patron of the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.



The actress will not be continuing her work on gender with the UN or with other organisations, but instead will starting her charity work as a full-time royal afresh.



The exact date of the wedding will be revealed a later stage.



Mr Knauf said Harry and Ms Markle 'want the public to feel part of their day' - and are looking at ways to achieve that.



Prince George and Princess Charlotte have also been introduced to their soon-to-be new aunt.



Mr Knauf said the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's children had met Ms Markle on many occasions.



St George's Chapel is a Royal Peculiar, with the Dean of Windsor responsible only to the sovereign.



The palace said the Queen has granted permission for the wedding to take place at the chapel.



In 2005, the monarch attended the religious blessing of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall - both divorcees - in St George's, but did not go to their civil ceremony beforehand in the Windsor Guildhall.



The palace confirmed the Queen will be a guest at Harry's wedding.



Mr Knauf said: 'Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are extremely