Meghan Markle plans to give a speech at wedding reception

Meghan Markle plans to give a speech at wedding reception

Meghan Markle is planning to break with tradition by making a speech at her own wedding to Prince Harry in May.

The future royal intends to deliver a speech at her reception after the wedding ceremony on May 19, upturning normal practice which sees speeches given by the bride's father, the groom and the best man. 

Meghan, 36, plans to deliver an ‘affectionate’ tribute to her new husband, Prince Harry, 33, as well as thanking the Queen along with her friends and family, revealed the Sunday Times.

Prince Harry and Meghan will marry at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in front of around 800 guests.

Yet the former actress is use to the spotlight of public speaking - she delivered a speech on International Women’s Day in 2015 to the UN which discussed gender equality.

The bride’s father, Thomas, 73, isn’t expected to speak at the reception and it is said that Meghan will instead take the chance to show her gratitude to those who have supported her.

‘She wants to have the chance to thank her husband and everyone who has supported them. Harry thinks it's a great idea.’ a source told the Sunday Times.

Harry and Meghan have been more involved in the planning of their wedding than most royal couples. 

They have made it clear to royal staff that while normal protocol will be respected in terms of seating, invitations and the guest list, they want their nuptials to be a ‘toned-down affair’.

The couple are said to want their wedding to mirror their own tastes and personalities instead of the institution of the Royal Family.