Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'incredibly grateful' these people will play a special role at their wedding

The pair are getting married in just a few weeks

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have invited members of the Armed Forces to their wedding who will play a special role during the day.

The couple are set to wed on 19 May and with the date just weeks away the final preparations are being set in stone.

Prince Harry and Meghan recently revealed that London baker Claire Ptak would be making them an elderflower and lemon drizzle wedding cake and now they have confirmed some more special guests for their big day.

The couple have picked regiments and units from the armed forces that 'hold a special relationship with Prince Harry'.

According to a statement released by The Ministry of Defence, these regiments and units will 'provide ceremonial support at the wedding during the carriage procession at the request of Kensington Palace'.

More than 250 members of the Armed Forces will perform ceremonial duties at the wedding. The couple have also invited 1,000 members of the public to their wedding.

Members of the Household Cavalry will form a staircase party at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle as part of the wedding. The State Trumpeters and a Captain’s Escort from the Household Cavalry will also provide ceremonial support.

Prince Harry joined The Blues and Royals in April 2006, serving as part of the Household Cavalry Regiment. During his time with them he toured Afghanistan twice and was even promoted to Captain.

Prince Harry with his regiment The Blue and Royals at the Remembrance Sunday Parade 2007

In a statement released by Kensington Palace, Harry and Meghan's appreciation of the military's attendance is reiterated. It read: 'Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle are pleased that members of the Armed Forces will play such a special role in their Wedding.

'The Military, and these units in particular, hold a great significance for Prince Harry and the couple are incredibly grateful for their support.'

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The streets will also be lined with members of the Windsor Castle Guard from 1st Battalion Irish Guards, and by other Armed Forces personnel.

Commenting on the inclusion of the military at the wedding, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of the Defence Staff, said: 'I am proud that members of the Armed Forces have been asked to take part in the ceremonial celebrations taking place on the royal couple’s wedding day.

'It is a happy occasion for the whole country and reminds us of the role the Armed Forces play in marking important events in the life of the nation.'

Jessica Ransom
Senior Food Writer

Jessica is a freelance food writer, stylist and recipe tester. She previously worked as Senior Food Writer at Future. While at Future Jessica wrote food and drink-related news stories and features, curated product pages, reviewed equipment, and developed recipes that she then styled on food shoots. She is an enthusiastic, self-taught cook who adores eating out and sharing great food and drink with friends and family. She has completed the Level 1 Associate course at the Academy of Cheese and is continually building on her knowledge of beers, wines, and spirits.