Prince Harry, once known for his rebellious schoolboy years and nude parties, announced his engagement Monday to American actress Meghan Markle. The pair dated for nearly a year and their wedding will occur sometime in the spring of 2018, royal officials announced.
After the duo made their first appearance since their announcement, with Markle unveiling her sparkling 2.5-carat cushion cut ring, speculation about where the wedding will take place began to spread. Looking back on previous royal weddings, the royal couple's options are definitely plentiful.
Westminster Abbey is a popular venue for royal weddings. Just under half a mile away from Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey hosted the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 and Prince William and Kate Middleton's nuptials in 2011.
The gothic cathedral is definitely capable of housing a luxurious royal wedding, with its high ceilings and seating for nearly 2,000 guests. Despite its popularity, however, it is speculated that Prince Harry will ditch Westminster Abbey since it was home to the funeral of his beloved mother Princess Diana in 1997.
Another possible venue for the spring wedding could be St. Paul's Cathedral. The iconic domed landmark housed the wedding of Prince Harry's parents Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana Frances Spencer in 1981. After the couple's divorce in 1996, Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in Windsor Guildhall in 2005.
Forgoing royal family history, Prince Harry may opt for a more intimate venue, unique to him and his fiancé. It is evident that the prince is not a big fan of tradition, as revealed by his engagement to the divorced American actress. Markle, who is known for her role in the drama series Suits, will become the first woman of color to be a part of the royal family.
Uncommon Knowledge
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