Wedding bells will soon be ringing as the British Royal wedding approaches. Saturday, May 19^th, American actress and humanitarian Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, second son of Britain’s Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, will wed at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle of the world. Though considered somewhat “less grand” than the Gothic-style Westminster Abbey, where Kate Middleton and the groom’s brother Prince William married in April of 2011, St. George’s Chapel is known for its intimate beauty. Showcasing a perpendicular style of Gothic architecture, the chapel boasts detailed carved stonework, a fan vaulted ceiling, and colorful stained-glass windows, and is yet another fine example of England’s Gothic architecture.

The royal wedding will take place at midday tomorrow, England, and will be televised live. East coasters wishing to watch the nuptials should expect to rise early here in the U.S.A. Coverage will appear on most major networks, including BBC America, who will begin simulcasting at 4 am Eastern Standard Time.

Enjoy these interesting tidbits:

Windsor Castle

• Windsor Castle is the official residence of the Queen and has been a Royal home and fortress for over 900 years.
• Windsor Castle is a real working palace.
• The Queen does not own Windsor Castle nor Buckingham Palace. Both are property of the state.
• The Queen owns her country retreat, Sandringham, and her Scottish home, Balmoral. However, they belong to the Crown, not to the monarch personally.

Harry

• Prince Harry’s birth name is Henry Charles Albert David Windsor. Harry is a nickname.
• The British royal family changed their surname (last name) from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor in 1917.
• Prince Harry has his own coat of Arms. It was granted to him on his 18^th
• Prince Harry served in Afghanistan for 77 days in 2007-2008, and was deployed in 2012-2013 with the Army Air Corps.
• Harry is sixth in line to the throne.

Meghan

• Meghan’s birth name is Rachel Meghan Markle.
• She was previously married from 2011 to 2013 to producer Trevor Engelson and is divorced.
• The American television actress is best known for her role on Suits.
• Meghan will likely become a British citizen and is expected to be compliant with immigration requirements.
• She will not become a princess. She will, however, become a royal duchess and her title will be Her Royal Highness.

St. George’s Chapel

• St George’s Chapel was established in the 14^th Century by King Edward III and was enlarged in the late 15^th
• It is both a Royal Peculiar and the Chapel of the Order of Garter.
• The Chapel seats about 800 people and has an ornate Quire with a marble floor.
• There are 52 stalls for the Knights and Canons.
• It is the resting place of many deceased monarchs such as Henry VIII and Harry’s beloved great grandmother, the Queen Mother. It is also the planned burial site for the Queen.
• Prince Harry was baptized in the chapel in 1984.

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