It may be the wedding of the year but those lucky enough to be invited to witness Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s big day will have to adhere to an unusually exacting series of do’s and don’ts.
Guests have been issued with seven pages of ‘critical guidance’ – and absolutely nothing has been left to chance.
Couched in starchy language, it includes advice on when to use the loo (between 9am and 11am), whether to bring a passport (yes) and whether to bring a gift (no).
Transport instructions are meticulous and cover every eventuality. Guests are even warned to be aware of the level-crossing on the B470. Some might argue that Harry’s forefathers planned military campaigns with less tactical forethought.
Cameras are banned, along with any hand luggage except handbags and ‘rainwear’.
Before the reception, ‘all guests will be asked to surrender mobile telephones… and any devices used for image capture’.
The guidance adds: ‘It should be noted that gifts cannot be brought to St George’s Chapel or the Reception that follows at Windsor Castle. Guests are advised to seek further guidance on delivery arrangements for any gifts to Kensington Palace.’
Before heading to the service at the chapel, guests will undergo a security test three miles away at the Windsor Farm Shop, off the A308, which will become an ‘accreditation area’ for the day.
To get there, guests must choose either the ‘green route’ via Junction 13 of the M25 or the more scenic ‘red route’, which takes in the riverside village of Datchet.
Arrival by train or bus is strongly discouraged lest guests come into contact with the general public, whose large numbers could ‘seriously inhibit movement’.
Once corralled inside the farm shop, guests – among them Sir Elton John and George Clooney – are requested to ‘assist the Metropolitan Police’, whose officers will check proof of identity, either a passport or driving licence.
‘Motor coaches will be provided to transport guests… to St George’s Chapel.’ While the dress code is standard – morning coat or lounge suit for men, and day dress and hat for women – there’s an interesting addendum.
Presumably, to avoid a repeat of David Beckham’s social oversight at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding, guests have been asked not to wear medals.
The former England football captain caused mild disquiet when he arrived at Westminster Abbey wearing his OBE pinned to the wrong side of his chest. Meanwhile, those tempted to accessorise their outfit another way have been told to think again. ‘No swords,’ stresses the guidance.
Elsewhere it notes: ‘Guests are advised that there are very limited toilet facilities in St George’s Chapel, but these are available for guests’ use between 9am and 11am at which point this facility will become restricted for the duration of the service.’
