Here’s Who Might Be On Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Royal Guest List
Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement, speculation began swirling about every detail of their impending nuptials. One of the most-talked-about aspects of their wedding is the guest list! From famous actors to former presidents, check out this list to see who we thought might get a highly-coveted invite from the royal couple.
A Political Heavyweight: The Obamas
Prince Harry and Barack Obama have become good friends. The pals were spotted at Harry's Invictus Game last year and Harry even made an appearance at the former president's first Obama Foundation Summit in October 2017. So will we see Barack and Michelle dancing the night away at the royal wedding? Probably not.
According to biographer Duncan Lacombe, “Diplomacy is very important. Harry and Meghan will be guided by the Foreign Office’s advice." Because Harry and Meghan will not likely invite Donald Trump, it might be considered a snub if the former president were invited instead. However, Harry has the reputation of doing what he wants so it would not be a surprise if Obama makes an appearance. Obama wished the couple well in a celebratory tweet after the announcement of the engagement.
The Best Man: Prince William & Kate
On May 19th, 2018 (the big day) two guests who will surely be in attendance include Prince William and Kate Middleton. But Harry's big brother won't be his best man. In royal weddings, there is no best man or maid of honor — but rather “supporters.”
When asked about the proposition of being the "best man," William said laughing, "He (Harry) hasn't asked me yet. So, it could be a sensitive issue." Of course, the brothers are quite close so he will undoubtedly be in attendance and will likely share duties at the wedding as well. Prince William continued joking about his brother saying, “Personally, I hope it means he stays out of my fridge and will stop scrounging my food, which he’s done for the last few years!”
The Original Royals: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip
Prince Harry’s grandparents Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip will also be in attendance at the royal affair. In fact, when the Queen sent out her annual Christmas message, she got many royal watchers excited as it seemed as though she was speaking directly to adding new additions to the family. In the short film clip, you could also see a framed engagement photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle alongside photos of other members of the royal family. While some were astonished at the personal display, for others it reminded them that the Queen really is just a grandma at the heart of it all.
The Flower Girl: Princess Charlotte
Princess Charlotte will likely fill in the role of flower girl for her Uncle Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's nuptials. The little Princess is absolutely adorable so she will definitely be stealing at least a little bit of the spotlight. Kids are typically one of the best parts of wedding ceremonies because you can always count on them to keep it interesting. Prince Harry and Meghan are eager to give the Charlotte a few cousins of her own...eventually. In the couple's first joint interview, they told BBC's Mishal Husain while they're not going to have kids just yet that they will "start a family in the near future.”
The Page Boy: Prince George
Like his little sister, Princess Charlotte, the future King Prince George is also likely to be in his uncle's wedding party. In royal weddings, the young men or “ring bearers” are called “page boys.” It would be likely to see George as the actual ring bearer bringing the wedding ring down the aisle to his beloved Uncle. Prince George is also absolutely one of the cutest kids of any royal family so there will likely be many “awwws” as he makes his way down the aisle. He’s at the perfect age to cause a bit of mischief, so let’s hope he’s on his best behavior!
Harry’s BFF: Tom Inskip
One of Prince Harry’s oldest friends is Tom Inskip, and the two have been close since they attended Eton together. Tom’s father, Owen, is also said to be close with Harry’s father as well as former Prime Minister David Cameron. In years past, Tom has frequently been described as Harry's “wingman” although that is undoubtedly coming to a close. In March of 2017, Meghan and Harry were spotted at Tom’s wedding in Jamaica. Harry also served as an usher at the wedding. Tom is the one who supposedly organized Prince William’s stag party before his wedding to Kate Middleton — although he’s probably going easier on the partying now that he is married himself.
The Old Friend: Janina Gavankar
Janina Gavankar is an actress who met Meghan when they were both starting out in Hollywood. You might have seen Janina in her roles as Iden Versio in Star Wars Battlefront II as well as roles in True Blood and the Vampire Diaries. Janina and Meghan have said to have been friends for over fifteen years. Before Meghan deleted her Instagram, Janina appeared on it multiple times. Meghan even devoted one of her now-deleted posts to her saying, 'Couldn't be prouder of how far we've come, and couldn't be more grateful for being able to share every step of it with you'.
Guy Pal: Guy Pelly
Another of Prince Harry’s guy pals is British nightclub owner, Guy Pelly. Pelly is known for owning popular London nightclubs like Public, Whisky Mist, and TonteriaIn. The entrepreneur is good friends with both Harry and William and the royal brothers even acted as ushers in Guy’s wedding to Elizabeth Wilson. The friendship goes back to boyhood as Guy’s mother is Lady Carolyn Herbert who was friends with the late Princess Diana. Perhaps, unsurprisingly for a nightclub owner, Guy has previously been said to be a party animal. It sure sounds like Prince Harry’s stag party might be shaping up to be quite the crazy affair.
The Beckhams
David Beckham and his wife and former Spice Girl, Victoria, are said to be close to the Princes. First, David became friendly with Prince William when they worked to get the bid for the World Cup some years ago. The Beckhams were also present at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011, so it would be unsurprising to see them as guests of Harry as well. Prince Harry also counts a few other celebrity friends among his circle including singer Ellie Goulding, whom he has previously been pictured alongside. As well as the Branson family and model Cara Delevingne. Perhaps it is through hobnobbing with so many stars that Harry met his future wife!
Elton John and David Furnish
Elton John was a cherished friend of Prince Harry’s mother, Diana. Who could forget the tear-jerking rendition of “Candle In the Wind?” It is known that Elton John has stayed close to the royal Princes so one could totally expect him and his husband, David Furnish, to join in on the festivities. Perhaps we can even expect a performance? Elton John recently revealed in an interview with ITV: "I could tell that he was totally in love. He didn't really discuss much personally but he said 'I'm in love' and I thought 'good for you.' Both of those boys seem to be ecstatically happy and that's all you want people to be." He further continued about how he views the boys turned into young men saying, "[They're] very special to me because of their mother.”
Serena Williams
Meghan Markle and tennis sensation Serena Williams became friends after they met at a flag football game for DIRECTV's Celebrity Beach Bowl in 2014. It’s been said that the two ladies became fast friends and bonded over girly things rather than anything career based. Interestingly, before getting engaged to Prince Harry, Meghan used to run a lifestyle website called “The Tig,” which she has since abandoned. Meghan once discussed her friendship with Serena on the site saying, "We hit it off immediately, taking pictures, laughing through the flag football game we were both playing in, and chatting not about tennis or acting, but about all the good old fashioned girly stuff. So began our friendship." As a newlywed herself, we are sure to spot Serena at the royal shindig.
The Designer: Roland Mouret
Roland Mouret is a French fashion designer who has long dressed Meghan Markle and the two met in a rather unorthodox way — in a Turkish elevator. Meghan recalled, “This man in a bathrobe said ‘I love to dress you’. I thought ‘whaaat?’ Then he told me who he was and we’ve been friends ever since.” There has even been some speculation that she will pick her old friend to design her wedding dress. According to Sunday Times Fashion Director Jane McFarland, there might be some truth to the rumors saying, “If it is figure-skimming feminine silhouettes that Markle is looking for, the French-born, London-based designer Roland Mouret may well prove to be her man.” Everyone will definitely be waiting to see who the lucky designer is to dress the future princess!
The Co-Star: Patrick J. Adams
For years, Patrick J. Adams acted alongside Meghan as her on-screen partner in Suits. It must be pretty surreal to have your co-worker up and marry a prince! Patrick was absolutely elated with the news of his pal's engagement and took to Instagram to wish the couple congratulations. Patrick posted a photo of Meghan as her Suits character, Rachel Zane, saying. "Playing Meghan’s television partner for the better part of a decade uniquely qualifies me to say this: Your Royal Highness, you are a lucky man and I know your long life together will be joyful, productive and hilarious. Meghan, so happy for you, friend. Much love." Although both Meghan and Patrick will be departing following this season, after working closely for some many years, it would be strange if Patrick didn't attend the royal wedding.
The Boxer: Anthony Joshua
Although this one might be kind of a joke, it could still possibly come true. Recently, Prince Harry worked as a guest editor of Radio 4's the Today Programme. Some of his guests were quite notable including Barack Obama and World Heavyweight Champion, Anthony Joshua. The prince and the boxer seemed quite chummy and even palled around a bit for some photos. Later Anthony took to Instagram to post a photo of the two saying, "Back to work this morning! Congrats on everything this year and no pressure on the R4 guest edit. PS - need a best man?"
The Connection: Markus Anderson
Markus Anderson is the director of the exclusive private member’s club, The Soho House, he has long been a close friend of Meghan’s. From time to time, he has even been said to be her “closest friend in the world.” Before Meghan deleted her social media, there were many photos of the two together gallivanting across the globe to various exotic locations. The two are said to have met in Toronto where they both have lived until recently. At first, it was thought that Markus might have been the one who introduced Meghan to Prince Harry, however after the couple dropped a hint in their first couple interview the matchmaker was a woman.
The Cupid: Misha Nonoo
Since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry first announced their engagement, people everywhere have been trying to figure out how the actress and the royal met. So who might have played cupid for the couple? Lots of people say Misha Nonoo. Speculation has heavily landed on Misha because of Meghan and Harry’s first interview together when they revealed, "We were introduced, actually, by a mutual friend, but the couple has protected her privacy and not revealed much else.
Misha is a fashion designer and has been friends with Meghan for years. She was also previously married to one of Harry’s close friends from Eton, Alexander Gilkes, until their divorce in 2016. So was Misha the royal matchmaker? That’s one mystery that might not ever be revealed but she will definitely be in attendance as a friend of both the bride and groom.
Meghan’s BFF: Lindsay Roth
Meghan Markle has been close with TV producer Lindsay Roth since they first met in a literature class covering the work of Toni Morrison. Lindsay spoke to People about her BFF saying, "I don't know many people who are as generous and supportive as Meg is. I think people assume that when someone gains notoriety that they change. But she’s still the same girl I met years ago, with the same values and priorities."
Those values and priorities are what initially bonded Meghan and Lindsay and probably what bonded Harry and Meghan. Meghan even served as the maid of honor in Lindsay’s wedding and previously shared photos on her now-deleted Instagram. Lindsay will definitely be in attendance as one of Meghan’s supporters.
Party Pal: Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka has become a household name in the U.S. thanks to her role in the FBI show Quantico, however, she been known worldwide for her Bollywood films for years. Priyanka and Meghan met just two years ago but they have already become close friends. In a recent interview with E!, Priyanka discussed Meghan’s impending nuptials saying, “I get so happy when my friends get married and get engaged because it’s not happened to me. I think it’s so cute, they are so happy and so in love, it is so normal and sweet, but yet not normal at all. So I am super happy for them, I really am. She is a friend and I will always support her in whatever she needs.”
The Canadian Confidant: Jessica Mulroney
Jessica Mulroney and family were featured heavily on Meghan Markle’s social media accounts before she deleted them in preparation for her royal duties. Jessica also has three beautiful kids, two boys, and a girl and there have also been rumors that her daughter Ivy will be one of the flower girls.
Jessica is a personal stylist and has styled Meghan in the past. Jessica is also well-connected as she is the daughter-in-law of Brian Mulroney, the former Canadian Prime Minister. She has even styled Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Daily Mail has reported that Jessica has been aiding Meghan in wedding planning and even flew to Kensington Palace to help with dress fittings. Jessica and family with undoubtedly be seen at the wedding.
Co-Star Cuties: Sarah Rafferty
Meghan Markle spent the better part of a decade working on her show, Suits. So it's likely that the bride to be will invite her friends from the show including co-star Sarah Rafferty. Sarah plays Donna Paulsen on the show and the two girls grew close during their time together. Meghan has even said Sarah is "not just my Suits sister wife, but my sister."
When asked about the impending royal nuptials Sarah told the Associated Press, "I don't comment on my castmates' personal lives, but of course, it's very exciting. And I'm very happy for her." It’s also possible we will see other stars of the show present like Gina Torres and Gabriel Macht.
Don't Expect To See Kate As A Bridesmaid
Many women act as bridesmaids for their siblings' weddings. But don't expect to see Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, performing bridesmaid duty at Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle. She wasn't even the Matron of Honor at her own sister Pippa's 2017 wedding! Royal expert Marlene Koenig told Town & Country that the women are not close: "the Duchess of Cambridge barely knows Meghan." Additionally, she said that Kate "is the future queen consort when William becomes king after his father, and would unlikely be an attending person to another royal bride."
It's quite likely that Kate also doesn't want to upstage the newest royal's big day. But it has been reported that Kate and William's children, George and Charlotte, will most likely play a role in the ceremony.