How to Attend the Royal Wedding

With no introductions necessary, the entire world seems to know His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales (more affectionately known as Prince Harry) is getting married to Rachel Meghan Markle (more commonly known as Rachel Zane on Suits, and who goes by her middle name of Meghan) on May 19, 2018, in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in England. So how to attend the royal wedding? It's still not too late, let's take a look!

1. Book your flights. Using dates of May 16th to the 23rd, here's approximately what you'll be looking at for return flights from the US or Canada.

• New York's JFK to Gatwick with WOW Air = USD $472
• Los Angeles to Gatwick with WOW Air = USD $620
• Vancouver, BC to Gatwick with Delta Air Lines = CAD $760
• New York's JFK to Heathrow with Icelandair = USD $514
• Los Angeles to Heathrow with United Airlines = USD $545
• Vancouver, BC to Heathrow with Delta Air Lines = CAD $777

2.  Book your hotel near Windsor Castle. Here are some options within 10 miles of the castle:

• HeathrowWindsor Marriott - 4 star - USD $355 per night
• Stoke Park Country Club Spa - 4 star - USD $468
• Holiday Inn London Heathrow T5 - 4 star - USD $159
• Clarendon Wraysbury Hall - 3.5 star - USD $145
• Heathrow Lodge - 2 star - USD $40

In general, as per Will & Kate's wedding in 2011, the local streets will be blocked off starting around 6:00 a.m. so you'll need to plan accordingly, which could mean taking the Tube from your area hotel into Windsor station. But bear in mind, thousands and thousands of people will also be doing the same thing - so save yourself some grief by purchasing your London travel tickets online through the VisitBritain website ahead of time.

Express UK

3. Buy your royal wedding swag. No doubt you'll find a huge array of wedding memorabilia to collect, such as souvenir flags and programs. The Royal Collection Trust will no doubt be producing it's own selection of 'official' wedding favors including its' highly collectible chinaware. But depending on your budget, a royal tea towel might just do the trick.

EveningStandard

4. Pay your respects to Diana. Just 80 miles north of Windsor Castle in Althorp, Northampton, it would be almost disrespectful to not visit the resting place of Diana, especially on this most regal of occasions.  Personally speaking, I think the wedding location of Windsor Castle was chosen over Buckingham Palace as it would be closer to Harry's mother. 

Highclere Castle

5. Added bonus: visit Downton Abbey. You'll also be close by to the filming location of the popular, and now sadly defunct, Downton Abbey, which filmed at Highclere Castle. It's 47 miles west of Windsor Castle and seems like a fitting place to visit during a royal wedding occasion, don't you think?

Nottingham Cottage

VisitBritain, the official tourism website of Great Britain, has estimated nearly £500 million or $682 million USD will be spent in the UK due to the upcoming royal nuptials. The newly married couple will reside in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace. For more information, visit The Royal Family.