There are just a few more hours until Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot — and we now know how it’s all going to go down after the palace released the Order of Service Friday evening.
“Like any couple getting married, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle have taken a great deal of care in selecting all elements for their service,” Kensington Palace said in a statement released with the Order of Service. “This has been a collaborative effort led by Prince Harry and Ms. Markle.”
Here’s a breakdown of the lengthy Order of Service with everything you need to know — from the hymns to the vows.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage
1. There’s one glaring error.
The palace released the Order of Service for Harry and Meghan’s wedding just a few hours before they officially tie the knot, and it’s full of details about the couple’s big day. And the most noticeable element of the document? Thomas Markle, Meghan’s father, is still included as the person who will walk Meghan down the aisle to the high altar of St. George’s Chapel. The error, the palace says, is simply a matter of timing.
“The Order of Service was produced before it became clear that Mr. Thomas Markle would be unable to attend the wedding on medical advice,” the palace said in a statement. “As a result, some aspects will be different to what has been printed. As previously announced, Ms. Markle has asked The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of The Quire.
The palace confirmed on Friday that Prince Charles will be walking Meghan down the second portion of the aisle of St. George’s Chapel.
It’s the event of the year! Be sure to keep up with all of PEOPLE’s royal wedding coverage and don’t forget to check out everything you need to know about Meghan Markle’s perfect style.
2. And a few timing errors.
There is also an error when it comes to the timing of arrivals: On the Order of Service, it says that Doria Ragland is arriving at 6 a.m. ET, but the palace says she’ll actually arrive at 6:42 a.m. It also says that Prince Charles will arrive at 6:42 a.m., when he’ll actually arrive at 6:45 a.m. (When it comes to the royal family, every minute counts!)
3. Prince Harry and Prince William will arrive at 6:40 a.m. ET.
They’ll be followed by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at 6:42 a.m., then Ragland, then Prince Charles, followed by the Queen, and finally, the bride herself.
4. There’s a major change from Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.
The giving of the rings is included in the Order of Service, and both Harry and Meghan will be receiving wedding bands. At William and Kate’s wedding, only Kate received a ring, while William opted out of wearing one.
Prince Harry greets the crowds in Windsor on Friday James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock
5. There’s a wide variety of music.
The palace previously released information about the performers at the wedding, but now we know what they’ll be performing. The music choices range from the classic — a traditional Irish hymn sung by the congregation — to the modern — a gospel rendition of “Stand by Me” from Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir. The recessional has a modern touch, too: They’ll walk back down the aisle to Etta James’s “Amen/This Little Light of Mine.”
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6. And Prince Charles helped pick the opening music.
An orchestra will play a number of songs as guests make their way into St. George’s Chapel, and Harry’s dad helped them choose which songs. The palace said: “They have also sought the advice of The Prince of Wales for the orchestral music before the Service begins.”
7. Lady Jane Fellowes, Princess Diana’s sister, will be doing a reading.
The late Diana’s older sister will read a passage from the Song of Solomon.
8. Meghan will not vow to obey Harry.
She’ll follow in the footsteps of Diana and Kate in omitting the word “obey” from her vows.
9. We don’t know anything about their wedding address.
Bishop Michael Bruce Curry from Chicago, Illinois will be giving the address at Meghan and Harry’s wedding, but the speech is not included in the Order of Service.
Meghan Markle arrives at the Cliveden House Hotel where she'll spend the night before her wedding Steve Parsons/PA Wire
10. There is no “You may now kiss the bride!” moment.
Just like with William and Kate’s wedding, we won’t see a kiss inside the church. Instead, we’ll likely see a smooch from Meghan and Harry when they come out of St. George’s Chapel just following their ceremony.
Don’t miss out! Tune in to Meghan and Harry – a Fairy-Tale Wedding on Saturday, May 19, starting at 6 a.m. ET/ 3 a.m. PT on PeopleTV — now available on PeopleTV.com and on your favorite streaming device.
11. It all ends with Britain’s national anthem, “God Save the Queen.”
Just as a royal wedding should!
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Prince Harry meets the crowds in Windsor and Meghan Markle arrives at her hotel
Prince Harry was greeted with shouts of "good luck!" from well-wishers as he carried out a surprise walkabout in Windsor on the eve of his wedding.
With his brother and best man Prince William, he spent nearly 10 minutes chatting to the crowds.
Just before he went back into Windsor Castle, he was asked how he was feeling and said: "Relaxed, of course."
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland, arrived at nearby Cliveden House Hotel.
As she arrived at the hotel following tea with the Queen, Ms Markle said she was feeling "wonderful" on the eve of her wedding.
During his walkabout, Prince Harry asked people where they were from, and whether they had been waiting long. He was also given a small teddy bear as a gift.
As he returned to Windsor Castle, the prince spotted his friend, Dean Stott - a former special forces soldier who trained with him for six weeks in 2007 - in the crowd.
The 41-year-old, who had just returned from a 14,000-mile Pan American Highway cycling trip to attend the wedding, said the prince told him he was "looking skinny" as he had lost weight.
"If he (Prince Harry) is nervous, he's hiding it very well," Mr Stott said.
Earlier, Kensington Palace said Prince Charles will walk Ms Markle down the aisle on Saturday.
Ms Markle's father, Thomas, is unable to attend the wedding, after undergoing heart surgery.
The Prince of Wales was "pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to the Royal Family in this way", the palace added.
Prince Harry's grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, will also attend the wedding, Buckingham Palace confirmed.
Prince Philip, 96, has been recovering from a hip operation.
Image copyright PA Image caption Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland, arrived at Cliveden House Hotel after meeting the Queen
Image copyright Reuters Image caption Prince Harry gave a thumbs up to the crowd
Image copyright PA Image caption Prince William accompanied Prince Harry on the walkabout in Windsor
Ms Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, will take her daughter to the wedding at St George's Chapel in Windsor.
Ms Ragland met the Queen for the first time at Windsor Castle, accompanied by Ms Markle, 36, and Prince Harry, 33.
She has already been introduced to Prince Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The ceremony begins at 12:00 BST and will be broadcast to the world.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who will marry the prince and Ms Markle, said he thought it was "wonderful" Prince Charles will walk Ms Markle down the aisle.
"He's a very warm person and that he's doing this is a sign of his love and concern and support," he said.
Image copyright Reuters Image caption Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Windsor Castle a day before their wedding to meet the Queen
Mr Markle had been due to arrive in the UK earlier this week, but became caught up in controversy over the apparent staging of photographs with the paparazzi.
Speaking to the BBC from Windsor, American celebrity news site TMZ's Sean Mandell said he had spoken to Mr Markle on Wednesday and that he was "doing well" and "recovering from surgery".
Mr Mandell - who broke the story - said Mr Markle realised on Tuesday that he would not be travelling to Windsor.
"Chest pains were really being exacerbated by the emotional strain he was under," he said.
"When doctors told him he needed to have surgery, he decided he needed to heed that advice, despite the fact he wanted to be here in Windsor for Meghan."
Ms Markle released a statement on Thursday saying she hoped her father could be given space to focus on his health.
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption TMZ's Sean Mandell says Thomas Markle thinks "news reports are not accurate"
Ms Markle's mother met William and Catherine and their eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, at Windsor Castle on Thursday afternoon.
She took tea with Prince Charles and Camilla at Clarence House in London on Wednesday.
Image copyright PA Image caption Ms Markle's mother, Doria Ragland (left) had been rumoured to be walking her daughter down the aisle
Ms Markle will have 10 bridesmaids and pageboys, who are all under the age of eight.
She decided against having a maid of honour, saying she wanted to avoid choosing between her closest friends.
The view from Windsor
By Hanna Yusuf, BBC News
Image copyright Stephanie Burick Image caption Geoffrey Somers, from Gent in Belgium, shared this selfie with Prince Harry
During the walkabout, lucky royal fan Jane Toffolo not only spoke to Prince William - but found herself a new job.
As Prince Harry shook as many hands as he could, greeting well-wishers who had camped out since Tuesday, his elder brother had a cheeky request for Jane.
"He said he was after a new babysitter and asked if we could do it - he said it to all of us," Jane recounted afterwards.
And what did she reply? "Of course!"
Rick Dormer and Nicola Dormer from Salisbury stood next to a young royal fan, also called William, who spoke at length to Prince William - and got a royal high five.
"When Prince William found out the young boy's name was also William, he said 'well you're the most important person here!'" said Mrs Dormer.
Ms Markle will spend her last night before the wedding with her mother at Cliveden House Hotel, which is in Buckinghamshire, about nine miles north of Windsor Castle.
Prince Harry will be staying 15 miles away at the Dorchester Collection's Coworth Park in Ascot, with his brother.
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Harry and Meghan's royal engagements
Up to 100,000 people are expected to line the procession route on Saturday. Thames Valley Police has said it expects the town to be full to capacity by 09:00.
Full coverage of the day will be on BBC One from 09:00-14:00 on Saturday and streamed live on the BBC News website or on BBC iPlayer.
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Image copyright Getty Images
Prince Charles will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle on Saturday when she marries Prince Harry, Kensington Palace has said.
Ms Markle's father, Thomas, is unable to attend the wedding, after undergoing heart surgery.
The Prince of Wales was "pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to the Royal Family in this way", the palace added.
Prince Harry's grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, will also attend the wedding, Buckingham Palace confirmed.
Prince Philip, 96, has been recovering from a hip operation.
Ms Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, will take her daughter to the wedding at St George's Chapel in Windsor.
Ms Ragland has arrived at Windsor Castle to meet the Queen for the first time, accompanied by Ms Markle, 36, and Prince Harry, 33.
She has already been introduced to Prince Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The ceremony begins at 12:00 BST and will be broadcast to the world.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who will marry the prince and Ms Markle, said he thought it was "wonderful" Prince Charles will walk Ms Markle down the aisle.
"He's a very warm person and that he's doing this is a sign of his love and concern and support," he said.
Image copyright Reuters Image caption Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Windsor Castle a day before their wedding to meet the Queen
Mr Markle had been due to arrive in the UK earlier this week, but became caught up in controversy over the apparent staging of photographs with the paparazzi.
Speaking to the BBC from Windsor, American celebrity news site TMZ's Sean Mandell said he had spoken to Mr Markle on Wednesday and that he was "doing well" and "recovering from surgery".
Mr Mandell - who broke the story - said Mr Markle realised on Tuesday that he would not be travelling to Windsor.
"Chest pains were really being exacerbated by the emotional strain he was under," he said.
"When doctors told him he needed to have surgery, he decided he needed to heed that advice, despite the fact he wanted to be here in Windsor for Meghan."
"He definitely feels he's been mis-characterised," Mr Mandell added. "That's why he felt the need to speak out when I reached him."
Ms Markle released a statement on Thursday saying she hoped her father could be given space to focus on his health.
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption TMZ's Sean Mandell says Thomas Markle thinks "news reports are not accurate"
Ms Markle's mother met William and Catherine and their eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, at Windsor Castle on Thursday afternoon.
She took tea with Prince Charles and Camilla at Clarence House in London on Wednesday.
Image copyright PA Image caption Ms Markle's mother, Doria Ragland (left) had been rumoured to be walking her daughter down the aisle
Ms Markle will have 10 bridesmaids and pageboys, who are all under the age of eight.
She decided against having a maid of honour, saying she wanted to avoid choosing between her closest friends.
The view from Windsor
By Hanna Yusuf, BBC News
Image copyright Reuters
The two women, dressed in union jack gear, summed up the mood for one of the many TV crews.
"Excited, excited, excited is what we are!" they said.
Behind them, the castle; in front of them, a line of shops that, for the past few days, have been bound together by bunting.
On top of the stores, lucky residents sit beside open windows, drinks in hand, looking at the view that many have been camping out for: the road leading to the castle gate.
Other buildings have bright lights and correspondents' backs lining their balconies. On a sunny day, the lights seem unexpectedly stark.
All eyes peer inside every car that drives by, looking for - hoping for - a glimpse of the royal couple.
In front of the castle, two women take a defiant selfie - despite the best efforts of an officer. "Keep it moving please!" he says.
Ms Markle will spend her last night before the wedding with her mother at the luxury Cliveden House Hotel, in Buckinghamshire, about nine miles north of Windsor Castle.
Prince Harry will be staying 15 miles away at the Dorchester Collection's Coworth Park in Ascot, with his brother, the Duke of Cambridge.
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Harry and Meghan's royal engagements
In Windsor, royal fans have been arriving throughout the week, with the rehearsal of the carriage procession on Thursday drawing hundreds of children, parents and pets keen to embrace the party mood.
About 250 members of the armed forces are expected to take part on Saturday and up to 100,000 people are expected to line the procession route.
Image copyright PA Image caption The finishing touches, including a white, elderflower Swiss meringue buttercream, are being applied to the wedding cake.
Thames Valley Police has said it expects the town to be full to capacity by 09:00.
Full coverage of the day will be on BBC One from 09:00-14:00 on Saturday and streamed live on the BBC News website or on BBC iPlayer.
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Meghan Markle said she was feeling "wonderful" on the eve of her wedding as she arrived at her accommodation with her mother.
Speaking outside the luxury Cliveden House Hotel after meeting the Queen for afternoon tea, Meghan smiled broadly and looked at ease as they were greeted by the hotel general manager.
Minutes earlier, Prince Harry said he feels "great" ahead of the royal wedding as he and his best man the Duke of Cambridge greeted crowds outside Windsor Castle.
The groom-to-be looked relaxed as he joked with an international gathering of well-wishers and even took a teddy bear from one, which he carried back into the castle through the Henry VIII gates.
Both will now spend the night in separate hotels and the next time they will see each other will be at St George's Chapel on Saturday lunchtime when the Prince of Wales walks her part-way down the aisle.
Prince Harry - flanked by his best man the Duke of Cambridge - wore open-necked white shirts and jackets to meet crowds outside the caste on Friday afternoon.
