Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reveal first royal wedding guests
<p><span>The first guests invited to the royal wedding have been revealed with US President Trump and British PM Theresa May understood to be those who won’t be appearing on the guest list.</span></p>
<p><span>2640 members of the public have invited to the castle grounds on the royal couple's big day, including 12-year-old amputee Jorja Furze, who is an ambassador for the Steel Bones charity. She also helped start an Anxiety Group to help students adjust to life at school.</span></p>
<p><span>12-year-old Amelia Thompson, who was caught up in the 2017 Manchester attack, was also invited, along with charity volunteer Zoe Arundell, 20.</span></p>
<p><span>Philip Gillespie, 30, who lost his right leg in an IED incident in Afghanistan, and who also competes in the Invictus Games, has also been invited.</span></p>
<p><span>There was speculation that the Obamas would be invited, however, Kensington Palace has confirmed that official heads of state will not be invited in favour of close friends. This approach is quite different to Prince William and Kate’s wedding in 2011.</span></p>
<p><span>“It has been decided that an official list of political leaders — both UK and international — is not required for Prince Harry and Ms Markle’s wedding,” a spokesman said.</span></p>
<p><span>“Her Majesty’s government was consulted on this decision, which was taken by the royal household.”</span></p>
<p><span>The decision to not invite political leaders avoided any tensions that may have arisen if Prince Harry wished to invite Barack Obama.</span></p>
<p><span>Harry is close with the Obamas after attending various charity events together but has no relationship with Mr Trump. Meghan also openly criticised Trump when she was an actress.</span></p>
<p><span>Instead, the 600 guests are likely to include family, good friends, work colleagues and acquaintances.</span></p>
<p><span>Some of Meghan’s close friends include bridal stylist Jessica Mulroney, former Miss World Priyanka Chopra and fashion designer Misha Nonoo.</span></p>
<p><span>Prince Harry’s best friends Tom Inskip and Guy Pelley are also expected to be in attendance.</span></p>
<p><span>Other members of the public who have been invited include a former Royal Marine, Grant White, who lost his leg and now trains with Race2Recovery.</span></p>
<p><span>Deaf teenager Reuben Litherland is also invited, along with 18-year-old Kai Fletcher, who has assisted young people through charity work.</span></p>
<p><span>The entire royal family will attend the ceremony in St George’s chapel as well as Meghan’s parents Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle Senior. It is currently unknown if Meghan’s older half siblings, Thomas Markle Junior and Samantha Markle will attend.</span></p>
<p><span>Elton John and Prince Harry’s ex-girlfriends Chelsea Davey and Cressida Bonas have also reportedly been invited, as well as the Spice Girls. </span></p>
