With just over a month to go until the wedding of the year, Windsor is rolling out all the stops to prepare for the guests that will ascend on the town to watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s big day.
With the small town getting ready for the mass of local and global visitors, the council has put plans out to allow everyone enjoy the most of the day.
Live footage will be screened along the Long Walk and in Alexanda Gardens. There will also be food stalls and facilities brought in as well.
Visitors will have access to viewing areas along the entire procession route (Castle Hill, High Street, Sheet Steet, Kings Road, Albert Road and the Long Walk).
140 Royal Borough Ambassadors have volunteered their time to help out visitors who will be navigating the town that will be dressed in bunting and ceremonial banners along the procession route.
Local groups will provide the crowds with live entertainment in the town centre.
Cllr Phill Bicknell, cabinet member for highways, transport and Windsor, said: “As a Windsorian I am hugely proud we have the opportunity to welcome the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle to our town.
“Preparations are well underway to make the town look its best and ensure everyone can enjoy this momentous occasion. We’re working very closely with a wide range of partners to help make it a safe, happy occasion.
“We expect large crowds of well-wishers and visitors will line the procession route, eager to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds. There will be big screens available to watch the wedding ceremony and procession on the Long Walk and in Alexandra Gardens as well as food stalls and other facilities.
“As a royal town it is part of who we are to play host to international events just like the royal wedding and I look forward to the world’s eyes once again turning to Windsor on 19 May. We know some of the preparations have involved short-term disruption and we thank residents and businesses for their patience.
“The pre-planned investments into the town’s roads and infrastructure we have brought forward will continue to benefit those who live and work here long after the wedding crowds have left. We expect the wedding will also inspire even more visitors to come and enjoy what Windsor has to offer bringing a further boost to local businesses.
“Our main advice for anyone wishing to join us in Windsor for the royal wedding is to plan ahead: pre-plan and book your transport, make sure you arrive early, think carefully about what to bring with you and most of all, don’t forget to come back and visit Windsor again.
“Visitors are welcome to arrive early to get a good space in the town centre or on the Long Walk but due to the large number of people expected we ask people not to bring tents, though folding chairs and some form of cover will be allowed.”
The Review Ground, just off the Long Walk will be open for a 6,000 space pre-booked car park that can be reserved at www.windsor.gov.uk.
Both GWR and South Western Railway are expanding their timetables for the wedding but pre-booking and advance planning is suggested. More information can be found at www.gwr.com/royalwedding and www.southwesternrailway.com/royalwedding.