Princess Eugenie and her fiancé Jack Brooksbank appear to have taken a leaf out of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding playbook. Not only will the couple, who announced their engagement back in January, be tying the knot at the same venue (St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle), they’ll also be inviting members of the public to watch the wedding ceremony – and this time, anyone can apply to attend.
A statement released by the Palace this morning revealed that the couple ‘are delighted to announce an opportunity for 1,200 people from across the United Kingdom to be invited into the grounds of Windsor Castle to share the experience of their special day.’
The lucky attendees will be able to watch as the guests (which will doubtless include an A-lister or five in their number, given Princess Eugenie’s star-studded friendship group) and members of the Royal Family (Prince George!) arrive at the Chapel, listen to a broadcast of the marriage service and then watch as the newlyweds depart at the end of the ceremony.
Afterwards, the bride and groom are set to embark on a short carriage procession, much like Harry and Meghan did, which will take them through the castle grounds and along Windsor High Street. As with the Sussexes' nuptials, too, representatives from charities supported by the couple will also be in attendance, along with members of the Windsor community and children from local schools (Princess Eugenie attended Upton House School nearby).
Members of the public can apply online for a spot in the castle grounds, and will be selected according to an accreditation process: applicants must be over five years old, living at a UK (or British Forces) address, and can only apply once. You can, however, apply in a group of up to four. Applications will be open here from today until 8th August. What are you waiting for?
In anticipation of her wedding dress, look back at Princess Eugenie's best style moments from recent months in the gallery below...
Princess Eugenie Style - Grazia
1 of 7The Serpentine summer party, June 2018
For the Serpentine's annual summer bash, Eugenie chose this one-shoulder gown in a bold floral print, which reminds us of one of Princess Diana's '80s ensembles (in the best possible way).
2 of 7Royal Ascot, June 2018
Eugenie nailed the complex Royal Ascot dress code with this sleek wrapover style by London label Osman and a structured M2Malletier handbag.
3 of 7The royal wedding, May 2018
A simple, structured dress in powder blue by London label Gainsborough that was worlds away from her 2011 royal wedding ensemble.
4 of 7A night out at Annabel's, May 2018
Clearly Eugenie has a thing for florals. This off-the-shoulder gown is a ditzier print that we usually see the young royal wearing.
5 of 7The Queen's 92nd birthday concert, April 2018
Though it was Meghan Markle's Stella cape dress that gained the most attention, let's give Eugenie's simple MaxMara shift some appreciation.
6 of 7Official engagement photos, January 2018
For her official engagement photoshoot, Eugenie stuck with one of her favourite designers, Erdem.
7 of 7A Vogue event, December 2017
Another Erdem moment for Eugenie, this time for a Vogue party in London (she's since re-worn the dress a handful of times, too).