May 19th is a pretty important day in London. If you’re a sports fan, the FA Cup going down at London’s Wembley Stadium is the place for you. And if you’re pop culture obsessed or a royal watcher, the event of the year is happening at Windsor Castle: the site of the wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
We already know that over 2,000 members of the public have been invited to the historic union including charity workers and students. But the royal family has also had a longtime relationship with various celebrities who will be on the guest list. Will and Kate’s wedding boasted some high profile attendees, and this union will be the same. We’re dying to know who made this year’s most coveted invite list for sure, but according to reports, these 17 celebs definitely did.
17. Joss Stone
Joss Stone is already a veteran royal wedding guest. The Brit was a guest at the 2011 nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Stone, William, and Prince Harry have been friends since the singer performed at their late mother, Princess Diana’s memorial service in 2007. Could we see Prince Harry leading a flash mob at the royal reception? Past behavior indicates it’s a real possibility. Stone spilled the tea. “Last time I was singing in Lesotho he started a conga line,” she said, adding, “He’s a fun human being.” Ah, to be a fly on that wall.
16. James Blunt
What do singer James Blunt and Prince Harry have in common? Well, besides being Brit babes, they’ve also served together in the army. The two have kept in touch over the years. Blunt performed at the 2016 edition of the Invictus Games, an Olympic-style event created by the Prince himself for wounded veterans. It looks like the crooner is on good terms with the rest of the fam as well. He had the honor of singing at Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday party at Windsor. Will he sing as part of the festivities at the royal wedding? Our money is on his 2004 hit, “You’re Beautiful,” if he does.
15. David Beckham
If we’re being really honest, David and his wife Victoria Beckham are practically British royalty in their own right. So it makes sense that the two would be part of Prince Harry’s wedding plans. The couple was also present at Prince William’s ceremony and the former Manchester United footballer has spoken fondly of his relationship with the brothers, calling it very normal and sharing that the princes are actually very laid back. The Beckhams are quite the stylish pair and we’re on high alert for the killer threads.
14. Serena Williams
This reigning grand slam queen is a longtime friend of future royal Meghan Markle. The actress has cheered on her friend at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open and was a guest at her 2017 wedding to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Williams has even dispensed advice on how Markle should handle her increasing fame. Said the new mom, “I told her, ‘You’ve got to be who you are, Meghan. You can’t hide.’” Also, why not kill two birds with one stone? London is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Paris, where the French Open will be taking place just over a week later.
13. The Obamas
Markle has spoken out against Donald Trump’s presidency in the past, so he probably shouldn’t hold his breath for an invite. But the Obamas have a friendly relationship with the Royals and look like locks to make the guest list. Former First Lady Michelle teamed up with Prince Harry on several health initiatives during her tenure. Harry put his interviewing skills to the test by conducting a sit down with former POTUS Barack for Radio 4. The 44th president was also among the first to send out well wishes to the newly engaged couple, tweeting: “Michelle and I are delighted to congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their engagement. We wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness together.”
12. Patrick J. Adams
Patrick and Meghan have quite the history. Not only did the two play onscreen love interests, they’ve also been close friends for several years. Adams has been effusive in his praise for the future royal and posted the sweetest tribute to his friend when news of her engagement broke: “Playing Meghan’s television partner for the better part of a decade uniquely qualifies me to say this: Your Royal Highness, you are a lucky man and I know your long life together will be joyful, productive and hilarious. Meghan, so happy for you, friend. Much love.” Look for him and his actress wife, Troian Bellissario to show up on the big day.
11. Priyanka Chopra
Since Chopra and Meghan Markle met at a party a few years ago, the two have become fast friends. And Chopra definitely has her girl’s back. On a Wendy Williams Show appearance, Chopra swiftly corrected the host when she referred to Markle as Prince Harry’s girlfriend. The Quantico actress chimed in, “Meghan Markle, actress. Suits. Her achievements… just saying.” Chopra also criticized Markle’s hyped Vanity Fair article which she believed focused just a tad too much on the couple’s romance and not on the actress’s various accomplishments. Seems like prime bridesmaid material.
10. Cressida Bonas
The British socialite and Prince Harry were in a relationship from 2012 to 2014, after being introduced by his cousin Princess Eugenie. Things didn’t exactly work out. According to biographer Katie Nicholls, “She and Harry were very happy and were in love. But, I think, for Cressida, her ambitions were to become an actress.” Still, the two remained on good terms and the aspiring actress has reportedly been invited to the royal wedding. Another ex Chelsy Davy is also said to be on the guest list. The two were on and off for years before finally calling it quits in 2015. Kudos to Harry for being a very friendly ex.
9. Cast and Crew of Suits
Long before her impending royal role, Meghan Markle was plying her trade as a longtime cast member on the USA drama Suits. Markle played Rachel Zane, a paralegal turned lawyer romantically involved with a man hiding a pretty big secret. Filming up in Toronto, the cast and crew grew pretty close and so it’s no surprise that they’ve been tapped to attend the royal wedding. Sources told HELLO! that the cast and execs have already been contacted by Kensington Palace. Can’t wait!
8. Elton John
John was famously close to Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana before her untimely death in 1997. One of the lasting memories from her funeral was the singer’s rendition of his hit song, “Candle in the Wind”; altered to honor his friend. He has maintained a good relationship with her boys since. Naturally, John was a guest at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding. He has also engaged in charitable deeds with Prince Harry. The two joined forces on Harry’s charity Sentebale, dedicated to children affected by HIV and AIDS.
7. Ellie Goulding
She already has some experience in performing at high profile gigs. Goulding sang at the reception of Prince Harry’s brother William and his wife Kate Middleton in 2011. With such a strong recommendation from trusted sources, could we see Goulding serenading Harry and Markle? The British singer has maintained a relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, calling the couple awesome, lovely people. We’ve got a feeling friends-of-family will be invited. Look for her to pop up at the royal wedding.
6. Abigail Spencer
She currently stars on NBC’s Timeless, but many will remember Spencer for her recurring role as Harvey Specter’s love interest Scottie on Suits. Despite having left the show, Markle and Spencer have remained close and Abigail couldn’t be more thrilled for her friend and former co-star. She told People, “Meghan Markle is one of the loveliest human beings on the planet, in the world. I’m just so excited that the world will get to experience her loveliness, and I really think that with her platform for charity and her fortitude — she’s going to have a great moment to change the world. If anyone can do it, it can be her.”
5. Janina Gavankar
Before Markle dipped her toe in royal waters, she founded a lifestyle site, The Tig. Although it was eventually shut down in preparation for her new life across the pond, the site had a huge impact on one of her dearest friends, True Blood actress Janina Gavankar. Gavankar used it as motivation to start her own endeavor, AltFound. She paid tribute to her friend of almost two decades on the website, saying, “Over our almost 15 year friendship, I’ve watched Meghan’s dedication to self-growth, and generosity. As she grew the TIG, she urged me to do the same, for my own voice.” Cheers to supportive girlfriends.
4. Cara Delevingne
Blame Princess Beatrice for this flirty friendship. The royal cousin introduced the former model to Prince Harry and the two have been best buds ever since. But sharing is caring so Delevingne brought Suicide Squad co-star Margot Robbie into their sphere. In an interview with LOVE Magazine in 2016, Robbie recalled her pal teasing Harry with a text hinting that he was often in her dreams. However, the prince saw through their shenanigans and called them out for the prank. These three obviously have a fun loving friendship, which will make them the life of the party at the royal reception.
3. Justin Trudeau
There is already precedent set in Trudeau’s favor. Former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper was invited to Will and Kate’s 2011 ceremony but was unable to attend due to an impending election. Commonwealth relations aside, Trudeau and his wife Sophie enjoy a friendship with Meghan Markle. Markle enjoyed a girls’ night with Sophie Trudeau in 2016 and has shared photos of her and the prime minister engaging in deep conversation at a non-profit event. Looks like Canada will be well-represented.
2. The Spice Girls
Are we in for a Spice Girl reunion? If Mel B is to be believed, then the answer is yes! The former singer turned reality show judge, appeared on talk show, The Real, and seemingly spilled some major tea. Asked whether she’d received a royal invite, Mel B responded, “Yes… It was proper. I’m not saying any more! I’ve said enough… I need to go. I’m gonna be fired!” When asked for confirmation, the other Mel of the group, Mel C, shot down the rumors saying, “I think she was joking. I think the media ran with it a little bit.” Prince Harry is a fan, and Posh almost certainly has an invite, so we’ll see how it all pans out.
1. Ed Sheeran
We’re hearing the British singer has landed the dream gig of performing at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. And may we just say how “perfect” that would be? Bad pun aside, it really would be the ideal choice. Sheeran has been wooing the world with his beautiful ballads for the past few years and no doubt the couple would be swept up in the romantic spell he casts. There may be a slight wrinkle in plans, as Sheeran is scheduled to play in Dublin on that night, but with the plane ride being especially short, it’s totally doable.