UK economy set for £1billion boost with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding and FA Cup Final mega bash
BRITS are gearing up for a party marathon after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their wedding for FA Cup Final day — Saturday May 19.
The double whammy is set to give the economy a £1billion boost.
The royals are tipped to kick off their nuptials at noon with footie’s showpiece from 5.30pm.
Street parties and US tourists will ensure the mega bash lasts long into the night giving the economy a huge boost.
Party fever swept the UK yesterday after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave the date for their big match at Windsor Castle.
Royalists, footie fans and Meghan-loving US tourists will spend fortunes celebrating at home or in the streets.
The UK will benefit from the two events being broadcast to an estimated 2.5billion global TV audience.
Expert David Haigh, of Brand Finance, said: “You are looking at it being worth between £500million to £1billion.
“Meghan and Harry are exceptionally popular.
"We had 350,000 tourists for the last royal wedding, and 800,000 for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
"Up to £150million could be spent on champagne, food and drink alone.
"It will also provide £100million worth of global advertising for Britain.”
Retail sales leapt 17 per cent in the week of William and Kate’s wedding in April 2011.
Giving formal confirmation yesterday Kensington Palace said: “HRH Prince Henry of Wales and Ms Meghan Markle will marry on 19th May 2018.
Today’s announcement follows earlier confirmation of the month of the wedding and its location at St George’s Chapel.”
The date lands between the May 7 and 28 bank holidays.
Insiders said the royal couple may opt for a noon start.
May 19 timetable
TIMES for the big day have not been announced, but the wedding is likely to be late morning and the Cup Final late afternoon.
Here’s how you could enjoy it:
9am: Line your stomach with a king-sized Full English breakfast — or American-style pancakes.
11am: Put on the TV and watch wedding guests arrive at Windsor.
2pm: The happy couple and guests are en route to the reception. Time for fizz — or a beer?
3pm: Down the boozer to secure a seat for the footie.
7.40pm: Winners lift Cup and dancing is under way at Windsor.
Don your glad rags and hit the town. The night is still young.
A palace source said: “They were looking for a date that would work for as many friends and family as possible.
"We can’t confirm timings yet but are mindful it is Cup Final day.”
The FA hinted at a 5.30pm kick-off, saying: “May 19 promises to be a wonderful day with such a special royal occasion being followed by English football’s showpiece.”
May 19 in history
1536: Henry VIII beheads his second wife Anne Boleyn at the Tower of London. Watch out Meghan!
1897: Oscar Wilde released from Reading Jail
1943: Winston Churchill pledges Britain’s full support to US against Japan
1962: Marilyn Monroe’s famous birthday serenade to president John F Kennedy
1974: Erno Rubik invents the Rubik’s Cube, above right
1982: Sophia Loren jailed in Naples for tax evasion
1997: The Lost World, Jurassic Park premieres in the US
2013: Alex Ferguson’s final game as Manchester United manager
2018: FA Cup Final day
Prince William is FA president and author Penny Junor said: “Blood is thicker than William’s ties but he would not have wanted to choose.”
Dan Park, of the Duchess of Cambridge restaurant in Windsor, said: “We’ve already had people asking to book.”
Mystic Meg's big day predictions
ON May 19, the weather planet Neptune travels in harmony with Jupiter (also known as the royal planet) and this suggests sunshine and blue skies the moment she arrives at the ceremony.
A dash of gentle rain during the ceremony creates a rainbow.
Taurus, ruled by Venus, is the star sign of the day and creates such a warm, welcoming mood.
One that respects tradition as well as believing in love.
Good-times planet Jupiter sees Meghan and Harry deal kindly and effectively with a mischievous young guest and this shows what great parents they will be.
May 19 birthdays
