If you’ve been waiting for a sign that things between Suits actress Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are getting pretty darn serious, this is it.
Just five months ago, Kensington Palace confirmed the 32-year-old prince was dating the US actress.
Now, it seems Meghan has scored herself an invite to the most anticipated wedding of the year: Pippa Middleton's upcoming nuptials to financier James Matthews.
But - there's a catch.
While 35-year-old Meghan has been invited as Harry's plus-one, she will not be attending Pippa's ceremony at St Mark’s church in Engelfield, England, on May 20.
PEOPLE magazine confirmed the news, with a source revealing that protocol prohibits Meghan from attending the ceremony because she and Harry are not engaged.
Ah yes, that pesky "no-ring, no-bring" rule rears its head.
The actress will, however, be by her partner's side at the less formal bash after the official part of Pippa and James' church ceremony is complete.
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Need further proof Meghan may be our very next Princess?
Over the Easter weekend, Prince Harry skipped the royal tradition of attending Easter services at St George's chap with Queen Elizabeth II and instead flew to Toronto to spend the weekend with his girlfriend.
Now that Meghan is allowed to attend, Pippa's May nuptials are shaping up to be quite the family affair.
Just last week, Kensington Palace confirmed that Pippa's royal niece and nephew - Prince George and Princess Charlotte - are joining the bridal party as page boy and bridesmaid, respectively.
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Top Comments
There's two variations of the "no ring, no bring" protocol likely in effect here. The first is that UK Royal protocol is such that a couple that is not wed or bedtrothed are not supposed to attend formal functions together, especially events involving attending the CofE which The Queen is "supreme governor". The second is Pippa & her fiancée may have chosen this for their ceremony to keep it more intimate (or any other number of personal reasons). The best man (also the groom's brother) is attending alone for the same reason as Harry.
Additionally, the save the dates would have likely have been sent out long before Harry & Meghan announced they were dating. Sure Pippa isn't royal, but some of her family are so some rules of protocol would apply when they attend. She's also never met Meghan. I don't know about you guys but I'm not planning on inviting people I don't know to my wedding unless there's a ring (or very serious relationship). I doubt Meghan is overly upset, she's still Harry's guest at the reception.
Pippa's wedding is a private ceremony and according to one website, she has decided not to invite couples who aren't engaged or married. Prince Harry has attended other weddings with girlfriends, the last one was with Meghan Markel. The decision not to invite Meghan to the ceremony rests with Pippa and her fiance and not according to a Royal Protocol dictate.
Beat me to it. What protocol are we talking about exactly?