Police are making sure Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's big day is a safe occasion for everyone.
Police are making sure Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's big day is a safe occasion for everyone.
On Thursday, Thames Valley Police revealed details on what the public can expect from security on the day of Meghan and Harry's wedding, which is set for May 19. The couple will tie the knot at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and the ceremony will be followed by a carriage procession through Windsor and a reception in St George’s Hall.
Thames Valley Police noted that the massive security operation will be among the largest in Thames Valley Police’s history, attracting over 100,000 people from around the world to Windsor.
“We are proud to police the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead," Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable David Hardcastle, strategic commander for the wedding, says. "The Force has a long history of policing Royal events from the annual Windsor Garter Ceremony to state visits and more recently Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday."
“The wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Markle is no exception," he adds. "We are working with our partners, local businesses and the community to deliver a safe, secure and happy event for everyone.”
A broad range of visible security measures will be in place -- like the extensive network of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) barriers -- as well as many security measures that the public can't see, police share. On the big day, visitors may be stopped and checked by police officers. If traveling by train, British Transport Police will also be patrolling stations and carriages.
More security will be in place once people arrive in Windsor, including a screening and search regime, and any items that may pose a risk to the public will be removed. There will also be Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead community wardens and ambassadors throughout the town center.
Aside from Thames Valley Police, a number of other forces such as British Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police Service and Surrey Police will also be involved in the policing operation. Police will also utilize mutual aid from a number of specialist units across the country.
Even before the wedding, residents and visitors will see an increased police presence from police officers -- both armed and unarmed -- and search dogs, the mounted section, the roads policing unit and the National Police Air Service.
ET spoke to Princess Diana's former bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, last month, when he said that no expense will be spared when it comes to security at the royal wedding.
"With all the expertise and using all the templates of William's wedding, and other weddings in the past, the security there will be massive," Wharfe said. "As I said five years ago, when William was married, that I do not foresee any problems at all. There will be sort of fringe demonstration, perhaps, for those that are Republican that perhaps don't like the idea of a royal wedding, but the police are well versed in this and will use their experience over many, many years to ensure that the happy couple have a great day."
To see which celebs we can expect to see at the royal wedding, watch the video below:
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