ET breaks down all the latest updates from Meghan and Harry ahead of their May 19 nuptials!
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be tying the knot at St. George's Chapel this spring, and each and every week, ET will be breaking down all the latest updates as they gear up for their May 19 nuptials.
BIGGEST NEWS OF THE WEEK
We're about two months away from Harry and Meghan's big day, and this week, we learned that the 36-year-old humanitarian is fitting in just fine with the royal family. A source told ET on Thursday that Harry's family has been extremely supportive and is "embracing" the former Suits star.
"Both Kate [Middleton] and Camilla [Duchess of Cornwall] have been doing what they can to make sure Meghan knows she’s loved and supported as she navigates her life as a future royal," the source said, explaining that becoming a royal member can be isolating. "She’s been embraced by the royal family. She’s also been exploring various charitable avenues she'd like to pursue after she gets married."
It appears that, after leaving Hollywood, Meghan has had no trouble stepping into her new role. She is becoming a royal in record time, and has found ways to respectfully make exceptions to royal protocol. Earlier this week, for example, she attended her first official event with Queen Elizabeth II, which normally wouldn't happen until after the nuptials. But when it comes to Her Majesty, Meghan has nothing to worry about -- the monarch has already formally given her "dearly beloved grandson" Prince Harry consent to marry the brunette beauty.
WEDDING COUNTDOWN
Meghan and Harry will officially be saying "I do" in:
OUT AND ABOUT
Breaking royal protocol once again, Meghan attended her first official event alongside Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, the Commonwealth Service, which was also attended by Prince Harry, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.
While fans couldn't stop raving over the future princess' ensemble, they seemed to be even more impressed with the fact that she knew all the words to the British national anthem. In videos that have surfaced on Twitter from the event, the Los Angeles native can be seen singing along with the congregation to "God Save the Queen."
ROYAL RUMOR ROUNDUP
In this week's rumor mill, Meghan's self-defense courses have reportedly been taken to the next level. Back in December, ET exclusively learned that Meghan was seeking a professional martial arts trainer to teach her the basics of self-protection, inform her of the places she should avoid and what she should do if she was ever approached in public.
According to The Express, the future royal underwent intense training with the British army Special Forces program this week to prepare for worst-case scenarios, which included a "kidnap and rescue" exercise.
In one scenario, according to the British daily, troops used live ammunition as they saved Meghan "so she knows what real gunfire sounds like should she ever be in a hostile situation." The site also reported that Harry was with her during this experience.
RATHER REGAL LOOKS
We'll be the first to admit it -- we pretty much love anything Meghan wears, but her latest look is one of our favorites! The brunette beauty gave off major bridal vibes during her appearance at the Commonwealth Service, wowing in a navy dress and cream coat by Amanda Wakeley, which she styled with a chic, fascinator-style white beret by Stephen Jones, suede Manolo Blahnik pumps and a matching Mulberry clutch.
The bride-to-be kept the rest of her look minimal, wearing her hair down with loose curls and rocking a pretty pink pout and bronzed cheeks.
Stylish, yet so classy at the same time!
LOL OF THE WEEK
Meghan and Harry gave us a tender laugh-out-loud moment this week at Monday's Commonwealth Day service. During Liam Payne's rendition of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change," Harry was caught on live broadcast giving his future wife a subtle eyebrow raise, which made Meghan descend into a fit of giggles. It’s unclear whether the pair was sharing a private joke or reacting to Payne’s performance, but the internet quickly picked up on the exchange.
Meghan also couldn't help but smile as her fiance was singing a hymn during the service. Check out the sweet LOL moment in the video below.
SERVIN' UP SUITS
Is it March 28 yet?! After binge-watching all of Suits from the beginning when we first kicked off this column a few months ago, we're patiently waiting the return of the second half of season seven, which will air at 9 p.m. ET on the USA Network. It's the last time we'll see Meghan in character as Rachel Zane, as the network previously announced she's not returning for the eighth season. But that got us wondering... did all of her Suits co-stars get an invite to the royal wedding?
"The cast has been contacted in regards to invites from Kensington Palace," a source reportedly told HELLO!. "The cast and key executives from the hit US show are on the invite list for the royal wedding."
Though ET has not confirmed this on our own, if this report is true, expect to see a Suits reunion between fan-favorites like Patrick J. Adams (Mike Ross) and his wife, Troian Bellisario (Claire), Sarah Rafferty (Donna), Gabriel Macht (Harvey Specter) and Abigail Spencer (Scottie), at St. George's Chapel.
But the biggest question is, will they all show up in matching suits? We can only hope!
This week, ET also sat down with the stars of Lifetime's Harry and Meghan: A Royal Romance to get the scoop on the upcoming TV movie that will premiere ahead of the royal wedding. "I saw their engagement interview and I just thought it was so sweet," said Parisa Fitz-Henley, who portrays Meghan. "I ended up making a call to my manager and just saying, 'You know, if they ever make a movie about this, I'd love to audition for it.'"
"I feel [Meghan's] way classier than me as a person," Parisa joked. "I feel like she's actually a lady."
SPARKLE LIKE MARKLE
With just a couple of months away from her big day, Megan will be preparing for the role of a lifetime: Officially becoming a royal.
With her new title comes a slew of new rules and responsibilities. Not only will she be representing the crown and have to be mindful of what she says and does, Meghan will also have to say goodbye to certain likes and hobbies. This week, we're rounding up five things Meghan will not be able to do once she becomes part of the family.
1. Must Not Sign Autographs
According to the royal rules, one can only put their signature on official documents or visitor books during official visits, which means Meghan won't be able to sign autographs for fans anymore.
2. Must Not Work in an Office
Bye, bye Suits! Meghan's character may work in a law firm, but the soon-to-be-royal cannot work in an office and instead tend to her official royal duties.
3. Can't Wear a Bright Manicure
According to the royal dress code, women in the royal family can only use nude-colored shades. For the most part, Meghan seems to have always rocked a neutral manicure and hasn’t been spotted with a bright or flashy color during her royal duties.
Though, she's previously been a fan of a black and burgundy mani.
4. Can't Have Profile on Social Media
No more inside looks into her personal life. Meghan already deleted her Instagram and Twitter accounts earlier this year (so sad), and that's because there is a strict rule about the royal family only having their official pages, which are run by professionals. Additionally, last April, the actress announced the end of her lifestyle blog, The Tig, following reports that she and Harry had become involved.
5. Can't Wear Ambiguous Dresses
The bride-to-be has previously stated that she defines her style as "relaxed California girl" and "effortless," and at many past Hollywood events has worn mini dresses and pencil skirts. But from now on she'll have to say goodbye to those LBDs and opt for more modest and classic ensembles.
While Meghan has been adopting her own princess fashion (messy bun and trousers), a source tells ET that Kate is helping Meghan "with advice on royal fashion and go-to designers."
Phew, it's not so easy being a princess!
NEXT IN LINE
After kicking off the week with a family affair, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge still had a handful of events on their itinerary. Following Monday's service, William attended the Commonwealth Day reception at Marlborough House with his father, Prince Charles, and the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla.
The soon-to-be father of three also hosted the winners of The Met Excellence Awards at Kensington Palace on Tuesday with his brother, Harry.
That same day, Kate, who will very soon be giving birth to her third child, met with representatives from British Tennis, Wimbledon, We Are Coach Core and many others to discuss children's tennis initiatives in the U.K.
The royal couple will have some downtime before they both attend the St. Patrick's Day Parade at Cavalry Barracks on Saturday, March 17.
For now, that's a wrap on this week's royals update. Let us know on Twitter (@desireemurphy_ and @lizcalvario) what other regal news you'd like us to cover in the future, and be sure to join us next week, right here on ETonline, for another roundup!
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