Meghan Markle beams as she shares car to Windsor with Prince Harry on eve of royal wedding

Meghan Markle beamed with delight as she left Kensington Palace today on her way to Windsor on the eve of the royal wedding.

Seated alongside husband-to-be Prince Harry, she waved to crowds of admirers as the couple left Kensington Palace.

The pair were later seen arriving in Windsor, where they are due to spend the night separately before Saturday's ceremony.

TheMegaAgency.com

Their arrival comes as Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, enjoyed tea with the Queen on Friday afternoon.

Ms Ragland, a yoga instructor and social worker, arrived in the UK earlier this week to support her daughter after a week of family drama which saw the bride-to-be's father pull out of the wedding.

Arrival: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Windsor Castle
Reuters

She met William and Kate and their children on Thursday before a rehearsal was held at the wedding venue St George’s Chapel in Windsor ahead of Ms Markle and Prince Harry’s big day on Saturday.

Ms Markle ended days of speculation on Thursday as she confirmed her father Thomas Markle Sr, 73, would not be present at the service following a heart operation.

Announcing the move, Kensington Palace said: "Ms Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George's Chapel on her Wedding Day.

"The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to the Royal Family in this way."

Happy couple: Harry and Meghan smile as they make their way to Windsor Castle
Reuters

The Duke of Edinburgh will also attend the royal wedding and is due to arrive on crutches.

Ms Markle will arrive at the St George's Chapel's West Steps by car, from her overnight accommodation of Cliveden House, with some of her bridesmaids and pageboys. It is there she will meet Prince Charles for him to walk her down the aisle.

She will travel to Windsor by car on Saturday morning with her mother Ms Ragland and the car will make a brief stop at the castle when her mother will then exchange places with the bridesmaids and pageboys.

Royal Wedding: Armed Police on patrol in Windsor - In pictures

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Ms Ragland, 61, will enter the chapel by the Galilee Porch.

London-based couture house Ralph & Russo was hotly-tipped as her dressmaker after the label designed the black and gold gown she wore for her engagement photographs. Botswana tops the list of potential honeymoon destinations after the couple celebrated Meghan’s 36th birthday there last August and the stone in her engagement ring came from the African country.

The last-minute preparations came as Mike Tindall, the former England rugby captain who married into the royal family, said he was welcomed with open arms by them, and that Meghan should just try to enjoy her wedding day.

Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, the former England centre, who married the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Phillips in 2011, said of Meghan: “I think she’ll be nervous, but coming from her background in TV she’s used to the public spotlight. Not quite as much probably as has gone on this week, but she’ll be fine and I think she’s experienced enough to know that all she can do is enjoy the day. And it’s a special day for them both, and as long as they get a quiet moment during the day and actually have enjoyed the day, that’s what I wish for them, and hopefully they’ll live happily ever after.”

Setting: Windsor Castle
Jeremy Selwyn

It is understood that the arrival of Meghan’s mother has been a great help in the lead-up to the wedding. Ms Ragland and Meghan will travel by car to the castle from their hotel, Cliveden House, for the service.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who walked Princess Margaret down the aisle at her wedding to Lord Snowdon in 1960, will attend after recovering well from a hip replacement. Large numbers of royal fans spent last night camped out in Windsor to ensure the best viewing spots.

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