Meghan and her mother head to their hotel after tea with the Queen and Prince Philip - as Wills and Harry greet adoring fans in Windsor

Robert Jobson18 May 2018

Meghan Markle said she is feeling "wonderful" on the eve of her wedding to Prince Harry.

As she arrived with her mother Doria Ragland at the luxury Cliveden House Hotel after meeting the Queen for afternoon tea, the actress was beaming as she posed for photos with her mother before being greeted by the hotel general manager.

Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge earlier met their adoring fans outside Windsor Castle, with just hours to go until Meghan and Harry tie the knot.

Harry, looking relaxed wearing an open-necked white shirt and light jacket, waved to the crowds and chatted to his brother before making a beeline to talk to a young girl waiting among the crowds outside.

Meghan Markle's mother Doria Ragland waves as she arrives at her hotel on the National Trust's Cliveden Estate
PA

He shook hands with dozens of well-wishers. Flanked by his best man, William, the pair chatted and joked with those gathered outside the castle.

At one point Harry was handed a small teddy bear wearing a red sweater, which he gave a quick hug before moving on to speak to a young boy sporting a red, white and blue crown-style hat.

When asked how he was feeling, Harry replied: "Great."

Bride-to-be: Meghan Markle beams as she waves to the cameras as she returns to her hotel
PA

Earlier today it was confirmed that Prince Charles will walk Meghan down the aisle on Saturday, not her mother, who had been the bookies' favourite.

Not long now: Prince Harry greets wellwishers outside Windsor Castle
REUTERS

Kensington Palace said Meghan had asked the Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle at Windsor. The statement added: “The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to The Royal Family in this way.”

The decision came after days of speculation over who would perform the task. Traditionally it is the bride’s father who “gives her away”.

Harry and William on walkabout in Windsor today
AP

Meghan’s 73-year-old father was unable to travel from his home in Mexico following a heart operation this week.

Thumbs up: Harry greets fans
PA

Former Suits actor Meghan confirmed in a statement yesterday that he was too frail and appealed for him to be given “space” to recover.

Prince Harry (L) and his best man Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, greet well-wishers on the street
AFP/Getty Images

It is understood that orders of service have been printed saying that the bride “will be accompanied by her father” — as was originally agreed — when she marries Harry.

An elated Prince Harry waves at fans during a walkabout in Windsor
PA

Ms Ragland, who flew in to Heathrow on Wednesday, is expected to spend half an hour with the Queen today. She has also met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children.

Meghan appeared to be taking a difficult week in her stride as the royal family, her mother and friends rallied round.

William and Harry emerge from the gates of Windsor Castle to greet well-wishers
PA

The bride-to-be was pictured with Prince Harry being driven down Windsor Castle’s Long Walk yesterday for final rehearsals.

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.

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.”

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.

Excitement was building today in Windsor as the hours ticked down to the wedding.

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.

Large numbers of royal fans spent last night camped out on the streets of the Berkshire town to ensure the best spots to catch a glimpse of the couple tomorrow. The armed forces yesterday carried out a dress rehearsal for their roles on the day.

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