Prince Harry has greeted well-wishers outside Windsor Castle on the eve of his wedding to Meghan Markle who says she is feeling “wonderful”.
Harry and Meghan will spend their last night as an unmarried couple in separate luxury hotels, only meeting again at the altar on Saturday.
Wearing an open-necked white shirt and light jacket, he 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, with an arm briefly around her mother, smiled broadly and looked at ease as they were greeted by the hotel general manager.
Harry shook hands with dozens of well-wishers who shouted “good luck” to the groom.
At one point the prince 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.”
The prince appeared to have a neatly-trimmed beard in preparation for his big day.
It was announced earlier that the Prince of Wales is to step in for the father of the bride and walk Meghan down the aisle.
Kensington Palace said that Charles would give his soon-to-be daughter-in-law away when she marries Prince Harry on Saturday in the historic surroundings of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
The palace said the American former actress had asked her future father-in-law to accompany her as she makes her way to the altar.
In statement, 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.”
Meghan’s father Thomas Markle was forced to pull out of performing the fatherly duty after undergoing heart surgery in a dramatic upset just two days before the wedding.
Ms. Meghan Markle arrives at Cliveden House Hotel, accompanied by her mother Ms. Doria Ragland #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/SqOFhb0Wr5
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 18, 2018
Charles previously performed the duty for Alexandra Knatchbull, the daughter of his close friend, Lord Brabourne, in 2016.
A large security operation saw police manning the barricades outside the castle, snipers on the roofs of high street buildings and sniffer dogs carrying out checks before Saturday’s ceremony.
