9 Chic Ways to Celebrate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding

Haven't received your invite yet? It’s unlikely you’ll be attending the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding is one of 2018’s most eagerly awaited events, with plenty of ways to get into the royal wedding spirit both within the UK and internationally.

From catching a glimpse of their brief procession route to planning your own royal-inspired retreat, here are some travel options to feel part of the royal event, even if only in spirit.

1. Explore Palaces and Castles Across the UK

Located just steps away from St. James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace, The Stafford London is perfectly situated for a royal experience.

Operating since 1912, this elegant hotel is a hidden gem with deep royal ties, often frequented by members of the British royal family.

Their five-night package features an exclusive dinner at Kensington Palace, a private tour of a stately home hosted by an Earl, and a dinner experience at the iconic Tower of London.

On the royal wedding day, in partnership with In Any Event tours, you can secure a prime viewing spot in Windsor to watch guests arrive at St. George’s Chapel.

You’ll also get a chance to see the newlyweds' procession as they ride through the town in a carriage, waving to the crowds of well-wishers.

Indulge in canapés, cocktails, and a delectable three-course lunch while enjoying the live view of the ceremony.

Additionally, they can arrange an exclusive post-wedding visit to the chapel for an even more intimate experience.

It’s as close to the action as you can get.

2. A royal weekend getaway in the Cotswolds

Nestled in the heart of England’s charming Cotswolds, Ellenborough Park promises a retreat fit for royalty across its 90-acre estate.

Arrive in style in a luxurious Rolls-Royce, before settling into the Arkle Suite, complete with an elegant four-poster bed.

The two-night experience includes activities such as clay pigeon shooting, falconry, and a visit to Sudeley Castle, England’s only private castle with a queen, Catherine Parr, buried on the grounds. She was the last wife of Henry VIII.

For a change of pace, take a stroll through the countryside to Highgrove Gardens, the stunning home of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Ellenborough Park, Southam Road, Cheltenham GL52 3NJ; +441242 545454

3. Experience Royalty in Edinburgh, Scotland

Though it’s about 650 kilometers from Windsor, Edinburgh boasts its own royal grandeur, and the Dunstane Houses offer a “Live like a Royal” package to explore the city’s regal highlights.

The experience begins with a royal Champagne afternoon tea, featuring the Queen’s favorite treats, including egg mayo and cucumber finger sandwiches.

A guided full-day tour will take you through royal landmarks in Edinburgh and beyond, led by the hotel’s resident royal expert.

On the itinerary: Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle housing the Honours of Scotland, and the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Queen’s former floating palace.

End your experience with a whisky tasting and raise a glass to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Ba’ Bar.

The Dunstane Houses, 4 West Coates, Edinburgh EH12 5JQ; +44 (0131) 337 6169

4. A Royal Romance Experience in Palm Beach, Florida

Although the Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida is far from Windsor, the luxury resort has created its own royal experience.

Their ‘Royal Romance Suits You’ package is inspired by the couple and features many of their personal favorites.

The package includes a half-day coastal excursion with Royal Yacht Charters, a custom necklace inspired by Markle’s engagement ring, and a gourmet dinner at Café Boulud, with wine pairings and rotisserie chicken – a nod to the dish Harry cooked for Meghan on the night of his proposal.

Five percent of the package price is donated to a local humane society or one of the royal couple’s favorite charitable organizations, such as World Vision.

The Brazilian Court Hotel, 301 Australian Avenue, Palm Beach, FL 33480; +1 (561) 655 7740

5. A royal shopping and sightseeing getaway in the UK

London’s elegantly named Hotel Café Royal has curated a special package for those who seek a touch of royal retail therapy.

The ‘Empire Royal Wedding’ package includes an overnight stay in the hotel’s most spacious one-bedroom suite, a helicopter tour of London, and VIP limousine-guided visits to Windsor Castle’s Chapel and State Apartments, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to stay during their wedding celebrations.

You’ll also receive tickets to the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, where the couple made their first public appearance together.

Back in London, indulge in VIP shopping experiences at stores boasting prestigious royal warrants.

These include Garrard for fine jewelry, Paxton and Whitfield for artisanal cheese, Floris for fragrances, and Charbonnel et Walker for luxury chocolates.

After all that shopping, unwind with a relaxing afternoon tea in the hotel’s elegant Oscar Wilde Lounge.

Hotel Café Royal, 68 Regent Street, London, W1B 4DY; +44 207 406 333

6. Follow in the footsteps of the royal couple through London’s past and present

There are also more affordable options available for those on a tighter budget.

The London Pass provides access to over 80 top tourist attractions, many with royal ties.

This includes Kensington Palace, the residence of Nottingham Cottage where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will begin their married life.

You can even take your own photos or selfies in the iconic sunken garden, where the couple made their first public appearance after their engagement.

Kensington Palace is currently the home of Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge, and their children, as well as the former residence of Prince Charles and Princess Diana after their marriage in 1981.

Pass holders can also walk down the aisle of St. Paul’s Cathedral, retracing the steps of Charles and Diana, while Westminster Abbey has hosted the British royal family’s coronations since the 11th century.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was also the venue for the marriage of Princess Elizabeth and the newly-created Duke of Edinburgh on November 20, 1947.

7. A royal wedding celebration at Chewton Glen, England

Positioned on the edge of the New Forest National Park in Southern England, Chewton Glen offers a weekend package with a private butler, rejuvenating spa treatments, and an English garden party as you enjoy the royal festivities.

Indulge in VIP treatment with champagne, canapés, and a gourmet lunch as you witness Prince Harry and Meghan Markle exchange their vows. (In the UK, they’re more likely to say 'I will.')

In quintessential English style – as depicted in the movies – you can enjoy a game of croquet on the perfectly manicured lawns.

Dinner is a sumptuous seven-course meal with plenty of opportunities to raise a glass in celebration of the happy couple.

Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, Christchurch Road New Forest BH25 6QS; +44 1425 275341

8. Experience ‘Own a Palace for a Day’ in the Sintra Mountains, Portugal

If you truly want to go all in on May 19, few experiences can rival owning your own palace – even if it's just for a day.

Located in Portugal's Sintra Mountains, Tivoli Palácio de Seteais features 30 beautifully adorned bedrooms, ensuring you'll be the most popular host among your friends.

You'll have exclusive access to the outdoor swimming pool with stunning sea views, grand ballrooms with artworks and tapestries that can double as prime viewing spots, and they’ll even treat you to a delicious breakfast.

As for dining, the restaurant boasts an outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the gardens and mazes, where the sweet scent of roses fills the air.

Few places are as romantic, and the chances are the weather will be far warmer than in Windsor.

Tivoli Palácio De Seteais Sintra Hotel, Rua Barbosa du Bocage, 8 2710-517 Sintra, Portugal; +351 38 795 277

9. Experience royal indulgence at The Drake Hotel in Chicago

Lastly, in Chicago, The Drake, a Hilton Hotel, offers several unique ways to commemorate the royal wedding.

In the lead-up to the big day, the hotel will be screening royal-themed films such as “The Queen” and “Victoria and Abdul” in the Palm Court tea room, as part of a special film and fondue experience.

Their exclusive royal cocktail menu lets guests drink like royalty, featuring favorites like Dubonnet and gin – the Queen’s preferred tipple – as well as Boddingtons, a classic English bitter that Prince Philip enjoys.

A royal afternoon tea will be served in May, and on the wedding day, the Grand Ballroom will host a royal luncheon, though it will be pre-recorded due to the time difference.

In 1996, Princess Diana visited The Drake, and the 2018 menu will feature some of the dishes she enjoyed during her stay.

A portion of all proceeds from royal meals and beverages, 10% to be exact, will be donated to charities supported by Prince Harry, including Help for Heroes and Walking with the Wounded.

The Drake, a Hilton Hotel, 140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611; +1 (312) 787 2200