Meghan Markle and Prince Harry engagement rumours: Westminster Abbey favourite to host royal wedding

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Robert Jobson24 November 2017

A sudden surge in “specific” bets on a May wedding date for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has caused bookies to suspend wagers on the timing of their expected marriage.

The move came as feverish speculation about an imminent engagement announcement from Kensington Palace reached a new pitch of excitement, amid rumours the American actress has moved her dogs to London.

A spokeswoman for bookies Betfair said: “We pulled it yesterday when we saw some quite interesting betting on May 2018 to be the date for the wedding. Originally the favourite months had been June and July but these bets were quite specific about May. We don’t think there is anything suspicious but there had been lots of reports yesterday about the BBC being put on stand-by and also May would be the first opportunity after Kate has her baby.”

Before the suspension Betfair had priced a May date at 8/1.

Meghan Markle is believed to have moved to London to be with Harry permanently
PA

Betfair today also started taking bets on the location of the ceremony with Westminster Abbey the favourite at 20/1 on, followed by Windsor Castle at 5/2 and St Paul’s at 5/1.

Outside bets include Crystal Palace’s football stadium Selhurst Park and Alexandra Palace at 50/1 and the EastEnders pub the Queen Vic on 66/1. Other wedding-related wagers include “Meghan to wear white” at 50/1 on and “Elton John to sing at the wedding” at 7/2.

Any announcement will be made by Prince Charles’s office at Clarence House, as he is father of the groom.

Speculation has been ramped up in recent weeks that Harry has already proposed to 36-year-old Markle, who stars in TV legal drama Suits.

Prince William and Kate married at Westminster Abbey
Getty Images

It is understood the couple would be allowed to follow in the footsteps of the Queen and Prince Philip, and William and Kate, after Westminster Abbey confirmed Markle’s divorce would not bar her from marrying there. It is understood the Archbishop of Canterbury would have to give a special licence and Harry, 32, would need the Queen’s permission. Question marks have been raised in some quarters over Markle’s suitability for a traditional royal wedding as she was previously married to US film producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013.

Since she and Harry made a public display of their affection at the Invictus Games in Canada in September, she has been cutting back on acting commitments and is said to be shipping her belongings over to the UK to embark on a new life with Harry, fifth in line to the throne.

He has introduced her to the Queen over tea at Buckingham Palace.

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