Arts
How these celebrities came to be at the Royal wedding
Celebrity spotters were not disappointed. At times the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle resembled a Hollywood party. Here we examine the possible links that led to the stars’ presence:
James Blunt and wife. AFP
James Blunt
Singer Blunt, 44, best known for his hit ‘You’re Beautiful’, is close to Harry through his former career as a captain in the Army, where he saw action in Kosovo. Like the prince he supports charity work for veterans.
Carey Mulligan
The actress, 32, has a lot in common with the happy couple as she has worked for the War Child charity in the Congo and her older brother has served in the Army in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is also married to…Marcus Mumford. Lead singer of pop group Mumford and Sons, the 30-year-old was probably invited due to his support for the One Campaign, which combats AIDS and poverty.
Oprah Winfrey
She is said to have spent six hours with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland in preparation for a forthcoming interview.
George Clooney
Clooney, 57, may have endeared himself to Harry through his charity work, which focuses on human rights in the developing world. Like the prince, the Hollywood star is one half of a transatlantic couple, being married to… Amal Clooney. The 40-year-old British human rights lawyer combines high glamour and designer dresses with work on serious international legal issues. It was Amal who introduced Meghan to her hairdresser Miguel Perez, who carried out styling for many of the Duchess’ public appearances before the wedding.
David Beckham
Since retiring from football, the 43-year-old has worked for the sort of charities likely to impress a Royal philanthropist – including Unicef and the Elton John Aids Foundation. He was a guest at the wedding with his wife… Victoria Beckham. Posh, 44, is setting up home in a group of converted barns close to the Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire. Meghan has visited the private club, and spent weekends with Harry in a ‘love nest’ nearby.
Serena Williams
The 36-year-old tennis champion has been friends with Meghan since at least 2014, when the future duchess invited her to take part in the ice bucket challenge (which involves tipping a bucket of ice over yourself) on Facebook
Idris Elba
British actor Elba, 45, may have first bumped into Harry when they both attended a memorial service for Nelson Mandela at Westminster Abbey in March 2014.
…but no Barack Obama
The ex-president, 56, has come to know Harry well after meeting him in an official capacity. But it is believed he could not be invited as it would have looked like a snub to current president Donald Trump.
Carey Mulligan and husband. AFP
Amal Clooney and George Clooney. AFP
Oprah Winfrey. AFP
Serena Williams and husband. AFP