Julie Etchingham and Phillip Schofield are to host ITV’s live coverage of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on 19 May from Windsor, with a special series of programmes leading up to the main event.
Phillip Schofield commented: “Put your hat on, we’re going to have a party!”
Alongside Sir Trevor MacDonald, Julie Etchingham will also co-host Invitation to a Royal Wedding, which is expected to broadcast on 29 April at 9pm. This hour-long special will look at what goes on behind the scenes when planning and organising a royal wedding, and will look inside St. George’s Chapel, the venue for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s big day.
"I'm delighted to be working on the Royal Wedding - and teaming up again with Phillip, just as we did in 2011 and for the Diamond Jubilee. It'll be a day of big celebrations not only in Windsor but around the country - and it'll be huge fun capturing the spirit of a great British occasion," said Julie Etchingham.
Other special programmes to be broadcast include Royal Wives of Windsor, a documentary examining the lives of women who have married into the house of Windsor, such as Lady Diana Spencer, Wallis Simpson and Camilla Parker-Bowles. The two-part series will explore the royal scandals, weddings and tragedies that shaped the royal family. The series will feature historians, writers, broadcasters and royal biographers giving a review of the monarchy through the lives of these women and the way in which Meghan Markle is already leaving her mark. The episodes are scheduled to air 30 April and 1 May at 9pm.
Prince Harry’s Story: Four Royal Weddings follows Prince Harry’s life through archive footage and commentary from royal sources, historians and journalists. Looking at the turning points in his life, from the tragic death of his mother to becoming a soldier and his humanitarian work, which is set to air on 3 May at 9pm.
Harry and Meghan: The Royal Wedding will encompass the live coverage on the day of the wedding from 9.25am until 3pm and will feature Phillip Scofield and Julie Etchingham giving commentary on the proceedings and hosting guests, including those who know Prince Harry and Meghan, as well as friends of the Royal family.
Journalist Rageh Omaar will report from the Mamohato Children's Centre in Lesotho, where Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Prince Harry, which will hold traditional wedding day celebrations.
In addition to the live rolling coverage, ITV will also broadcast an extended late news bulletin, and a special hour-long Royal Wedding highlights show on ITV3.
