Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's May wedding: the dates they may avoid

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will get married in May next year, it has been announced, but what are the dates might they want to avoid?

The couple will marry in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, with the American actress set to be both baptised and confirmed before the ceremony, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Kensington Palace did not confirm the specific date of the Royal wedding, with more details to be revealed "in the months ahead as decisions are made".

So what dates are the couple unlikely to choose?

2 May
The couple may choose to swerve this day as it would clash with Princess Charlotte's third birthday.

3 May
Local government elections will take place on 3 May. With millions expected to tune in to watch the Royal wedding, it's unlikely this date will be chosen as people go out to cast their vote.

7 May
This month's early Bank Holiday falls on 7 May next year, however this date may be avoided due its close proximity to the Duchess of Cambridge's due date.

The Duchess is due to give birth to her third child in April and Prince Harry and Meghan may avoid setting a date in early May in case the baby is overdue, like Princess Charlotte was in 2015.

Could 28 May be the date? The second bank holiday of the month could be a possible date for the Royal wedding. A public holiday would allow more people to celebrate the event and watch it unfold at home.

Downing Street has disappointed the nation by saying there are currently no plans for an extra bank holiday to mark the wedding, so a 28 May date could be the answer.

"Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are extremely grateful for the warm public response following yesterday's announcement of their engagement," said Prince Harry's communication's secretary.

"In a happy moment in their lives, it means a great deal to them that so many people throughout the UK, the Commonwealth, and around the world are celebrating with them. "The couple are delighted to be able to announce that their wedding will be held in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle in May next year. As with all members of the royal family, Windsor is a very special place for Prince Harry and he and Ms Markle have regularly spent time there over the last year and a half.

"The couple of course want the day to be a special, celebratory moment for their friends and family. They also want the day to be shaped so as to allow members of the public to feel part of the celebrations too and are currently working through ideas for how this might be achieved. This wedding, like all weddings, will be a moment of fun and joy that will reflect the characters of the bride and groom."