Meghan Markle to break royal protocol by giving speech at wedding

Meghan Markle is expected to break from royal tradition at her forthcoming wedding to Prince Harry, by giving a speech at their reception. The Sunday Times reports that the former actress will deliver an "affectionate" toast to thank her new husband, the Queen and her friends and family. Meghan may even dare to make a couple of jokes, the report adds.

Her father Thomas Markle, who has largely kept out of the spotlight since the engagement news, is not expected to give a father-of-the-bride speech in front of the 800 or so guests gathered at Windsor. The 73-year-old retired lighting director does, however, wish to walk his daughter down the aisle.

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Meghan is expected to give a speech at her wedding

Meghan has never shied away from using her voice in public. The TV star featured in legal drama Suits for seven seasons, and has experience in giving speeches to large groups of people. In 2015, she gave a powerful speech at the U.N. Women's conference in her role as an advocate for the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.

Speaking without notes at the UN, she said: "I am proud to be a woman and a feminist. A wife is equal to her husband, a sister to her brother – not better, not worse, they are equal. UN Women has defined 2030 as the expiration date for gender inequality, and here's what's staggering: the studies show that at the current rate, the elimination of gender inequality won't be possible until 2095." Calling for women to have a "seat at the table," Meghan added: "It isn't simply enough to talk about equality, we need to believe in it. It isn't simply enough to believe in equality, we need to work at it."

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The couple will marry in May

Where will Meghan spend the night before her wedding?

Harry and Meghan will say "I do" on Saturday 19 May. The couple have chosen to marry at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. A few months later in the autumn, Harry's cousin Princess Eugenie and her long-term boyfriend Jack Brooksbank will also tie the knot at the chapel.