Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wedding: Will it be a national holiday?

An extra bank holiday was added for William and Kate's wedding, but it will be up to the government to decide

Prince Harry is to marry his American actor girlfriend Meghan Markle, Clarence House has announced.

News of the forthcoming spring wedding was welcomed by people around the world.

Leading the congratulations was Prince Harry's father, Prince Charles, who said he was "thrilled" and "very happy indeed" for the couple.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: "This is a time of huge celebration for two people in love".

But even if the news of their marriage and the inevitable media furore surrounding the event leaves your distinctly underwhelmed, there could still be something to celebrate - you may get an extra day off.

Royal weddings are traditionally held on a weekday, rather than at the weekend.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge married on a Friday and a one-off bank holiday was added for their big day in 2011.

The Queen and Prince Philip were wed on a Thursday.

Whether a public holiday is declared for Harry and Meghan's nuptials, will be up to the Government to decide.

William is the future king, whereas Harry is now fifth in line for the throne - making an extra holiday day more unlikely.

The wedding is also likely to take place in a less high profile venue than Westminster Abbey, where William and Kate were wed.

St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle – which is smaller, but still grand enough for a royal wedding – is thought to be a likely setting.