Prince Harry, 33, and Meghan Markle, 36 are due to tie the knot on Saturday 19 May, at Windsor Castle.
With the wedding of the year expected to boost the UK economy by £500 million, research shows that the UK tourism is already reaping the benefits of these royal nuptials – including some unlikely British towns.
Online travel agency, Opodo, has reported a 33 per cent increase in travellers flying to London across the weekend of the royal wedding, compared to the same dates last year.
The main influx is from Germany, followed by tourists from Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.
Despite our neighbours across the pond showing interest in the Royal Family, American travellers did not make the top ten countries visiting London in May. Instead they came twelfth in Opodo’s findings.
Robert McNamara, head of UK at eDreams Odigeo, commented: “The royal family continues to have massive worldwide appeal, so it makes sense that our findings show a substantial spike in visits to the capital for the weekend of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in nearby Windsor.
“Major cultural events such as this always provide a huge opportunity for UK tourism and we hope our global guests enjoy the best Britain has to offer – in Windsor, London and beyond.”
While well-wishers are expected to turn up in their droves to Windsor Castle on 19 May, data from AirBnb has revealed some surprising alternative locations that tourists are booking over the royal wedding weekend.
The holiday rental company has recorded a global spike in popularity in searches for the nearby town of Slough – undoubtedly due to its closeness to Windsor, some two miles.
Airbnb predicts a 1,437 per cent increase in guest arrivals to Slough over the weekend Harry and Meghan celebrate their nuptials, compared to previous years.
Maidenhead has similarly seen a 362 per cent increase, while Reading has experienced a 57 per cent peak in interest.
Meanwhile, preparations are being made for the big day.
Wedding invitations have been sent out, with 1,200 members of the public being invited to stand in the grounds of Windsor Palace on the day.
However, political leaders have been deliberately left off the guest list, which means the Prime Minister, Theresa May, will not be attending.
Top ten countries travelling to London at the time of the Royal Wedding:
1. Germany
2. Spain
3. France
4. Italy
5. Portugal
6. Austria
7. Norway
8. Denmark
9. Argentina
10. Sweden
