Prince William, the FA president, is a regular at the showpiece match and hands over the trophy to the winners.
But he has a problem – the 137th edition of the world’s greatest domestic cup competition is on the same day as his brother’s wedding.
The initial suggestion from FA sources was that the Duke of Cambridge would make a mad dash from Windsor to Wembley and back.
Chiefs met last month to discuss how the second-in-line to the throne, who is Harry’s best man when he marries Meghan Markle on May 19, could still present the coveted trophy later that afternoon.
Official confirmation is now likely to come today over the final arrangements for Saturday – and whether Prince William will be at Wembley.
An insider revealed to the Express last month: “The plan is for Prince William to be there. Because the couple are getting married at noon and then not reconvening until later in the evening, there is time for William to make the 5.30pm kick off.
“He can then present the trophy before returning to Windsor, probably by helicopter to ensure that he doesn’t miss anything. As far as the FA is concerned, he’s going to be at the FA Cup final.”
This year’s event is logistically challenging because he will be attending Harry and Meghan’s wedding at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, 20 miles away.
Thankfully the couple have decided that their day will be a “game of two halves”, with a lunchtime reception for 600, followed by a long break in the afternoon before an intimate evening reception for 200 guests at Frogmore House.
If the later event doesn’t start before 8pm then William will be able to make it in time, with the use of a chopper or a police escort.
Pubs will be allowed to stay open late on May 18 and 19 so revellers can enjoy both the royal wedding and the cup final.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd confirmed earlier this year that pubs, bars and and other licensed premises will be allowed to keep serving until 1am, instead of the usual 11pm.
The Home Office said previous licensing hours extensions which have clashed with major football fixtures have not resulted in “increased disorder” reports.
