Princess Eugenie of York is preparing to wed Jack Brooksbank on October 12. Photo / Getty Images
Princess Eugenie of York is preparing to wed Jack Brooksbank on October 12. Photo / Getty Images
It's the second highly anticipated royal wedding of the year. And Princess Eugenie's big day will mirror her cousin Prince Harry's in more ways than one.
Like Harry and Meghan Markle, Eugenie and future husband Jack Brooksbank will invite members of the public to join in the celebrations when theywed on October 12.
The youngest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson will tie the knot with Brooksbank at St George's Chapel, which was also the venue for Harry and Meghan's big day.
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave after their wedding at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. Photo / AP
A statement from Buckingham Palace said the pair are "delighted to announce an opportunity for 1200 people from across the United Kingdom to be invited into the grounds of Windsor Castle to share the experience of their special day".
People will need to apply via a ballot at publicevents.royal.uk to join the crowd when the couple get married.
Those lucky winners will be able to watch the arrival of the congregation, including members of the Royal Family, and have a prime position as the bride and groom leave St George's Chapel after the ceremony.
Princess Eugenie of York. Photo / Getty Images
Also present in the castle grounds will be representatives of charities supported by Princess Eugenie and Brooksbank, together with members of the Windsor community and children from Eugenie's former schools.
Brooksbank started dating Eugenie seven years ago. They met while skiing in a Swiss resort town, and continued dating long-distance when Eugenie moved to New York City briefly for her career.
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. Photo / Getty Images
"Jack is an absolutely outstanding young man and Eugenie and we have got to know each other over a number of years, and I'm really thrilled for them," Prince Andrew said following the engagement announcement. "I'm just completely overjoyed for them and wish them every happiness," he continued.
Eugenie's mother, Sarah Ferguson, said: "We love Jack and I am so excited to have a son."
Brooksbank is deemed a commoner, like Meghan Markle, his parents Nicola and George are an accountant and a company director.
