FILE - In this Monday Nov. 27, 2017 file photo, Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle pose for photographers during a photocall in the grounds of Kensington Palace. Photo / AP.
FILE - In this Monday Nov. 27, 2017 file photo, Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle pose for photographers during a photocall in the grounds of Kensington Palace. Photo / AP.
Football fans reacted with incredulity today after the royal wedding was revealed to have been booked for the same day as the FA Cup final.
The marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at St George's Chapel in the grounds of WindsorCastle in Berkshire.
But exactly six months ago today, the 2017/18 FA Cup final was announced for the same day about 18 miles away at Wembley Stadium in North West London.
The start time for the wedding nor the football match has yet been announced, but last season's final in May between Arsenal and Chelsea began at 5.30pm.
As President of the Football Association, Harry's older brother the Duke of Cambridge usually attends the high-profile match and presents the trophy.
But this year, William, who is tipped to be Harry's best man, looks likely to be otherwise engaged with wedding duties.
Football supports and other Twitter users spoke of their amazement at the two events clashing – with some suggesting it will keep the police on their toes.
BBC football presenter Guy Mowbray tweeted: 'Spare ticket going for FA Cup final. Please contact HRH Duke of Cambridge c/o The FA.'
Sophia Cannon said: 'Royal Wedding on May 19 2018. Saturday, no Bank Holiday! It's also the date of the FA Cup Final. The pub TV wars are going to interesting.'
Another Twitter user added: 'FA Cup final day... royal wedding day... transport, police.. yeah, they haven't thought that one through have they.'
FILE - In this Dec. 1, 2017 file photo, Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle arrive at Nottingham Academy in Nottingham, England. Photo / AP/
A third said: 'Woah, woah, woah, the royal wedding and FA Cup date clash. Someone needs to sort this out before they book a venue or anything. Someone DM Harry.'
WOAH WOAH WOAH THE ROYAL WEDDING AND FA CUP DATE CLASH, SOMEONE NEEDS TO SORT THIS OUT BEFORE THEY BOOK A VENUE OR ANYTHING. SOMEONE DM HARRY.
A further one tweeted: 'Prince Hazza hasn't done his homework. What guy in their right mind agrees to get married on FA Cup final day? #SchoolboyError.'
Commenting on the fixture clash, an FA spokesman said: 'Saturday May 19, promises to be a wonderful day with such a special royal occasion being followed by English football's showpiece event, the Emirates FA Cup Final.
'With millions coming together to watch both events at home and around the world, it will be a day to celebrate.'
Royal weddings usually take place on a weekday. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wed on a Friday and the Queen on a Thursday.
But Harry and his fiancee's choice avoids the issue of whether the royal celebration should be a bank holiday.
May 19 is also the day in 1536 when Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I, was executed on Tower Green.
Britain's Prince Harry presents the International award to officer cadet Tang Mindong of China during the Sovereign's Parade at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Sandhurst, England. Photo / AP.
The May wedding will also have been picked to give Kate time to recover after the birth of her third child, which is due in April.
Palace aides have already said that the prince and Ms Markle's wedding will 'reflect their characters and personalities' and be a moment of 'fun and joy'.
