Bottoms up! Pubs to remain open till 1am on royal wedding weekend

Bars and pubs across the UK have been given parliamentary approval to stay open till 1am on May 18 and 19, as Britons raise a toast to the royal wedding.

The extended opening hours, which come as Prince Harry ties the knot with Meghan Markle, also coincide with the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United.

The royal couple are set to marry at midday on Saturday May 19, with the ceremony followed by a drawn carriage procession from 1PM.

Although only approved by Parliament in the last 24 hours, the decision was first mooted by the House of Commons in March.

The then Home Secretary Amber Rudd described it as a ‘momentous occasion’.

‘The royal wedding is a chance for communities across the country to join together and celebrate this momentous and happy occasion for our royal family and for our nation’ she said.

‘As shown by the support for the proposal to extend licensing hours, it’s clear that the public back the idea of having more time to raise a glass to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on a day of national celebration.’

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It was today confirmed that Harry and Meghan will ride in an Ascot Landau carriage as they take their ride through the Berkshire town.

‘Prince Harry and Ms. Markle are very much looking forward to this short journey which they hope will allow them to express their gratitude for everyone who has gathered together in Windsor to enjoy the atmosphere of this special day’, Kensington Palace confirmed in a statement.