Stars line up to attend royal wedding

In a wedding that has broken royal tradition in many ways, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have also surprised with some of the choices for their guest list.

Speculation leading up to the big day focused on whether the couple would invite Donald Trump, or his predecessor, Barack Obama. In the event, neither US president made the list, nor did the British prime minister, Theresa May.

But the lack of heads of state meant an abundance of Hollywood and colour, with a cast that reads like a who’s who of modern celebrity. Taking centre stage on Saturday were …

Sir Elton John

The singer and his husband, David Furnish, were seen chatting and laughing with the Beckhams (see below). There was speculation that John could perform during the evening reception. If he did perform it would be poignant given he sang Candle in the Wind as a tribute to Harry’s late mother, Diana, at her funeral in Westminster Abbey.

David and Victorian Beckham

The former England football captain and the former Spice Girl were also in attendance.

Oprah Winfrey

The US talkshow host was one of the more high profile US guests to make the list.

James Corden

The comedian who has found fame on both sides of the Atlantic was attending with his wife, Julia Carey.

Amal Clooney and husband

The international human rights lawyer arrived wearing a bright yellow Stella McCartney dress. And her husband was there with her.

Priyanka Chopra

One of India’s highest-paid celebrities, Chopra is said to be a close friend of Markle. She arrived with Abigail Spencer, from the cast of Suits, in which the bride has starred for several years.

Serena Williams

The US tennis legend teased on Instagram that she was going to “a friend’s wedding”, without specifying that it was going to be the friend the whole world’s media was watching.

James Blunt and …

As well as Elton John, other musicians were in attendance including James Blunt, and Marcus Mumford. Blunt was with his wife, Sofia Wellesley.

Mumford was accompanying his wife, the actor Carey Mulligan.

Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre

Another British actor taking a place in the pews was Idris Elba, who was attending with his fiancee, Sabrina Dhowre.

Pippa Middleton

The sister of the Duchess of Cambridge came to prominent media attention while acting as maid of honour when Catherine married Prince William. She arrived with James Matthews, whom she married last year.