Guests from all corners of the country are set to be invited to this year’s Royal wedding, with nine regional Lord Lieutenant offices nominating people to attend.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced that thousands of people will be invited into the grounds of Windsor Castle to share their special day.

Kensington Palace said 1,200 members of the public will be among a crowd of 2,640 allowed in to watch the arrivals of the bride and groom and their guests at St George’s Chapel on May 19, and see the newlyweds start their carriage procession through Windsor.

The 1,200 members of the public will be drawn “from every corner of the United Kingdom” said Kensington Palace, and will be nominated to attend by nine regional Lord Lieutenant offices.

Harry and Ms Markle have asked that the people chosen are from a broad range of backgrounds and ages, including young people who have shown strong leadership, and those who have served their communities.

The palace said in a statement: “Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle have said they want their wedding day to be shaped so as to allow members of the public to feel part of the celebrations too.

“This wedding, like all weddings, will be a moment of fun and joy that will reflect the characters and values of the bride and groom.”

The rest of the invited group will consist of:

? 200 people from a range of charities and organisations with which Harry and Ms Markle have a close association, including those the prince serves as patron.

? 100 pupils from two local schools: The Royal School, Great Park, Windsor, and St George’s School, Windsor Castle - both of which have a strong affiliation with the Windsor Castle community.

? 610 Windsor Castle community members, including residents of Windsor Castle and members of the St George’s Chapel community.

? 530 members of the Royal Households and Crown Estate.

Harry said earlier this week that he and fiancee Meghan were busy planning their wedding which will see the Royal Family, Ms Markle’s relatives and guests gather at the Queen’s Berkshire home for the event.

Mel B has confirmed that the Spice Girls will attend the wedding, and also sparked speculation that the recently reunited band will perform on the big day.

Sir Elton John is also rumoured to be on the guest list and former US president Barack Obama and wife Michelle - who are friends of Harry - are likely to be invited.

The prince and his bride-to-be have already announced that after the wedding ceremony they will be embarking on a carriage procession through the streets of Windsor.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will marry the couple, the Rt Rev David Conner, Dean of Windsor, will conduct the service and afterwards a reception will be held in St George’s Hall for wedding guests and the newlyweds.

Later that evening, the Prince of Wales will give a private reception for the couple and their close friends and family.

One of the charities invited into the grounds of Windsor is WellChild, a national organisation for sick children Harry has supported as patron since 2007.

Colin Dyer, WellChild’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted, but not surprised, that they have decided that their wedding day is an occasion to be shared as widely as possible, supporting the organisations and issues which matter to them.”

He added: “We wish Prince Harry and Ms Markle a wonderful wedding day and married life together.

“We are very grateful that on their special day they have chosen to recognise among others, the work of WellChild, whose role as a critical lifeline to this growing population of children and young people is more important than ever.”