Queen gives formal consent to wedding

LONDON - Britain's Queen Elizabeth has given her formal consent to the marriage of her grandson Harry to US actress Meghan Markle in a historic document made of vellum that is decorated with symbols representing the lives of the couple.

Reading "Now know ye", the handwritten Instrument of Consent carries the Queen's signature, "Elizabeth R", and is sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm, which is attached to the foot of the document by woven cords.

Prince Harry, the sixth in line to the throne, and Markle, best known for her role in US TV drama Suits, are due to marry next Saturday at Windsor Castle, home to kings and queens for nearly 1,000 years.