Hold onto your hats, folks! The highly anticipated wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is set to bring a financial windfall to the UK economy. According to a report from Reuters, the royal nuptials could inject a staggering $677 million into the country's coffers. With fans traveling from across the globe to Windsor and Brits celebrating at home, the economic impact is expected to be significant. Business valuation consultancy Brand Finance predicts that a chunky $271 million will come from tourism, travel, and hotels, as estimated by the company's CEO, David Haigh.

But that’s not all. The celebratory spending doesn’t stop there. David Haigh also forecasts that an extra $203 million will be splurged on parties marking this historic occasion. And let’s not forget the themed merchandise—yes, we're talking about t-shirts, hats, and those ever-popular commemorative dishes—that could rake in around $68 million. England is also poised to benefit from an estimated $136 million worth of global advertising exposure, thanks to the wedding's massive media coverage.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: A Royal Economic Boost

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Industry insiders aren’t just speculating; they’re confident about the economic benefits. Andrew Lee, the manager of the Harte and Garter hotel opposite Windsor Castle, told Reuters, “This wedding is going to be a massive boost for the economy. It’s fantastic to see so many visitors flocking to the UK for this once-in-a-lifetime event, and it’s a thrill to host the wedding right here in Windsor.”

The Royal Effect: A Time-Tested Phenomenon

It’s no secret that royal weddings have historically driven tourism to the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April 2011 attracted an additional 350,000 tourists compared to the same month the previous year. This "royal effect" is a well-documented phenomenon that brings millions of visitors to the UK, generating substantial revenue for local businesses.

This year, VisitBritain anticipates 41.7 million visits from overseas tourists, a figure that will no doubt be influenced by the allure of the royal wedding. The influx of visitors is expected to generate a significant amount of money for the UK economy, making this event not only a royal spectacle but also an economic powerhouse.

Countdown to the Big Day

Since announcing their engagement in November 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have kept fans eagerly anticipating their special day. The wedding is set to take place on Saturday, May 19, at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. While details of the ceremony are still under wraps, it’s already been confirmed that the event will be broadcast globally, allowing millions of fans worldwide to witness the magic.

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This article was crafted by Katie Rosseinsky and initially appeared on our sister site, Grazia Daily.