While the world watched Meghan and Prince Harry tie the knot at Windsor Castle, just 15 miles away another couple prepared to share their special day.
Merilin Pakiyanathan, 27, a Sri-Lankan-born sales assistant at a jewellers store and Justin Rasiah, 36, a software manager from Germany, married at Merton Register Office moments before the royal couple.
Like Meghan and Harry, the two met two years ago through mutual friends and survived a long-distance relationship, finally marrying because they couldn’t bear to be apart any longer.
Mr Rasiah said: “She missed me a lot, she was struggling, in one year I only saw her for 30 days.”
Merilin wanted to get married and was excited to be sharing her special day with the royals.
She said: “I picked this day, but I didn’t know until three weeks ago we would be sharing it, we are very happy and excited.”
She added: “We are as happy as the royals.”
As with the royal nuptials, the wedding was an international event with guests flying in from France, Germany and Sri Lanka.
While having photographs taken, guests streamed the Windsor wedding on their phones.
The bride also snuck a look at Meghan’s dress and said it was beautiful.
Friend of the groom Siva Nadarajah, 29, a business manager from Mitcham, said: “It’s exciting it’s happening on the same day.
“They’ll never forget their anniversary!”
