Why the Queen might be skipping this part of Harry and Meghan's wedding

Shame. Shame.

From the editors of InStyle US

Words by Alexandra Whittaker

With another royal wedding on the horizon, the royal family is gearing up for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to say 'I do.'

They've chosen the wedding cake and sent out the invitations, and everything seems to be on schedule for the 19th May date. But where does Queen Elizabeth fit into it all?

Harry's grandmother has always had a close bond with him, so it's no surprise that she plans to play an important role in his wedding. Royal expert and biographer Katie Nicholl, author of Harry: Life, Loss, and Love, let Entertainment Tonight know what's likely going through the Queen's head right now.

'I'm told from my sources at Windsor Castle that [Queen Elizabeth] is being very, very accommodating,' Nicholl said. 'She has said to the couple, "This is your wedding, this is your day. Plan it as you want it." [This] is very generous because, don't forget, the Queen is opening up her home.'

That certainly fits what we know about how the Queen feels toward Markle, but it sounds like fans of the family can expect that fondness to translate directly into the wedding.

'Don't forget she's hugely close to her grandson. They have a very special relationship. She is thrilled to be seeing Harry settle down and finally marry,' Nicholl said. 'She's going to want to be a very important part of that day and indeed she will.'

Even so, don't expect Queen Elizabeth to be part of everything.

'But I think when it comes to the evening reception and certainly the party, if the Spice Girls are performing then, I don't think the Queen's going to be on the dance floor,' Nicholl said.

Fair enough, Queen Elizabeth. Fair enough.

Roll on May the 19th...