this is bbc news. i'm jane hill live in windsor. the headlines at 11. as the final preparations for tomorrow's royal wedding take place, we now know who will walk meghan markle down the aisle — in the absence of her father. prince charles will accompany the bride when she marries prince harry at st george's chapel here in windsor tomorrow. buckingham palace have also confirmed the duke of edinburgh will attend the royal wedding. and i'm simon mccoy here on the long walk — where the royal procession will pass. the finishing touches and final introductions are being made. meghan markle‘s mother, doria ragland, is due to meet the queen, a day before her daughter marries into britain's royalfamily. the other main stories this hour... russian ex—spy sergei skripal is discharged from hospital — over two months after he was poisoned with a nerve agent in salisbury. the government considers sending hundreds more

british troops to carry out training in afghanistan. and the commons speaker, john bercow, is accused of calling a cabinet minister "a stupid woman" in parliament. hello and good morning. welcome to windsor. a beautiful day here with 24 windsor. a beautiful day here with 2a hours to go to the royal wedding. in the last hour, we have learned... the prince of wales is to step in for the father of the bride and walk meghan markle down the aisle when she marries prince harry tomorrow. ms markle‘s father, thomas, is unable to attend

the wedding due to ill health. in a statement released by kensington palace, prince charles is said to be "pleased to be able to welcome ms markle to the royal family in this way". and as we've heard, confirmation that the duke of edinburgh will be here attending as well. let's catch up here attending as well. let's catch up on all the development. i'm joined now by our royal correspondent sarah campbell. let's start with the news about the prince of wales because of course, it was one of the questions people really wa nted it was one of the questions people really wanted answering. came as the last big question. this statement was released in the last hour, it makes clear that it was meghan markle's decision and that is my understanding. it was her choice that she wanted the prince of wales to walk her down the aisle. the gabba wording... this, my

understanding, is after discussion, i'm told the prince of wales is very touched to perform as role. the choir is halfway down the aisle. i'm told it was always the case she would enter the chapel, walked the first part on her own surrounded by her bridesmaids and page boys, than the original plan was she would meet thomas markle, herfather, at the original plan was she would meet thomas markle, her father, at the choir, but now we know she will meet the prince of wales instead. ordinarily be it would not be the subject of comment that the duke of adam would be here, but significant in that statement as well goode —— duke of edinburgh. the duke of edinburgh had a hip operation last month, he had problems with his hip for a long time. mindful no doubt that he wanted to be as well as he could for the wedding. he got the operation out of the way every

haven't seen him, the royal windsor horse show is all we've really seen of him since april. good news, it seems he is settling well enough to attend tomorrow. it's a big operation, he will have had to get used to the new hip socket, whether he will be using a walking stick is possible, he is 97 next month. it is good news certainly for the whole family that the duke of edinburgh will be there tomorrow. you will be throughout the day. a quick meghan markle's mother has an important appointment. it shows that the queen is in residence, and this afternoon meghan and harry will take a mother to meet the queen. they will have afternoon tea together, a big moment. and after that, meghan and her mother will go to their hotel for the night, harry and prince william will go to theirs. one thing to look out for is you remember

before prince william's wedding, outside clarence house, harry and william went on an unsettled walkabout to meet people camping out. will we have that today? the fa ns out. will we have that today? the fans here would love it. wouldn't they just. thank you fans here would love it. wouldn't theyjust. thank you and more from you later. we are already squinting in the sunshine in windsor, a nice problem to have. much more from here throughout the day as the final elements of the build—up. but the now, back to the studio. the former russian spy sergei skripal has been discharged from hospital in salisbury. we have learned this in the last few minutes. mr skripal and his daughter yulia were exposed to a nerve agent in march. he's been taken to a secure location where he will continue to receive treatment. salisbury district hospital confirmed that mr skripal is now entering an important stage in his recovery which will take place away from the hospital.

with me is our correspondent richard galpin. a number of weeks ago, we knew sergei skripal was gravely ill, it was thought he might not recover. news today that he's been discharged, how is he doing? as they have said now, obviously he is not com pletely have said now, obviously he is not completely back to normal again, the fa ct completely back to normal again, the fact they are saying the treatment continues is just now here's improved to the extent that he now looks to be in hospital in salisbury, he will go somewhere else. but the treatment will continue. we don't let any details of what state he is in, but the nerve agent is normally fatal, so they are lucky to be alive. there could be some permanent damage, some brain damage, we don't know. clearly it isa brain damage, we don't know. clearly it is a very significant moment and treatment, nobody expected them to survive, but they've be able to keep them alive through giving them

ventilation, keeping the heart going, and eventually it seems the novichok nerve agent metabolises out of the body if you can keep them alive throughout that period. what will happen now to sergei skripal in terms of protecting his privacy and his security? both are important. we are seen his security? both are important. we are seen as we've his security? both are important. we are seen as we've heard now, he will be taken to a safe house, his daughter yulia skripal, that is exactly what happened to her, but have not given any interviews, they have not given any interviews, they have been written statements but nothing, they are not appearing before the camera. so we don't expect anything like that. the other key element as to what extent the police and other official sources have been able to speak to sergei skripal to get information about whether they knew anything for debasing anybody, who they believe essentially was the assassins. —— did they see anybody. this is

assuming he is well enough at this stage. what do we know about the broader investigation, the clear run at salisbury and self? this is crucial. the investigation so far, they have not been able to identify any potential assassins. they are still looking for the people or person who put novichok nerve agents on the door handle of the house. the investigation team that extent is stark and they are looking for that and the fact that sergei skripal and yulia skripal has survived is important. hundreds of additional british troops could be sent to afghanistan following recommendations by the defence secretary. the bbc understands that gavin williamson has written to theresa may suggesting the uk boosts its military presence in the country — but no decision has yet been made. andy moore reports. british combat troops left afghanistan in 2014 after more than 400 lives had been lost. the very last man carried

with him the union flag. but since then, the taliban have regained control over parts of the country. in the western provincial capital of farra, the militants are fighting for control of the city. they're being kept at bay, just, by afghan forces backed by american drone strikes. thank you very much, and, uh... under president trump, the us has decided to send an extra 4,000 troops to afghanistan, and he's called on his allies to match that commitment. only yesterday, he met jens stoltenberg, the secretary general of nato, at the white house. mr trump criticised countries like germany who don't spend what they should on defence, but praised countries like the uk who do. they paid the number that they're supposed to be paying. we have some that don't, and they'll be dealt with. as a result of these contributions,

nato is much stronger. this helmand at the height of the fighting. british soldiers this time will not be going back to combat roles. they willjoin 600 troops in the capital, kabul, help train afghan forces. in a brief statement, the ministry of defence would only say that the uk's military contribution in afghanistan is kept under constant review. andy moore, bbc news. with me is our defence correspondent, jonathan beale. is it isita is it a foregone conclusion given the recommendation from the defence secretary? it is likely that britain will send more troops, already have it sent 100 more last year. because the americans have increased their numbers, the increased another 3500 groups bringing the total in the country to 15,000. the question is

will be numbers, how many. i think 400 is the upper limit for the 600 troops already there. possibly as many as 400, it may not be that much, but clearly a decision will be made in the future is likely to be tied in with the nato summit when donald trump is visiting brussels and will come to the uk as well. donald trump is visiting brussels and will come to the uk as wellm will be troops come in and training role as the troops already there are? is it important to say, people worry about mission creep, is this a sign of britain getting back to a combat role in afghanistan like we we re combat role in afghanistan like we were in helm and for eight years. this is purely in the training role, advise, assist the afghanistan the forces, but provide security as they are at the moment in kabul. this is more of the same with more troops. it's because of the pressure the us

is putting on, other nato allies, to match their contributions in afghanistan. america is prepared to ta ke afghanistan. america is prepared to take greater risk, it is pursuing a more aggressive military strategy, there has been a dramatic uptake in a number ofair there has been a dramatic uptake in a number of air strikes. the goal here is to get the taliban to the negotiating table, whether that works is another matter. thank you. back now to windsor where the final preparations for the royal wedding are under way — and jane hill is there for us. good morning. hello. 24 hours to go. let's just remind us good morning. hello. 24 hours to go. let'sjust remind us if good morning. hello. 24 hours to go. let's just remind us if you are joining us of that announcementjust in the last hour or so. two significant pieces of news, the news prince charles, the prince of wales, walk meghan markle down the aisle at the chapel tomorrow. this is after

it was confirmed yesterday, her father was not well enough to come to london to attend the wedding, to come to the uk. prince charles will walk her down the aisle. they also added today the duke of edinburgh will definitely be here for the wedding tomorrow. of course, that released as a statement because the duke of edinburgh had a hip operation only a matter of weeks ago. he will be turning 97 next month, so some good news there that duke of edinburgh is well enough to come to the royal wedding in light of that operation that he had. and i think we may be getting just a few more details about some of the final key elements over the course of the day. after those two key announcements, we have had some more, because for example, earlier on this morning, kensington palace

released the recipe for the cake. here it is... it contains amongst other things 500 free eggs from suffolk. it also needed 20 kilos of butter and flour. baker claire ptak has been working on the cake in the buckingham palace kitchens with her team of six for the past five days. she is californian and has been chosen by meghan markle to make the cake. she has revealed the layered lemon and elderflower cake — in three parts of varying sizes — will be presented in a nontraditional way. i'm not entirely sure what that means but we'll find out tomorrow! and will be decorated with some of the couple's favourite flowers. i'm watching at that trying to get some tips but on show will be

lovely. with me now is royal butler and etiquette expert grant harrold. he worked for the royal household, particularly prince charles for many yea rs. particularly prince charles for many years. he is now deeply involved in the world of etiquette. we want to talk about that, but actually you have tasted at least the last two royal wedding cakes. this one sounds a bit different. it does because it's obviously fruitcake traditionally and i mackie —— i had two pieces from the royal weddings. i keep them, it is very smart and a nice keepsake. are you meant to keep it? i hear people sell them for various amounts of money but i'm not one to part with mine but i'm not one to part with mine but i'm not one to part with mine but i'm terrified one person will go in and suddenly start eating it so i keep it hidden. lemon, elderflower and butter cream it looked like, that's what eating, not for keeping.

you wouldn't want to keep that. whether they do the same send it out, is another matter, you'd need a use by date. but it's a nice idea, it's a modern royal wedding it's fantastic. this is part of the younger royal couple doing it having their own little elements. on that theme, what will have been said, how much would meghan markle have said, this is a younger woman with no background in these circles are not brought up in this country could say a lot to learn? it's notjust british etiquette, you remember the royal family, what to do when you see the queen and whatnot royal family, what to do when you see the queen and what not to do. she will be learning as you go. people say, will people be teaching her, the reality is they will learn

from the family, they are masters when it comes to etiquette and how to behave. she will watch them, attend many events with them, and she will learn the will roll. there must be certain things, six nine months ago, will she have had lessons or help from members of the staff, this is who you say yes or no to, this is what they do, that is as a whole new world. if anyone asked me advice, i would say this is what you do and don't do when you meet the queen or the brand. you nudge ahead for a gentleman and curtsy for ahead for a gentleman and curtsy for a lady —— —— the queen or the prince. i notice you didn't have any tight and royal ladies usually wear tights and now she wears them. it is skin tone neutral. this these changes have happened and you notice them, they are subtle. that's interesting as well because you wonder, it will be fascinating for

us wonder, it will be fascinating for us to know if there was ever any push back, she might say she hated wearing tights. she might say why do wearing tights. she might say why do we have to do that? that's possible because it is a young modern couple. they will do things the way they wa nt they will do things the way they want to do them to an extent. but they still have their own identity. prince harry is known for hugging. in the world of etiquette, we say you don't hug. if you are offered a hand to accept the handshake. i now say, if you are offered a hug, you hug back. this is what happened they have their own way of doing things and it's fantastic. it brings the mighty up—to—date, shows that they have this wonderful tradition and history but they are also modern family. and tomorrow you will be inside the ground, you are one of the group of 2000 who have been invited to come and watch. you are going to have the most fantastic

view! unexcited, the last time i got to get in but you miss out —— i'm excited. the la st but you miss out —— i'm excited. the last time was wonderful. but it will be lucky to be invited somebody bats guest and witness from the outside as well. i feel privileged unlucky. —— i feel privileged and lucky. enjoy the day tomorrow. thanks for being with us. royal wedding fever here and the sun is adding to that. it's probably as sunny as los angeles and over there in california, our college has been finding out what kind of attraction and the wedding here in windsor has in the usa. at meghan markle's old school in los angeles, the festivities have begun early.

a royal garden party, california style. there was even a corgi, as well as a double helping of red, white and blue. i think it's a wonderful thing. i think that she best represents our school motto, which is "educating the hearts and minds of girls for 100 years". and, through her humanitarian efforts through world vision, i think she best embodies that. she's such an inspiration, definitely to all for princess reasons and for acting reasons, definitely. why is she an inspiration to you? she's definitely an inspiration to me because she went to my school. she also went to my elementary school too, so i feel like i'm following in her footsteps. that definitely makes it so inspriring, because, like, you never know what could be next in your life, and for her it's princess. well, this celebration is a curious combination of british tradition and american exuberance,

and it also marks a golden pr opportunity for a family that carefully crafts the image it projects to the world. in hollywood, where meghan made her name, tourists signed a card for the happy couple. but what do locals make of it all? i've been following the royal wedding and i'm very excited. i think it's a great thing that the royals are diversifying and starting to look like the rest of the world. because, personally, here in america, we don't believe in that, you know, royal stuff. everybody's created equal. they should be working, just like i'm working. and action. hello, everyone and welcome. i'm marlise. and i'm elyse. both: and welcome to our royal wedding dish. harry's getting married... to an american! an actress! from la! these americans are excited. # i'm just wild about harry, and harry is wild about meg.# for the the anglophile channel broadcasting from los angeles,

it doesn't get bigger than this. it's like a local girl done good. so i think the interest in america is so great because it's one of our own marrying into the royal family. and an american divorcee hasn't married successfully into the royal family since it almost brought the british monarchy down with wallis simpson in the ‘30s. music: dancing queen by abba for many americans, the monarchy is a soap opera, and even though the wedding starts at 4am la time, there'll be plenty of viewers here for the episode with the hollywood princess. james cook, bbc news, los angeles. 4am, about the time some of us will be here on out there we are. thousands of people are expected to be coming to windsor, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple, where — after they get married —

they'll travel through the streets in a carriage procession. to remind you of that route... the procession will leave castle hill, travel through windsor‘s high street, onto sheet street, kings road and albert road — and then it will proceed up the long walk all the way back to st george's hall by windsor castle for a lunchtime reception, which is being given by her majesty the queen. 600 guests will be at the first reception. that is the route for tomorrow. it will be televised as well, you don't have the crashed into the tiny streets of winter. the lovely weather will attract quite a

lot of people. that —— the tiny streets simon mccoy is on long walk. before i go, i got some of the ingredients for the cake, was it 20 grams flour? this elderflower cordial and there i think. they're mixing that up. i'm just writing it down. i hope you got a fridge because those ingredients need to stay cold. where do i get a piece? we we re stay cold. where do i get a piece? we were talking about fruit cakes here on the long jab long walk. —— here on the long walk. this is what it's about, this is when people get into the swing of things. that means putting on your crown, getting the royal wave right, getting the dogs out, and generally looking regal. and perhaps day, of course.

very hot here. —— it's a hat day. one thing that people will focus on apart from the hat is the jewellery. that's took to the editor of vogue. we've got a sense of what meghan markle likes injewellery, harry chose the engagement ring. it's quite a risk for agreeing to go down on one knee with the ring. she obviously loves it and it suits her. in terms of tomorrow, we're all going to be looking at her headgear or tiara, does she have to wear one? she doesn't have do. there has been a precedent since 1930 that royal brides have a tiara with an exception of the duchess of cornwall. but we want had to wear

one andl cornwall. but we want had to wear one and i think people want to see that where one. it is a royal wedding and we are not talking about the phone, there isjewellery available to members of the royal family the higherup available to members of the royal family the higher up the pecking order? in the queen has loaned her tiaras to the duchess of cornwall and the duchess of cambridge. there are other tiaras available, there are other tiaras available, there are lots we haven't seen for some time, she may surprise us. there is one that the queen mother had that is sleek and modern, 1920s, that would be fantastic. there is the tiara, william and catherine had diana's engagement ring, maybe there

will be a spencer won. we will all be looking. in terms of the general look, how much is dependent on what the dress looks like? will the jewellery be there to match that?“ you are wearing a big dress, you have to train. will she wear a big dress? not if fixing of the fashion industry make glamorous grounds and to fill up that and have a bit of gravitas, she is very petite, she will want it to be very telling macro big enough, not drowned in frost be very telling macro big enough, not but do have a statements and have that kucha or quality. to balance that, you need something on your head, something to secure the veil, iimagine she head, something to secure the veil, i imagine she will go small on her ears, i imagined studs, maybe she will be given a gift by harry or the queen all the prince of wales. maybe that will be on show for the first

time. it's difficult notjust marrying for the royal family but people with more jewellery than anybody. i don't called that difficult! it's her day, let's not forget this. i hope she wears their historic temp jewels. you forget this. i hope she wears their historic tempjewels. you have to flau nt historic tempjewels. you have to flaunt it and wear it as an ambassador. enjoy tomorrow as we all will. that's it from the long walk. let's go back to the studio. more from simon and jane later. the speaker of the house of commons, john bercow, has been accused of swearing, and calling a senior minister "a stupid woman" during an angry outburst in parliament. according to the daily telegraph, his remarks were aimed at the leader of the commons, andrea leadsom in parliament on wednesday. a spokeswoman for mr bercow said he treated colleagues with respect. our political correspondent eleanor garnier is at westminster. in the last few moments, some

interesting comments from the prime minister's official spokesman? the usual meeting of the prime minister's spokesman and journalist here in westminster, they were asked about this and said we have seen the alleged remarks and clearly think there are unacceptable. if there is an official complaint made it should be properly investigated. as to the future ofjohn bercow, downing street refused to be drawn on that, seeing the speaker is elected by mps and questions are for parliament. this alleged outburst apparently happened just after prime ministers questions on wednesday. it's been reported in the daily telegraph which had the headline this morning, speaker accused of calling andrea leadsom a stupid woman. there was the allegation thatjohn bercow

described andrea leadsom as useless but that was prefaced with a word beginning with f. when we spoke to the speaker's office last night to get reaction, they said he would not comment on private conversations and acknowledge that strong and differing views had been expressed in the chamber on what had been an unusual and controversial day in parliament. added that mrjohn bercow treated colleagues with respect. there is no denial that those words and phrases had been used in the statement, i've been in contact with a spokesman for andrea leadsom this morning with the meagre statement which said i'm focused on ensuring that people who are treated u nfa i rly ensuring that people who are treated unfairly in parliament and will have their complaints dealt with in a rigorous and fair manner. there have been calls forjohn bercow to resign, but over allegations of bullying, which he has firmly denying. there was also separate

talk in westminster about how one he will on in thejob. when he first got into the speaker chair, he said he would do it for nine years or no longer than nine years. that deadline is coming up and people here have been asking how long will here have been asking how long will he go on? he has been a controversial figure he go on? he has been a controversialfigure in he go on? he has been a controversial figure in parliament, psion please talk of him being irritating but on the other hand supporters have said he has been a real supporter of backbench mps making sure they had enough time in parliament to scrutinise the government work, he is also known for doing a lot of work promoting parliament and the role of parliament outside westminster, doing lots of school visit and things like that. so yes, there are questions aboutjohn bercow and how long he will continue in the role, i think that is set against the context of him being a controversial figure. thank you. lots of beautiful blue skies, let's

catch up with the weather with simon king. sunshine in windsor, it is a beautiful day for many parts of the uk. but not everywhere. cloudy skies across northern ireland and scotland towards the north—west. with the cloud there is some rain affecting the far north—west of scotland at the far north—west of scotland at the moment and that will shift its way further northwards through the rest of this afternoon. elsewhere, the sunshine will continue. it will feel warmer than yesterday. temperatures up by a degree or so. little bit chilly round the north sea coasts and the far north of scotla nd sea coasts and the far north of scotland and northern ireland. there will be little change this evening and clear spells taking us into saturday morning and it will be a chilly start to saturday. there will be lots of sunshine. whatever you

are doing, royal wedding celebrations, street parties or garden parties, it will be dry with warm sunshine. by sunday it will be cloudy in scotland and northern ireland with patchy outbreaks of rain. goodbye. this is bbc news, our latest headlines: prince charles is to walk meghan markle down the aisle at her wedding with prince harry, ending speculation after her father said he wouldn't attend the wedding for health reasons. meanwhile meghan markle's mother, doria ragland, is due to meet the queen for the first today — a day before her daughter marries into the royal family. more than two months after a nerve agent attack in salisbury, former russian spy sergei skripal has finally been released from hospital. the defence secretary has recommended to the prime minister that the uk boosts its military

presence in afghanistan — though no decision has yet been made. the speaker of the house of commons, john bercow has been accused of calling cabinet minister andrea leadsom "a stupid woman". the prime minister described the alleged remarks as "unacceptable". it is time for the sport now. let's get the latest from john watson. good morning. goalkeeperjoe hart has followed jack wilshere in expressing his disappointment at missing out on selection in gareth southgate's england squad, calling his exclusion gutting. the pair are two notable absentees from the 23 man list. posting on instagram this morning he said it was hard to take having played every minute to qualify with the team. this is what southgate had to say about the exclusion of both players.

joe hart, it was a difficult call. he has played in most of our qualifying matches, has been a big pa rt qualifying matches, has been a big part of england's team in the last few years and been a valued member of the squad. of course, in the end i have got to look at the performances over the course over the last 18 months with the clubs. various things that go in your mind asa various things that go in your mind as a manager when you are picking a tea m as a manager when you are picking a team and picking your squad, in the end the three lads we have picked have been the three best goalkeepers in the league this year, english goalkeepers. jack had a good spell in the lead up to christmas and just after. i think not as effective towards the end of the season and we think the other guys have played very well and deserved their place in the squad. darren moore is set to be appointed wets brom manager

on a full time basis. moore came in to replace the sacked alan pardew but couldn't steer the club to safety, despite being unbeaten in april during his spell as interim manager, as the club were relegated. with just over a week to go simon yates, is still wearing the leader's jersey at the giro d'italia. stage 13 gets underway this afternoon after he maintened his lead yesterday. where a sprint finish was always expected, ireland's sam bennett got the win in torrential rain. yates finished just behind in the main bunch though, and for the 6th stage in a row, keeps the lead now at 47 seconds — there's nine stages to go. owen farrell is a "winner" and will put his own stamp on the england rugby team according to head coach eddiejones. farrell replaces dylan hartley as captain for next month's south africa tour to give hartley a break to recoverfrom concussion. jones says "owen is a completely different character to dylan" comparing his leadership style to that of australia

great george gregan. andy murray has not asked for a wildcard into next week's atp challenger event in loughborough. the double wimbledon champion has not spoken publicly about his recovery from hip surgery, but the bbc understands a recent setback has left his chances of playing on grass this summer in some doubt. now, manchester city's gabriel jesus is not only a hero for the premier league club, he's an inspiration in his home town too... in the build up to the world cup, a mural has been painted on the houses of the sao paulo neighbourhood he grew up in. this is where the player made his name, before his mega money move to manchester city. world cup fever clearly atking hold, with the striker set to star for brazil, who will be hoping to eradicate the painful memory of that heavy semi final defeat to germany four years ago on home soil. that's all the sport for now. back now to windsor where the final

preparations for the royal wedding are under way, and simon mccoy. picture postcard stuff, isn't it? yes. there are lots of people who wa nted yes. there are lots of people who wanted to be here today and are enjoying this atmosphere as it builds up. just 24 hours to go and everywhere you walk there are people getting into the spirit of things. some people just getting getting into the spirit of things. some peoplejust getting into getting into the spirit of things. some people just getting into the spirit, to be honest. it is difficult to go somewhere without someone difficult to go somewhere without someone attracting your eye. i was walking along and you want one queen and suddenly three turn up at once. this is jean, caroline and suddenly three turn up at once. this isjean, caroline and rebecca. i described you all as fruitcakes, i apologise now. i do wonder why, what have you all done? we have had a

wonderful day, enjoying the crowds, enjoying the atmosphere and it is brilliant, what fun to be in windsor for a royal wedding. brilliant, what fun to be in windsor for a royalwedding. having brilliant, what fun to be in windsor for a royal wedding. having fun is one thing but designing and making crowns is another, what have you done? they are my crowns, i am the nutter and i persuaded my two friends to come with me. this is a replica of the imperial state crown, i made them out of cardboard, foil and stuff you can buy in a craft shop. this is the st. edwards crown but the queen was crowned with. this is the dog's crowned, i have the smallest crowd, the smallest flag. i feel like a bit of an interloper. she has got her special wedding collar on. when you decided to come here today, was itjust to say i was

there, it is a great day? why would you do this? rebecca lived in windsor and jean and i live in windsor. i have warned the crowns all this week and it creates a lot of fun, people taking photographs of us. of fun, people taking photographs of us. it is great for windsor because there is so much more to windsor bamba cassel. people wandering around, people have something else to photograph because the couple are not available until tomorrow.“ to photograph because the couple are not available untiltomorrow. it is about enjoying the wedding, isn't it? absolutely, front row seats tomorrow, enjoying it. there are 2000 journalists in this town today, you will meet every one of them, i suspect, you will have a busy day. thank you. look at them waving. how long did that take to rehearse? been

practising for weeks. let's talk about tomorrow. whilst the world's eyes a re about tomorrow. whilst the world's eyes are on the cassel behind me and the wedding tomorrow, it is a big day for lots of other couples tomorrow. we have some other weddings tomorrow and theyjoin me from birmingham. many congratulations to both of you. the one thing you will be sharing is a bit of nerves, how are you feeling? not too bad, the butterflies have started to kick in but other than that, it has been 0k. yes, not too bad. you had set this date before they did? yes, definitely. as soon as they announced it, we said, we knew they would take the 19th of may. what time are you getting married? 1pm tomorrow. this will be

all over by then. i am going to ask you a question, will you have a television anywhere near tomorrow?|j will television anywhere near tomorrow?” will be watching it while i am getting ready. i joked will be watching it while i am getting ready. ijoked about having one at the service but we were told we we re one at the service but we were told we were not allowed. you have been together two and a half years, what advice would you give these two who have known each other, it would appear not quite as long as that, what do you make of the interview they gave, what do you think of them asa they gave, what do you think of them as a young couple? what a question? what a question. be kind and have lots of fun. it is choosing each other, it will be fun. i am talking to you, you are on telly today, they are on telly tomorrow but today is a day of what? arming yourself down?

presumably you will go off on your separate ways and not see each other until tomorrow? we have separate ways and not see each other untiltomorrow? we have been separate ways and not see each other until tomorrow? we have been setting up until tomorrow? we have been setting up the church this morning and then the reception venue this afternoon and then we have our rehearsal today. then it is separate ways this evening andl today. then it is separate ways this evening and i will see isabel tomorrow at 1pm tomorrow afternoon. an early night for both of you, many congratulations and whilst everybody is talking about this couple here, i know lots of people will be talking about you two. enjoy your day. thank you. that is the latest from the long walk. but let's go back to jane hill. thank you, simon. let's talk to two people i windsor castle who have enormous experience in some of the key elements of a big wedding day. with me are david emmanuel,

princess diana's wedding dress designer and emma sampson, florist and owner of the green parlor who was part of the team who worked on the flowers for catherine, duchess of cambridge. huge experience. the two people involved this time around, the lady in charge of flowers and who may have designed the dress, how nervous are they at this stage with 24 hours to go or is it all sewn up? there is a lot of movement for the flowers, a bit of wriggle room with seasonality and freshness. generally the plans are in place, they know what they are in place, they know what they are doing. there is the moment they have to pull it all off but i think they will be feeling calm at this stage. thinking about the heat and the temperature. i realise the people in your line of work think about that, but it is hotter today than we anticipated so that has to be an issue? yes, there will be some

last—minute changes, some swap overs with the flowers due to the heat but hopefully it should hold and it will look fabulous. as far as the dress is concerned, it should be finished! if anything like with diana's time, it should be delivered to clifton where meghan markle is staying. i think they would automatically have a room it will have a final pressing and it will hang and ready to dress the bright tomorrow. will she try it on one more time? no, it is done. a final fitting a couple of days before is enough, she will not change size that much, however nervous. the fitting is done it is a question of getting it delivered under cloak without anybody seeing anything. i remember doing diana's getting to clarence house the day before in the back of an old truck that nobody would recognise, getting

out all the corgis everywhere, we we re out all the corgis everywhere, we were allocated a bedroom for diana and the bridesmaids. as we were about to hand her wedding gown, there were workmen on the roof. i was responsible for closing all the curtains in the room. i think the queen mother heard about it. that was in the days when did and have mobile phones and everybody out there with a camera. it was kept secret for so long the last thing you wanted was a builder to say, it isi you wanted was a builder to say, it is i very! how much say do you think, where is the balance between meghan markle saying this is what i want, this is my style, i am 36 and i have my own sense of style? she is a woman in her own right, a successful actors. it is a special bond between a dressmaker and it

their client. she might have part of her anatomy she wants to camouflage and part she wants to show. she is american, she could have an american designer. hello! she is marrying into the british royalfamily, will she have british? traditionally, the history of royal brides it is always british. british designing and british. british designing and british fabric. it is notjust address, it has got to make a statement. it has got to be larger—than—life. it has got to be super, if she goes in as plain meghan markle, the queen may be stellar title on them. quick thoughts, we know from her social media accounts she cannot run, she has a certain favour of flour, will that come into play tomorrow?”

think we will see a bit of colour in there, a bit of lily of the valley and the traditional flower that goes into every royal bouquet. that was queen victoria, a sign of love. enjoyed tomorrow, we may see each other tomorrow and that conversation is continuing and we have lots more to talk about here. where shall we had to next? let's return to anita for now and we will have much more from here in a little while. this is bbc news, our latest headlines: prince charles is to walk meghan markle down the aisle at her wedding with prince harry, ending speculation after her father said he wouldn't attend the wedding for health reasons. the former russian spy, sergei skripal, has been discharged from hospital, more than ten weeks after the nerve agent attack in salisbury.

theresa may says she regards alleged remarks by speaker, john bercow, calling commons leader andrea leadsom a "stupid woman" as "unacceptable. " in the business news: many uk households have been getting half the broadband speed they pay for. according to which?, average speeds are "far slower than in ads". it means that from 23rd may, broadband providers will no longer be able to advertise "up to" speeds unless that speed is received by 50% of their customers at peak times. cambridge analytica has filed for bankruptcy in a new york court late on thursday. the firm was at the centre of this year's facebook privacy row. it has listed assets in the range of $100 to $500,000 but liabilities in the range of $1m to $10 million. both it, and its british parent scl elections said earlier this month they'd suffered a sharp drop in business. paypal has bought izettle,

a swedish mobile payments company that sells a card—reader aimed at small businesses, for £1.6 billion. the takeover comes less than three weeks after izettle said it would list shares in stockholm. now, in case it slipped your notice, a royal wedding is happening tomorrow. according to some reports the wedding could bring well over a billion pounds to the uk economy. and one area in particular that should receive a major boost is the luxury sector. walpole is the industry body for british luxury representing some 210 brands from burberry to bentley motors to claridges. and joining me now is walpole's group ceo, helen brocklebank. your estimates could give the british fashion industry £150

million in 2018, how did you get to that figure? i would like to say it came from me but it came from a group called brands finances have a lot of experience in estimating those figures. it is notjust fashion, it is the luxury peace. the royalfamily is fashion, it is the luxury peace. the royal family is one of the greatest ambassadors in this country for luxury brands around the world. we export 70% of what we produce in this sector so anything that puts the spotlight on those brands is a boost to the economy. the major focus will be what is meghan going to be wearing? she could wear an american designer, surely not? what are your predictions?” american designer, surely not? what are your predictions? i think it would be bucking the trend if she wore an american designer. she has shown an interesting sense of the brands, empowered the brands she has

supported. very tiny, british luxury handbag designer but she wore early on so instantly. she went to wales and wore the genes that are made in wales so she is showing, in the way the british royal family wales so she is showing, in the way the british royalfamily does, and incredible support for british business. luxury brands already feeling the benefit of the meghan effect, and she has become well—known for supporting smaller, british brands? that is what is interesting. you would expect somebody who is successful in her own right, already has a very strong sense of her own style, have an independence when it comes to what she chooses. she is looking for those small brands she can support and makea those small brands she can support and make a huge difference to. it is transformative for a and make a huge difference to. it is tra nsformative for a brand and make a huge difference to. it is transformative for a brand to be chosen by the royalfamily, but put particularly meghan. because she is

american, it is an extra boost. american, it is an extra boost. america is the single biggest market for british luxury brands. we are all looking for a halo effect. we will have to see if she keeps the wedding dress designer secret until tomorrow. i think we might be surprised by hugh she chooses. helen, many thanks. quick bit of other business news... the former deputy governor at the bank of england, charlotte hogg, has given herfirst interview since resigning. speaking to the bbc, ms hogg said the experience has made her a "different kind of leader" and that people should be allowed to bounce back from mistakes. once tipped for the top job, she left for not declaring her brother was a senior executive at barclays, something that might be perceived as a conflict of interest. workers at two branches of the american diner chain tgi fridays are holding walk—outs over changes to tips and wages that they say will cost them hundreds of pounds a month. the change in policy redistributes customer tips from waiters to kitchen staff. the 24—hour strike will affect branches in milton keynes

and covent garden. the firm said it pays its staff fairly and is working to find a resolution. legal and general has launched the first ever investment front aimed at encouraging gender diversity among uk firms. the l&g future world gender in leadership uk index front, or girl for short, will favour shares in firms that have the best record on gender diversity. only one of the uk's biggest 350 firms achieved full marks for diversity. european shares dipped in morning trading on friday but were on course for eight straight weeks of gains, supported by a rally in energy shares and a weaker euro, which helped investors shrug off worries over italy. meanwhile the ftse100 in lodnon is flat after closing at a record high yesterday, continuing it's recent winning streak thanks to the falling pound. that's all the business news. the world health organisation is holding emergency talks

about the ebola outbreak in the democratic republic of congo. the drc health ministry has confirmed 14 new cases of ebola. 25 deaths are being investigated. the world health organisation says the risk to public health has gone from high to very high at the national level. president trump has tried to rescue his summit with kimjong—un by promising the north korean leader he would remain in power if he gives up his nuclear weapons. the north threatened to pull out of talks after comments by the us national security advisor, who said that libya could serve as a model for how to denuclearise the korean peninsula. this appears to have alarmed north korea, given that the libyan leader, colonel gaddafi, was killed by western—backed rebels. an eruption at a volcano in hawaii has sent ash 30,000 feet up into the sky. residents of big island have been warned about dangerous levels of toxic gas and pilots have been told to avoid the ash cloud. the kilauea volcano began erupting two weeks ago — it's last eruption was in 1924.

scientists say more activity could be expected. not everyone is overcome with royal wedding fever. regulars at one pub in derby have been warned that they will be fined if they mention harry and meghan's big day on the premises. the landlady of the alexandra hotel told reporters that anyone mentioning the event will be asked to make a donation to charity. the headlines are coming up on the bbc news channel. in a moment we say goodbye to viewers on bbc two. first we leave you with for a look at the weather. we have blue skies and sunshine across many parts of the uk. but across many parts of the uk. but across scotland and northern ireland, there is more cloud. some cloud spilling a way ahead of that and it is high—level cloud and it will turn the sunshine hazy but plenty of blue skies and this is the scene in herefordshire this morning.

for the rest of this afternoon, there is not going to be a great deal of change from outside the window at the moment. a few outbreaks of rain affecting the far north—west of scotland and that will clear away. for england and wales, a bit warmer than was yesterday. 17 to 19 degrees. around the north sea coast, chilly here and chillier towards the north—west. into the weekend, high pressure in charge of the weather and that is what is keeping things settled, dry, bright and sunny and also warmer. for the royal wedding in windsor, it will be a chilly start, but lots of sunshine. high uv levels on the bridge is getting up to 21 degrees into the afternoon. it's notjust the royal wedding that will enjoyed the royal wedding that will enjoyed the sunshine, the scottish cup final, the fa cup final, anything you do on saturday should be dry with plenty of sunshine around and temperatures into the high teens and

low 20s. as we go into the afternoon, we have fine weather both at hampden park in the afternoon and at hampden park in the afternoon and at wembley with sunny skies. in this sunday, we will see a slight change in the weather. some rain moving into the far north—west. there is a weather front pushing in from the north—west. towards the south east it is largely fine and dry. sunshine on sunday for england and wales and it will feel warm with light winds. the rain moving to northern ireland and into the north and west of scotla nd and into the north and west of scotland and some of it could be heavy on sunday. temperatures hear about 12 or 13. elsewhere in scotland, about 16 degrees. elsewhere in england, temperatures in the high teens to the low 20s. will be mostly dry, some showers around, particularly on tuesday when they could be heavy. but for many others there will be warm sunshine into next week. plenty to have the

friday feeling about. i will leave you with that, goodbye. this is bbc news. i'm jane hill live in windsor. the headlines at midday. as the final preparations for tomorrow's royal wedding take place, we now know who will walk meghan markle down the aisle — in the absence of her father. prince charles will accompany the bride when she marries prince harry at st george's chapel here in windsor tomorrow. buckingham palace have also confirmed the duke of edinburgh will attend the royal wedding. i'm simon mccoury on the long walk where the procession walk whether professional pass tomorrow. final preparations are being made. crowds are beginning to build as meghan markle's mother,

doria ragland, is due to meet the queen, a day before her daughter marries into britain's royalfamily. the other main stories this hour: russian ex—spy sergei skripal is discharged from hospital — over two months after he was poisoned with a nerve agent in salisbury. theresa may says she regards alleged remarks by speaker, john bercow, calling commons leader andrea leadsom a "stupid woman" as "unacceptable. " the government considers sending hundreds more british troops to carry out training in afghanistan. hello, good afternoon. welcome to windsor castle. exactly 24 hours to go. what we're been told this morning about the wedding is... the prince of wales is to step in for the father of the bride and walk meghan markle down

the aisle when she marries prince harry tomorrow. ms markle's father, thomas, is unable to attend the wedding due to ill health. in a statement released by kensington palace, prince charles is said to be "pleased to be able to welcome ms markle to the royal family in this way". the final piece of the wedding choreography. it will be prince charles who will walk meghan markle to the altar tomorrow, a statement from kensington palace said miss meghan markle has asked his royal highness the prince philip rails to accompany her down the aisle of the choir at st george ‘s couple grey chapel on their wedding day. the prince of wales is pleased to be able to welcome mixes her into the family. she will enter the chapel through the great west door and then will the first part of

the aisle the nave of the chapel accompanied by bridesmaids and pageboy. then at the choir screen on the left here, prince charles will join her and walk with her through the most historic part of the chapel, to the high altar where harry will be waiting. it said to be missed —— it's said to be meghan's decision that in the absence of her father, it should be prince charles who is with her. among the streets of windsor, it is disappointment that her mum was not walking her down the aisle. would like to see her mum walking her down the aisle or walk herself down the aisle. if it were me,| herself down the aisle. if it were me, i will be pleased that charles is walking me. it's a father figure, you know what i'm saying? it means that hey meghan, i love you. you are

in love of my son, welcome to the royal family. whatever her mum is comfortable with, it would have been lovely but if she prefers not to, it's wonderful to have prince charles doing it. the arrangements for tomorrow are pretty much complete. it's also been confirmed the duke of edinburgh will attend the duke of edinburgh will attend the wedding, six weeks since his operation. windsor is basking in the sunshine and bracing itself for the biggest royal event to be staged here in recent memory. you certainly get a sense of the scale of this because just the crowds we have seen. because just the crowds we have seen. i would because just the crowds we have seen. iwould imagine because just the crowds we have seen. i would imagine this glorious weather we are having is contributing to people wanting to come out onto the streets of what windsor. let's look at the scene, the helicopter images from above babacarfor the palace, the helicopter images from above ba bacar for the palace, they looking absolutely beautiful. —— the castle and the powers. spring sunshine,

even hotter today than we had anticipated and we think it will be like this tomorrow as well. that may indeed encourage the crowds, either before we have this bout of good weather, the police said they expect tens of thousands of people to gather in windsor. the streets are narrow, it's a small place, oh my goodness. it looks today, imagine what it will look tomorrow. this is a flavour of those hardy ones who really have been camping out for quite a few days now. although it's gorgeous at the moment, my goodness, it is cold in the evenings and it is very cold overnight. they are brave, i would not do what they are doing! pretty chilly night for an awful lot of those people. their reward will come tomorrow because that possession, the carriage procession that harry and meghan will make when

they are just newlywed, that is going to be quite something to behold particularly in this sunlight. we'll have more from windsor throughout the morning here on the bbc news, but for now, lets head back to annita in the studio. thank you. the former russian spy sergei skripal has been discharged from hospital in salisbury. mr skripal and his daughter yulia were exposed to a nerve agent in march. he's been taken to a secure location where he will continue to receive treatment. salisbury district hospital confirmed that mr skripal is now entering an "important stage in his recovery" which will "take place away from the hospital". our correspondent duncan kennedy is outside salisbury district hospital. you've been following this story right from the outset for us. this is quite remarkable news given that at the beginning of all of this, we just didn't think they were going to survive? that's exactly right. the prognosis at the beginning of this

at the beginning of march, was that they wouldn't survive are particularly sergei skripal who seem to have the worst of this dose. but a extraordinary two and a half months, culminating today and the release of sergei skripal, back on sunday, march four he and his daughter yulia skripal who are derived from moscow, they went for a drink and a meal in salisbury city centre and ended up convulsing in that famous bent on a park, they we re that famous bent on a park, they were brought here to the hospital and it was clear they were the victims of a nerve agent, extraordinary piece of news. it was then confirmed to be novichok and then confirmed to be novichok and the end of the pointed at russia. a policeman was released from hospital and in early april, yulia skripal was released and taken into protective custody, and now two and a half months on, the sergei skripal himself has been discharged, the

hospital described this as fantastic news for the result of hard work, skill and professionalism of nhs staff. they describe it as an unprecedented challenge and said this is an important stage in sergei skripal‘s recovery which will now ta ke skripal‘s recovery which will now take place away from a hospital. we are not being told where, presumably possibly with yulia skripal into protective custody for the recovery to continue. you talk about protective custody, in the longer term, what do we know about how the family will be looked after and how they will be protected? the short, honest answer is we don't know. the speculation early on in this investigation is there might be in a witness protection programme in the united states. that was never clarified or confirmed by the department. we've had a statement from the metropolitan police this morning which alludes to this a little bit, they say first of all that they are pleased that mr

skripal has been released. they say their investigations continued and are making good progress. they are saying this is an complex investigation and will continue to piece together evidence to establish the full facts. the statement continues to say, in the interests of safety for sergei skripal and yulia skripal, we will not discuss any protective or security arrangements that are in place for them. they are obviously in those protective and secure environments, but are protective and secure environments, butare —— protective and secure environments, but are —— we are not being told where they are. the hospital say they continue to receive medical help. so there cannot be too far, in the wilds of scotland as someone suggested a few weeks ago, in the secretive house, it's probably much nearer to civilisation so there recovery programme can continue. as to whether we will ever see them or get a statement, we just don't know at this stage. thank you.

the speaker of the house of commons, john bercow, has been accused of swearing, and calling a senior minister "a stupid woman" during an angry outburst in parliament. according to the daily telegraph, his remarks were aimed at the leader of the commons, andrea leadsom in parliament on wednesday. a spokeswoman for mr bercow said he treated colleagues with respect. meanwhile, the prime minister's spokesman has described the alleged remarks as ‘unacceptable'. our political correspondent eleanor garnier sent this update from westminster a short time ago. the usual meeting of the prime minister's spokesman and lobby journalists here in westminster, they were asked about this and said we have seen the alleged remarks and clearly think they are unacceptable. if there is an official complaint made, it should be properly investigated. as to the future of john bercow, downing street refused to be drawn on that, just saying the speaker is elected by mps

and questions like that are for parliament. this alleged outburst apparently happened just after prime minister's questions on wednesday. it's been reported in the daily telegraph which had the headline this morning, speaker accused of calling leadsom a stupid woman. there was the allegation thatjohn bercow described andrea leadsom as "useless" but that was prefaced with a word beginning with f. when we spoke to the speaker's office last night to get reaction to this, they said he would not comment on private conversations and said they acknowledge that strong and differing views had been expressed in the chamber on what had been an unusual and controversial day in parliament, adding that mrjohn bercow treated colleagues with respect. you will notice there is no denial that those words and phrases had been used in the statement. i've been in contact

with a spokesman for andrea leadsom this morning which sent me this statement which said i'm focused on ensuring that people who are treated unfairly in parliament and will have their complaints dealt with in a rigorous and fair manner. there have been calls forjohn bercow to resign, over allegations of bullying, which he has firmly denied. there was also separate talk in westminster about how long he will stay on in the job. when he first got into the speaker's chair, he said he would do it for nine years or no longer than nine years. that deadline is coming up and people here have been asking how long will he go on? he has been a controversial figure in parliament, some mps talk of him being irritating but on the other hand supporters say he has been a real supporter of backbench mps making sure they had enough time in parliament to scrutinise the government work, he is also known for doing a lot of work promoting parliament and the role of parliament outside westminster,

doing lots of school visits and things like that. so yes, there are questions aboutjohn bercow and how long he will continue in the role, i think that is set against the context of him being a controversialfigure. hundreds of additional british troops could be sent to afghanistan following recommendations by the defence secretary. the bbc understands that gavin williamson has written to theresa may suggesting the uk boosts its military presence in the country — but no decision has yet been made. andy moore reports. british combat troops left afghanistan in 2014 after more than 400 lives had been lost. the very last man carried with him the union flag. but since then, the taliban have regained control over parts of the country. in the western provincial capital of farra, the militants are fighting for control of the city. they're being kept at bay, just, by afghan forces backed by american drone strikes. thank you very much, and, uh...

under president trump, the us has decided to send an extra 4,000 troops to afghanistan, and he's called on his allies to match that commitment. only yesterday, he met jens stoltenberg, the secretary general of nato, at the white house. mr trump criticised countries like germany who don't spend what they should on defence, but praised countries like the uk who do. they paid the number that they're supposed to be paying. we have some that don't, and they'll be dealt with. as a result of these contributions, nato is much stronger. this helmand at the height of the fighting. this was helmand at the height of the fighting. british soldiers this time will not be going back to combat roles. they willjoin 600 troops in the capital, kabul, help train afghan forces. in a brief statement, the ministry of defence would only say that the uk's military contribution in afghanistan is kept under constant review.

andy moore, bbc news. with me is general sir richard barrons, a former commander of joint forces command, who led campaigns in afghanistan. thanks forjoining us. first of all, do you think the uk should be sending more troops to afghanistan, potentially doubling the number?” think they should because we have deep recognise syntheses combat operations in 2014, this has not turned out as we all hoped. —— since we seek to combat. the idea that the national thank you itty —— the national security forces in afghanistan would stay alone and that has not happened, we're looking ata that has not happened, we're looking at a stalemate and we need a proper discussion on how to stop the fighting. should the british effort continue to focus on training and

security rather than active front line roles? everyone is clear that the contribution we make now is to help train and sustain the afghan national army in particular. there is an effort there, 500 soldiers training officers for the afghan army. that's an important contribution. the best thing we can do is make the afghan national forces stronger, and that will secure and shape dialogue in the region. with this be happening even without donald trump nuisances beginning of this presently urging nato —— donald trump has been urging nato —— donald trump has been urging nato —— donald trump has been urging nato to up their presence?” think they should because people ca re think they should because people care about a stable and future afghanistan but i doubt it would happen without the us pressure, this is part of the wider security where as america's is saint europe must hold up the their deal. as far as

the us is concerned, this is where us and uk interests are aligned? there are 50,000 forces in afghanistan and if we are piled contribution to the 1000, we would still be short of the roughly 10% we we re still be short of the roughly 10% we were expected in the campaign. do you think dubai minister will sign off on this? i have no way of shaping the prime minister's opinion but i think this is the right thing for the government to do. the world health organisation is holding emergency talks about the ebola outbreak in the democratic republic of congo. the drc health ministry has confirmed 14 new cases of ebola, taking the number of people infected in the current outbreak to 45. 25 deaths are being investigated. the who says the risk to public health has gone from high to very high at the national level. let's speak to professor daniel bausch, director of uk

public health's rapid response team. he joins us via webcam from geneva. thanks forjoining us. tell us what you know about this outbreak so far, clearly the spread of the virus, a more rural part of the country to a busy port city is of great concern? that's correct, it's a fluid situation and we are looking for more information but we have a case ofa more information but we have a case of a large population centre like the regional capital of 1.2 million people, it is of concern. right now we are trying to get more information of how many of the suspected cases are confirmed and how spread out this virus is, in that particular area. our viewers will probably remember the outbreak in 2013-2015 that will probably remember the outbreak in 2013—2015 that killed more than 11,000 people. we know in this instance, dw 80 and msf have reacted

quickly —— a what was learned from the previous outbreak? many lessons were learned outbreak which was larger than anyone could have anticipated. now we are making sure that we don't have such a grave situation, there has been a swift response, it is not an easy area to respond, it is promote and difficult in terms of communication and transport. —— it is remote. so far it has been aggressive by many different international organisations including as in the uk, it is a serious situation but we are on top of it right now as well as we can be. is there a vaccine induced already? that is vaccine, was used in 2016, an experimental vaccine was used and that experimental vaccine is in kinshasa. there are logistics that need to be

put in to get to that area of the outbreak and in terms of keeping it cold so it's not inactivated during transport. and of course the logistics of getting right people to administer it, it still experimental so it will be under a study protocol but it can be an important tool to stop this outbreak. thank you. back now to windsor where the final preparations for the royal wedding are under way — and jane hill is there for us. it's looking absolutely glorious there. isn't it? we couldn't have asked for more, nor, happy couple. lots of crowds are expected in this small town, we will hope the same. the crowd who will be gathered will

be watching the couple, the newlyweds, go on that carriage procession through the streets and one of the things people are going to be wanting to see is what is meghan markle wearing? i'm joined now by christine ross who set up the blog meghan's mirror. she's based in washington, dc. the blog is increasingly populous and the engagement, i'm sure. it really is, 20 same at. this is hot for british standards, can i explain. thank you for explaining that! thanks for standing in the sunshine. the point of your website is you examine and talk about meghan markle's style because she has very carefully cultivated quite a clean style that is very much hers. talk us style that is very much hers. talk us through what it's about and therefore what people are looking for tomorrow. you've done a great job selling it but that's what we do, we track and report on what she is wearing. we are open to a lot of

discussion on it and we are seeing that fashion as she steps into the royal role, it's interesting for fashion watchers to see her go from the ripped jeans did a more tailored tuxedos. that's really interesting to see. her casual style is lovely. that sort of classic look of genes, maybe with a very clean shirt and minds. felix clean as —— clean lines. that is absolutely her luck. i do know what expect she will be allowed to wear the jeans when the royal family?” will be allowed to wear the jeans when the royalfamily? i wonder if we will ever see the jeans again, i don't know. she looks urban and modern and cosmopolitan but has a messiness to her, that messy bun that everybody loves to talk about and there's always something slightly imperfect. she likes the french anaesthetic when it comes to her style where it's not completely perfectly polished, it makes her

more related wound down to earth. the conor occur how much say is she going to have in this and what people predicting?“ an interesting discussion, the front letter is russo and some people think she will go with a ralph and russo design which is over the top with feathers of a american? now, they are based in london. it's a representation —— nice commonwealth representation. it would be unexpected from the brand, it's not her style, it would make it more fun to talk about and dissect the choice. she will have to stick to the royal standard i think which is conservative, covering her shoulders. i think she will make a bold and modern choice. we wait to

see and i know it's an exciting day for you and everyone who reads your website. thanks for joining for you and everyone who reads your website. thanks forjoining us. thank you. we touched on the crowd in the streets on what they are hoping to see. let's bring you the reminder of where the route is. the procession will leave castle hill, travel the through windsor‘s high street, onto sheet street, kings road and albert road — and then it will proceed up the long walk all the way back to st george's hall by windsor castle for a lunchtime reception, which is being given by her majesty the queen. that's the reception for 600 people. a smaller private occasion is in the evening for 200 people. simon mccoy is on long walk. just looking at that map, you wonder how they are feeling having walked out of the church. they've got all that way to go on a hot day, they will will be want a glass of something. that's just a

will will be want a glass of something. that'sjust a personal thought. but still to emily nash, world correspondent for hello magazine. you will have the wedding photographs in your next edition but you've got a team here. it's the build—up that still makes the things what they are? exactly, it's the spectacle, the arrival of all these people from all over the world, it's a little campsite at the colour, the punting going great bunting, all of those things, making it distinctively british. —— the bunting. you've had interest from all around the world? we have franchises all around the world, it is in south america, the prize, the philippines, australia, new zealand. this is really global event, it may not be what harry and meghan planned when they'd set out to have an intimate wedding as described, but it is a worldwide phenomenon. there is huge interest in him, i think. we are talking about a young couple in love, it's their big day and a

wedding day, people went lose sight of that. in their magazine, what will you look for particularly? are those magic moments of the day that will in many ways personify it? everybody is waiting for the kiss. we won't over buckingham palace balcony moment, it's a different location. i'd love to see the chapel steps, as they emerge, and then again on the royal procession. they are incredibly tactile, we've seen that a lot on engagements in the uk. i'd be surprised if we don't have a lot of affection moment and of course, the children, and i think there will be an adult on the scene to wrangle them in an order, so they are between 2—7 so we may get some tantrums. we want princess george and charlotte running around and causing mayhem? i'd be disappointed if none of them pull funny faces? because it's essentially a family event, we've already seen with a family event, there will always be issued. not everything goes to plan. we certainly seem that this week. the announcement today that prince

charles will walk her down the aisle, what do you make of that?” think it's a lovely touch. it really shows how much she has been embraced by the family, america was in the loss is ourgain by the family, america was in the loss is our gain as they say. it says a lot about the plan, she said she was going to walk by herself with the children, so maybe will have the wrangling there. but she's essentially giving her self away, she is not giving —— been given away, but accompanied. there's an element of uk plc about all of this. 2000 journalist, every time you walk cry when that there was a microphone in their hands, people are obsessed! —— when you walk around windsor. tha nkfully —— when you walk around windsor. thankfully the weather is plain ball. windsor looks beautiful, that

is bred, white and blue, and people will be booking trips as a result of what you are seeing on your shown. we are on a flight path. there's that wonderful trick about americans sometimes think why did they build a castle on a flight path which we won't repeat because that would be wrong. let's get a weather update. we have got blue skies, just a bit of cloud ahead, that's not spoiling the feel of the weather. things are feeling a little bit warmer out there as well. it's going to be staying dry. for any couples planning a wedding, this is the sort of whether you would reorder if you could do. how are things shaping up to the course of the weekend? the wedding weather is looking pretty

decent. the forecast is for things to stay dry notjust here in windsor but across the country. there will be long spells of sunshine and you'll be pleased to hear it's going to be feeling pleasantly warm out there as well. this afternoon, things are dry across the country, a bit more cloud towards the north—west of scotland, northern ireland to whether it is quite breezy, for england and wales, just a little fair leather cloud around and temperatures between 17—19d, attacked cooler around those north sea coast with onshore breeze. fine and dry and that's the story as we had to this evening and overnight. with light winds and clear skies overnight, a recipe for a fairly chilly night ahead. through the early hours of saturday, in the countryside, some tempered his will get close to freezing in a few spots. day, six the high—pressure drive the weather, not many isobars so not much wind away from the

north—west of scotland. the forecast for windsor is looking decent, more mist and cloud should clear to leave lots of sunshine by the afternoon, and tomorrow we should see tebbutt is up to 21 degrees. saturday is looking for in the morning, there might be the misty patch first thing which had left and clear way, that is the story across england and wales. further north west, across the country, for scotland and northern ireland there was more chance of cloud and breeze. the sunshine, temperatures tomorrow, temperatures a degree higher, highs of 17-21d temperatures a degree higher, highs of 17—21d were 22 in one or two spots on saturday. the royal wedding is that the any event, we have the scottish cup final, the fa cup final as well for both these events are staying dry, temperatures in hampden park around 18 degrees. and at wembley, highs of around 20 or 21 celsius. it is looking decent for the football as well. it lies on the

royal wedding, and things are looking beautiful through the day tomorrow. the sunshine holding on it is saturday evening and overnight as well, into sunday. the second half of the weekend for most of us is also shaping up to be fine, england and wales again having a sunny day, more cloud. and in northern ireland whatever it is around 16—17d. towards the south—east in the sunshine, could be around 21—22dc again on sunday. beautiful conditions here lasting throughout the course of the weekend, temperatures around 40 degrees or so at the moment. it's going to be warming up as we had over the next few hours. beautiful conditions here. this is bbc newsroom live, our latest headlines: prince charles is to walk meghan markle down the aisle at her wedding to prince harry, ending speculation after her father said he wouldn't attend the wedding for health reasons. and buckingham palace has also confirmed that the duke of edinburgh will be attending the wedding — he had been in hospital for surgeryjust last month.

former russian spy sergei skripal has finally been released from hospital, two months after a nerve agent attack in salisbury. the government is considering sending hundreds more troops to afghanistan — after the defence secretary wrote to the prime minister recommending an increase. commons speakerjohn bercow has been accused of calling cabinet minister andrea leadsom "a stupid woman". the prime minister's spokesman described the alleged remarks as "unacceptable". the world health organization is due to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the risk of ebola spreading from the democratic republic of congo. there have been 11 new cases of ebola, with a total of at least 55 people infected in the current outbreak and 23 suspected deaths. rebecca kesby reports. it isa

it is a race against time. experimental doses of vaccine are arriving in the democratic republic of congo. now that the deadly ebola virus has spread, it will be difficult to contain. but this is a country familiar with this disease. it's had nine outbreaks in the past 40 yea rs. it's had nine outbreaks in the past 40 years. translation: there are a bowler kits and they are being deployed. msf in the capital has stocks destined to be more effective and deployed faster. we already used pa rt and deployed faster. we already used part of the stock we had here and we are waiting for the rest. speed is essential now. criticised for their slow response to the major ebola out—brake slow response to the major ebola out—bra ke west africa slow response to the major ebola out—brake west africa in 2014, 16 which killed more than 11,000 people, health organisations are determined to get a grip on this ad

break early. translation: now is the time when we still control it. it is that we make the effort to avoid and stop the epidemic. it is very good we have a vaccine, but it is only part of the solution. the challenge is how to inform the public to stay safe without causing panic. translation: i want the authority is to organise medical controls, especially on boats coming from affected sites. the government must forbid all gatherings because ebola can be transmitted by human contact. regular drills are held in sierra leone to prepare for another ebola out—brake. leone to prepare for another ebola out—bra ke. nearly leone to prepare for another ebola out—brake. nearly 4000 people died there in the last academic. like other countries in the region, it is on high alert. but now with the disease present in a port city, the fears are disease present in a port city, the fears a re real disease present in a port city, the fears are real it might make its way

down the mighty river congo to the capital, with a population of 10 million people. president trump has tried to rescue his summit with kimjong—un by promising the north korean leader he would remain in power if he gives up his nuclear weapons. the north threatened to pull out of talks after comments by the us national security advisor, who said that libya could serve as a model for how to denuclearise the korean peninsula. this appears to have alarmed north korea, given that the libyan leader, colonel gaddafi, was killed by western—backed rebels. for the first time in the cia's history, a woman will lead the agency. gina haspel, who's a cia veteran, has been confirmed by us senators as its director. many politicians opposed her nomination. ms haspel once ran a secret prison in thailand where terror suspects were subjected to water boarding. police in malaysia say they've made a massive seizure of cash, jewellery and designer handbags in raids on homes and offices linked to the former prime minister, najib razak. mr najib and his wife were banned

from leaving the country after he unexpectedly lost power in elections last week. earlier i spoke to bbc‘sjonathan head who is in kuala lumpur. he has more on the police raid. (dtl next) the search started on wednesday evening and they took hours at the home. that went on into yesterday morning. there were more searches of apartments believed to be owned by mr najib. it is hard to total up what has been taken. the police have listed 72 boxes of cash and hundreds of boxes of handbags. these are very upmarket handbags. they have released a virtual who's who of designer brands they found, watches, jewellery. how much this has to do

with what they say it is linked to, which is the investigation into this government linked investment company, which has been the subject of international enquiries for some time, is unclear. but it is sending a public message out which is common investigation which was shut down by mr najib three years ago has been restarted and he is the primary focus. no talk of any charges or arrests yet, but the public are being treated to social media images of shopping trolleys full of very well—known designer handbags, piled up well—known designer handbags, piled up high, being wheeled out. it is sending a clear message they are looking into the wealthy lifestyle of the former prime minister and his wife. jonathan head, reporting. figures obtained by the bbc suggest that large numbers of people who challenged a decision to remove their main disability benefit were successful last year. in the south—east of england, london and wales, around three—quarters of those who contested a decision about their personal independence

payment won their appeals. the charity, scope uk, claims the figures show "fundamental flaws" in assessments for personal independence payment aren't being addressed. some households in britain only get half the broadband speeds they're promised, that's according to the consumers' association. it found, from its broadband checker tool, that customers paying for speeds of up to 38 megabits, received on average 19 megabits. also many customers on faster packages were only getting a quarter of what was advertised. campaigning has come to an end ahead of this weekend's presidential elections in venezuela. current leader nicolas maduro is predicted to win another term despite a spiralling economic crisis and historically low approval ratings. but turnout is expected to be low in a poll that's been condemned by critics as a sham. our south america correspondent katy watson reports from caracas. at its final campaign rally, a dance

with his first lady. the results are predictable, so why not celebrate now? joining them on stage, one of nicolas maduro's supporters, football legends, diego maradona. this crowd are fighting hard to keep him in the topjob, despite this crowd are fighting hard to keep him in the top job, despite the worsening crisis. translation: we are never going to accept a right—wing government. we will defend the legacy of who goad chavez until we die. translation: we have an economy crisis created by the us government. we will resolve our problems. we don't want foreign interference.“ feels like a party atmosphere but not everyone is here voluntarily. a

woman came up not everyone is here voluntarily. a woman came up to not everyone is here voluntarily. a woman came up to me a not everyone is here voluntarily. a woman came up to me a short while ago and said, she felt she had to turn up because if she didn't she would lose her pension and herjob. also in the crowd, i met one of his closest advisers and i suggested to him people were suffering and fleeing the country. his response? to ask his colleagues if they were suffering? a total denial. across town, protesters call for an end to the dictatorship. they are outside the dictatorship. they are outside the headquarters of venezuela's secret service, where political prisoners was staged a revolt this week. there has been no official word on what happened, families are still waiting for news. translation: the big fear is that the life and integrity of our families is at the hands of a murderous regime that is capable of anything and capable of retaliating against those who have raised their voices. most keep their heads down, they just want to survive another day and

with shorterjudge of food, medicines and buses. people waiting for hours to catch their ride home. they are angry with the government, but they are apathetic about voting. translation: in my view, we know he will win the election, there are no guarantees of furnace. while political passions run high, patience is running out and most people have given up on change. an eruption at a volcano in hawaii has sent ash 30,000 feet up into the sky. residents of big island have been warned about dangerous levels of toxic gas and pilots have been told to avoid the ash cloud. the kilauea volcano began erupting two weeks ago — it's last eruption was in 1924. scientists say more activity could be expected. thousands of people in the north of colombia have been told to leave their homes, over fears of massive flooding. there's already been some, on saturday, at the itwango

hydro—electric dam, after a blocked tunnel was cleared. now heavy rains are worrying authorities, who fear the banks could breach. lebo diseko reports evacuate right now, the message from police as they order people to grab what they can and head for safety. nearly 5000 have been told to leave their homes overfears nearly 5000 have been told to leave their homes over fears of massive flooding. this hydroelectric dam under construction was to be the largest in a country, but heavy rains have increased water levels in the river which feed sick, leading to concerns its banks could burst. problems with the construction project itself have added to the danger. translation: this is an undesirable situation, a complex one because that water, hitting the base of the dam could erode and possibly

destabilise its infrastructure. water levels have been rising by the hour and the governor has declared ita hour and the governor has declared it a public calamity. thousands living in the surrounding towns have started the long walk to safety. many have been placed in temporary shelters, like this one. their homes may not be saved, but at least these people are. back now to windsor where the final preparations for the royal wedding are underway — and simon mccoy. hello, simon. lots of people now coming here and that the top of the long walk, people setting up camp for what will be a rather interesting night here. thousands of people already on the high street are heading here. whilst there is a huge amount of interest in this country, as there always is with a royal wedding, but this is different

because there is an american marrying into the british royal family. we have every american network, everyjournalist from america is here in windsor. let's show you what is happening in the united states. and meghan markle's old school in los angeles, the festivities have begun early. a royal garden party, california style. there was even a corgi, as well as a double helping of red, white and blue.” corgi, as well as a double helping of red, white and blue. i think it isa of red, white and blue. i think it is a wonderful thing and i think she best represents our school model, which is educate the hearts and minds of girls for 100 years. and humanitarian efforts through world vision, she is such an inspiration. she's such an inspiration, definitely to all for princess

reasons and for acting reasons, definitely. why is she an inspiration to you? she's definitely an inspiration to me because she went to my school. she also went to my elementary school too, so i feel like i'm following in her footsteps. that definitely makes it so inspriring, because, like, you never know what could be next in your life, and for her it's princess. well, this celebration is a curious combination of british tradition and american exuberance, and it also marks a golden pr opportunity for a family that carefully crafts the image it projects to the world. in hollywood, where meghan made her name, tourists signed a card for the happy couple. but what do locals make of it all? i've been following the royal wedding and i'm very excited. i think it's a great thing that the royals are diversifying and starting to look like the rest of the world. because, personally, here in america, we don't believe in that, you know, royal stuff. everybody's created equal. they should be working, just like i'm working.

and action. hello, everyone and welcome. i'm marlise. and i'm elyse. both: and welcome to our royal wedding dish. harry's getting married... to an american! an actress! from la! these americans are excited. # i'm just wild about harry, and harry is wild about meg.# for the the anglophile channel broadcasting from los angeles, it doesn't get bigger than this. it's like a local girl done good. so i think the interest in america is so great because it's one of our own marrying into the royal family. and an american divorcee hasn't married successfully into the royal family since it almost brought the british monarchy down with wallis simpson in the ‘30s. music: dancing queen by abba for many americans, the monarchy is a soap opera, and even though the wedding starts at 4am la time, there'll be plenty of viewers here for the episode with the hollywood princess. james cook, bbc news, los angeles. you issuing these people are

british. they are not, we have melissa, alex and edina ‘s. british. they are not, we have melissa, alex and edina 's. orlando, florida, new orleans. you are dressed up ready for this and when did you come over? we arrived on sunday in london and then came to windsor this morning. what do you make about what you have seen?“ windsor this morning. what do you make about what you have seen? it is awesome, seeing the union of people and everything taking place.“ awesome, seeing the union of people and everything taking place. it is really neat. she is one of you, american and is that why you have come? we would come regardless because we are fans of the royal family, but an edge having megan marek hovorka —— meghan markle

marrying into the royal family. marek hovorka —— meghan markle marrying into the royalfamily. you have been soaking up the atmosphere, what do you make of this? it is need the way it is organised. it is exciting. this is your first royal wedding? it is, it is great to see the friendliness and everybody having a good time and a great atmosphere. this is not your first royal wedding? no, mine atmosphere. this is not your first royalwedding? no, mine was for william and kate. i think she is my daughter—in—law because in my head, william and harry are my sons. they are in my head, they have been there are in my head, they have been there a long time. meghan be sure and take ca re of a long time. meghan be sure and take care of my son. welcome to the royal family, daughter—in—law. care of my son. welcome to the royal family, daughter-in-law. the shoes, explain this? these are my royal wedding shoes. i have planned my own royal wedding, my 20th wedding anniversary in louisiana. they have

never been worn, meghan, but they are here. 2499? my word! i am one, i have got shoes, baby. i plus one, i have got shoes, baby. i can dance in these as well, sone aluko backheel. you have your tent sorted out? you have to be prepared for the royal wedding. if you are going to be here, you must camp out. you bring your portable toilet, i have a portable toilet. i have a tent. my portable toilet, is very cute and if it's mike but. you must have water, biscuits and you have to

have water, biscuits and you have to have an umbrella. we speak english here. you have to have an umbrella if you are from new orleans and you have to have a heart if you come over to britain because the british do hats very well. you are looking great. what do you say to those people who might think you are a bit mad? my daughters think i am a royal loonie. i said to them, have fun in life. if you think i am royal mad, call me the mad hatter. 0k. life. if you think i am royal mad, call me the mad hatter. ok. you are going to have a great day tomorrow? i got here yesterday and i have had a great time since then and i leave on monday. tomorrow, they will pass you by a long here. my hope is i will be waiting for them. that is my real hope. if that does not happen, i will be standing at the end

waiting for them to go into windsor castle so i can wave at meghan and harry. take care of my son, meghan. seriously! that is my son. when i came for kate and william, i got a good shot of them coming out of westminster abbey. i am good shot of them coming out of westminster abbey. lam hoping good shot of them coming out of westminsterabbey. lam hoping i good shot of them coming out of westminster abbey. lam hoping i can get a good shot of meghan and harry so get a good shot of meghan and harry soi get a good shot of meghan and harry so i can add to my collection. i have a flag for each of them now. i came back for the queen'sjubilee. thank you, makes you proud to be american. absolutely. we have a lot of diversity in america. we will have a wonderful day. thank you. i don't know how to follow that, but i have got it. tomorrow there is a young couple getting married, they are not the only one and jane

mccubbin has met another couple whom for tomorrow is their wedding day. meet not meghan and harry, but claire and dan. he's my ginger prince, yeah. he's your ginger prince? he's my more geordie version of prince harry. ginger prince of the north. this fairy tale romance was built not in windsor, but in gateshead. on the stag and hen dos, claire was crowned his princess. dan, her sumo—cycling ginger prince. and the mams could not be more excited. what did you think about the clash of dates, was it a problem? we've had ours arranged for about a year, but when they mentioned may, ijust thought i bet it's the same date. they stole the day, but they weren't going to steal it totally, because they're not going to have as much fun as we are. this young man is very, very excited. dan's sonjames is best man and will be giving out the rings... ahem, they hope.

it's going to be special, isn't it? yeah. yeah? ah, just chopped me hand. this is my ring. i don't think it is your ring. my ring, my ring! and another member of the family is wrestling with something else. my auntie sharon. i've got a bit of a collection. my thimbles of all the royal family. she's so big on the royals. my biggest thing, the royal romances, i collect them. when william and kate got married she cried, when harry announced he was getting married she was so excited. i've got the doll, it is kate, the limited edition. and then she said, "you're getting married on the same day as prince harry, you know?" she was excited and then she was, like, "i'm not going to be able to watch that wedding." i'll have to just record it. i'm gutted. are you gutted or are you secretly made up? no, i'm gutted. sitting in the church with the live stream on her phone! no, don't put that in! i'm made up because i want to go

to my niece's wedding. you know who i'm going to have to put that in. no, don't! while two billion will watch the other wedding, a select 200 will watch this main event. and as for auntie sharon... i'm so excited. there's always catch—up. definitely. jayne mccubbin, bbc news. here is the weather with matt taylor. temperatures warm up further under the strong sunshine. one or two exceptions from this rule. cloudy, high cloud turning the sunshine hazy but slightly thick of the black cloud parts of scotland and northern ireland bringing rain here and there. mostly dry through the rest

of the day. into tonight as any cloud that has built up starts to melt away, turning clearer to the north and west. notice on the temperature map, the greens appearing widely and an indication of another chilly night, two parts of another chilly night, two parts of scotla nd of another chilly night, two parts of scotland and eastern england where we could see temperatures low enough for a touch of frost on the grass. particularly in the countryside. but it does shape up to bea countryside. but it does shape up to be a lovely start to the weekend. high pressure is with us on the weather brunt but brought thicker cloud to scotland and northern ireland is out of the way so bright and warm day and looking cracking at windsor. peaking at around 20, 20 two celsius through the afternoon and a light breeze. it is notjust about the wedding, we have cup finals in north and south of the border. lovely conditions across—the—board for that as it will be as well for the north west 200 and northern ireland. brighter day northern ireland, western scotland,

bit more of a breeze and cloud. strong sunshine elsewhere. whether you are out celebrating with the royals or just you are out celebrating with the royals orjust enjoying the start of the weekend. temperatures across many areas high teens and low 20s. strong sunshine ever head into sunday be high pressure is mainly limited towards the southern and eastern half of the country. elsewhere, cooler start to the day and whether fronts encroaching back into parts of scotland and northern ireland. more cloud the further west you are. some showers around and a breeze. but sunny spells across scotla nd breeze. but sunny spells across scotland and northern ireland on sunday, especially further south and east you are. but for england and wales it is another blue sky day for the majority, temperatures around 23, 20 four celsius. the fine weather continues into next week, but the chance of a few showers in northern ireland and a rare one p°ppin9 northern ireland and a rare one p°pping up northern ireland and a rare one popping up across england and wales. goodbye for now. the prince of wales will step in for meghan markle's father

and walk her down the aisle during her wedding to prince harry tomorrow. kensington palace said ms markle had asked prince charles to accompany her and that he was delighted to welcome her to the royal family in this way. with just under 24 hours to go, final preparations are under way with crowds gathering with visitors from around the world. iam camping i am camping out tonight, yes, last night i was in a hotel. harry, i'm here! i'mjane hill here in windsor, where the countdown is on to the most eagerly anticipated event of the year. and meghan markle's mother, doria ragland, is due to meet the queen this