SCOTS wishing to avoid tomorrow’s royal wedding should take note of a tiny Scottish village that shares its name with Prince Harry's bride-to-be.
As if Marks and Spencer’s cringeworthy rebrand wasn’t enough, residents of Markle in East Lothian are planning a private outdoor party for the locals to toast the happy couple once they have tied the knot.
The hamlet, which has around 70 residents, have already decorated the village sign with ribbon and paper hearts and have hung out bunting in anticipation of the celebrations.
READ MORE: M&S rebrands Windsor store as Markle and Sparkle for royal wedding
Neil Morland, 42, chairman of the residents' association, said: "We'll be having a social gathering here. All of the residents of the steading and people in some of the surrounding houses in Markle village itself will be coming together to have a party.
"We'll be having a social gathering here. All of the residents of the steading and people in some of the surrounding houses in Markle village itself will be coming together to have a party.
"There will be barbecues, meringues and strawberries and cream, salads, some beverages and we'll just be enjoying the sunshine and enjoying each other's company."
Housing consultant Mr Morland said the residents have rallied round to make sure the day goes well.
"People have chipped in in all kinds of ways in terms of helping to organise it, get food, and loaning fridge space," he said.
"We are a group that comes together regularly."
Mr Morland said locals felt the village's name connection with Meghan Markle was "a good excuse to have a gathering".
Looking ahead to the couple's wedding, he added: "I wish them every success, good luck on their day and afterwards."
The tiny village near a railway line and the A1 lies more than 20 miles east of Edinburgh.
The hamlet is made up of around 30 properties, with 70 residents aged from one to over 90.
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