Planes banned from flying over Harry and Meghan's wedding

Aircraft have been banned from flying over Windsor Castle during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding as police ramp up security ahead of the event.

Thames Valley Police has been granted the temporary power to stop planes and drones taking to the air above the castle's St George's Chapel, where the couple will marry on Saturday May 19.

The Civil Aviation Authority granted the force's request for a Restriction of Flying Regulation in the vicinity of the Windsor Castle estate on May 19 and 20.

During the two days planes and drones will not be allowed to fly below 2,500ft, but the regulation does not affect commercial aircraft like the many jets using nearby Heathrow Airport.

And it is likely media organisations are in discussions with police for an exemption to allow them to report on the big day from a helicopter.

Thames Valley Police said they would monitor and enforce the temporary regulation throughout the event and offenders would be liable to prosecution.

Superintendent Jim Weems, tactical commander for the wedding's policing operation, said: "This Restriction of Flying Regulation is a routine measure for a large scale event such as this and is part of the broad range of security measures that are in place to deliver a safe and secure day for everyone."