YSS is delighted to announce that a young carer, Lauren Walton, who receives support from YSS Worcestershire Young Carers, has been chosen to attend the Royal wedding of HRH Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle this summer.

Lauren, photographed by Jono Fletcher

Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have said they want their wedding day to be shaped to allow members of the public to feel part of the celebrations. The couple asked Lord Lieutenants to invite 1,200 people to join the celebrations, including young people who have shown strong leadership, and those who have served their communities.

Lauren is a young carer for her Dad due to ongoing physical and mental health problems and has been supported by Worcestershire Young Carers, a service delivered by YSS, for 12 years. YSS sent a submission to the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire and as a result Lauren was chosen as one of the 1,200 people selected nationally to be in the grounds of Windsor Castle for the royal wedding.

Lauren said: “I received my letter at the end of last week about being invited to the royal wedding. I am writing to confirm my attendance today and I’ll be taking my mum with me. Needless to say, she is very excited! Thank you so much for nominating me to attend, it means so much to me and my mum.”

Lorraine Preece, Chief Executive at YSS, said: “We’re over the moon to learn that Lauren and her mum will be attending the Royal wedding. We’re sure it will be a day to remember and can’t wait to hear all about it on their return!”

Lauren and her mum will join 200 guests from organisations which Prince Harry and Ms. Markle have a close association with, as well as 100 pupils from two local schools and 500 members of The Royal Household. They will watch the arrivals of the Bride and Groom and their wedding guests at the Chapel and will see the Carriage Procession as it departs from the Castle.

Worcestershire Young Carers has been successfully delivered by YSS since 2003 and currently supports more than 400 young carers in the county every year, providing one-to-one support, assessment and sign-posting as well as regular clubs and activities. To find out more about Worcestershire Young Carers, or to make a referral, give a donation or become a volunteer, please click here.