A Swadlincote couple who got married on the same day as Prince Harry and Megan Markle say just like the royal couple they had the perfect day too.

Alice Hardwick and James Ball celebrated their nuptials on Saturday, May 19, in Sheffield where they both now live together.

The couple set the date for their wedding more than 18 months ago so it would be as close as possible to their tenth anniversary of being together.

When Prince Harry and former Suits star Meghan announced their wedding in November last year, Alice and James could not believe they had chosen the same day.

Alice Hardwick-Ball and James Ball married on Saturday, May 19

Alice, a former Pingle Academy pupil, even admitted the events at Windsor Castle, which were being watched by millions around the world, did not even enter her mind on the big day, but she has wished the royal couple all the best.

Alice and James celebrated their wedding at Whitley Hall, a 16th century country house in Sheffield, alongside their friends and family.

Alice, 27, said: "It was amazing! We had the perfect day. We were so lucky with the weather and we are so happy that we got to share it with our friends and family."

Prince Harry and Megan, who became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, married in St George's Chapel on Saturday before enjoying a lavish, festival-themed party at Frogmore House, hosted by James Corden, for 200 of the couple's closest friends and family.

Celebrities including David and Victoria Beckham, George Clooney, Tom Hardy, Serena Williams and Oprah Winfrey all attended the royal wedding, with 18 million Brits watching the event at home.

What happened at the royal wedding?

Spectators from all over the world descended on Windsor to celebrate the wedding of Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle.

The wedding began at midday after more than 600 guests arrived to St George's Chapel, with the royals arriving from 11.30am.

Prince Harry and Prince William arrived wearing a frock coat uniform of the Blues and Royals. Ex-soldier Harry had his Pilot Wings badge on his chest, which he got for flying Apache helicopters.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kiss on the steps of St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle after their wedding
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kiss on the steps of St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle after their wedding

A fanfare played as the Queen arrived to the chapel, dressed in a lime, lemon, purple and grey printed silk dress and hat.

Meghan arrived at 11.57am in a white silk gown, created by British designer Clare Waight Keller, artistic director at Givenchy. The 16ft veil included a flower design from each of the 53 commonwealth countries.

The service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and American bishop Michael Curry had a 13-minute sermon.