Tying The Knot

Meghan Markle's haute couture Givenchy wedding dress wasn't the showstopper of the Royal Wedding, it was her 16-foot veil, according to Paris Hilton.

We got Paris at LAX over the weekend fresh off the plane from the Cannes Film Festival where she raised a ton of cash for charity and asked her what she thought of the Royal Wedding. Paris, who got engaged to fiance Chris Zylka over New Years, didn't have anything to say about the dress, but the veil was a different story.

Markle wore a tiara from Queen Elizabeth with the veil which was decorated with flowers from all 53 countries in the British Commonwealth along the trim. Markle also added the California Poppy, the State flower of California. The veil reportedly took hundreds of hours to make.

Matt Barnes will "absolutely not" be in attendance when his ex-wife, Gloria Govan, marries Derek Fisher ... so says Gloria, who claims the ex-NBA stars are still NOT on great terms.

Remember, Barnes congratulated Govan and Fisher after they got engaged back in April -- saying he's happy for the couple because his kids have grown to love him.

But Govan says the relationship between the former Lakers teammates is still not great -- and Matt's presence would be "really awkward."

"[Matt] and Derek aren't cool," Govan said ... "They're cordial. I wouldn't say 'beef' but they don't talk every week."

It's about what you'd expect ... considering Matt and Derek famously fought back when Derek began dating Gloria a few years ago.

Govan closed with some advice to Matt ... don't waste your time buying a wedding gift either, because "I will throw that gift away."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their way to the more private evening reception following their Royal Wedding, and they're heading there in style ... James Bond style.

Meghan Markle changed out of her wedding dress into a white sleeveless, high-neck gown by Stella McCartney ... while Prince Harry put on a classic black and white tux that screams 007. The newlyweds left Windsor Castle to head to their second reception, hosted by Prince Charles at Frogmore House.

To top it all off ... the 2 hopped in Prince Charles' silver blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero -- which also gives off some strong Bond vibes -- and Harry drove them to the party.

As we reported ... Meghan and Harry got hitched Saturday morning in a wedding that was dramatic and kind of an awesome break from Royal tradition.

The big day has finally come for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ... Meghan is now a Duchess and the wedding was a dramatic and kinda awesome break from Royal tradition.

Meghan and Harry chose the song "Stand By Me," as an anthem to their nuptials. A Black American Bishop stole the show and she walked half way down the aisle herself as a show of independence.

Meghan is now the Duchess of Sussex ... Harry is the Duke.

Lots of celebs were on hand, including Oprah, George and Amal Clooney as well as David and Victoria Beckham.

Meghan's dad, Thomas Markle, tells TMZ, "My baby looks beautiful and she looks very happy. I wish I were there and I wish them all my love and all happiness." Thomas is in California, recovering from heart surgery. He says watching the ceremony was "emotional and joyful."

Meghan's mom was a big hit ... clearly moved by the ceremony as she sat front and center.

Meghan wore a Givenchy wedding gown, designed by Clare Waight Keller, the first female artistic director of the French company.

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle were front and center -- obviously -- at their wedding, but the surprise star turned out to be an American Bishop who gave a stirring sermon about love.

The Bishop's presence is significant for a bunch of reasons ... notably, an American took to the pulpit at a Royal Wedding. Bishop Curry is the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the U.S. and 16 other countries. Also, not lost is the fact he's African American, as is Meghan. It's especially poignant given what happened several months ago, when Princess Michael of Kent wore a racist Blackamoor brooch when she met Meghan.

Bishop Curry gave a rousing speech about love ... which had Meghan and Harry smiling.

Elton John just performed at the reception for Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle ... just as we said he would.

We've learned Elton sang "Your Song" to the VIP crowd. On hand -- the Queen and the Queen, aka Oprah. We're told he performed other songs as well.

It's interesting ... Ellie Goulding performed the same song at William and Kate's wedding.

TMZ broke the story Elton would be performing. Makes sense, given he's super close to Prince Harry and was obviously extremely tight with Princess Diana.

The reception is a luncheon at Windsor Castle, hosted by the Queen. We're told all 600 guests are in attendance.

While the pageantry was in full force inside Windsor Castle ... outside it was a big 'ol party with some bizarro getups.

Check it out ... a combo of British duds that would shock even Elton John, and a touch of Americana that looks like a 4th of July BBQ.

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets craning their necks for a glimpse of the newlyweds. By the way ... interesting in these times Harry and Meghan rode by everyone in an open coach.

Here's the good news. For the freaky lookin' ones who were too far back to see anything, we believe producers from "Let's Make a Deal" were watching so they may end up on "The Big Deal of the Day."

Either the Royal Wedding programs were printed far in advance, or someone made a huge mistake ... because they're not updated to show Meghan Markle's dad, Thomas, won't be there.

The Order of Service for Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding was just made available to the public, and we noticed something wrong ... on page 9 -- there are 20 pages total! -- it says the Bride "is joined by her Father, Mr Thomas Markle, to the High Altar.

We broke the story ... Thomas is unable to make the trip to the U.K. for the wedding because he's recovering from heart surgery. Prince Charles is stepping in his place to do the honors ... which will be a surprise to those going strictly off the program.

FYI, the Order of Service includes full details about the processions, music, hymns, prayers and readings ... and some incidental fake news about Meghan's dad.

When Meghan Markle walks down the aisle, actress Christine Adams will be watching closely -- not just because she's British, but because she has some history with Prince Harry's betrothed.

Christine, who stars on the CW's "Black Lightning," was leaving the London Hotel (appropriately) Friday in NYC ... and couldn't wait to break down the Royal Wedding. She told us about her neighborhood ties to the bride, but admits her invitation might have been "lost in the mail."

She says Meghan has the right stuff to marry into the royal fam, and gives Prince Charles major props. Christine also gave us her idea of the perfect viewing party. Think less Jack Daniels and more Earl Grey.

Meghan Markle and her mother looked incredibly happy and every bit as stunning ... which should come as no surprise with the Royal wedding just a mere hours away.

Meghan and her mom, Doria Ragland, arrived at the Cliveden House Hotel on the National Trust's Cliveden Estate in Buckinghamshire to spend the night before Meghan weds Prince Harry.

The historic event hasn't come without some hiccups, and that's putting it lightly. As TMZ first reported ... Meghan's father, Thomas, wanted to walk Meghan down the aisle but had to back out because of his heart condition.

Doria was expected to walk Meghan, but Prince Charles took the honors ... at Meghan's request.

As we first reported ... Thomas gave his blessing.

Meghan Markle's father had a talk with his daughter Meghan and Prince Harry Thursday and tells us his daughter has his blessing on Prince Charles walking her down the aisle.

Thomas Markle tells TMZ he's "honored and grateful" Charles will give his daughter away, since he can't be there because of his heart condition.

Thomas told us he has no reservations or shock regarding Meghan's choice. Lots of people thought Meghan's mom would do the honors, but Thomas is down with her choice.

Thomas says Meghan was super sweet on the phone, telling him she loved him and worrying about his health. He reassured her he's recovering and doing okay, adding he will "proudly" watch her tie the knot Saturday on TV "in a secluded place with friends, hopefully with no press."

The Royal wedding's got women AND men of all ages -- and all over the U.K. -- dolled up and ready to celebrate the historic event.

With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's nuptials less than 24 hours away, fans wasted no time getting in the spirit by throwing on their best red, white and blue -- Union Jack and Old Glory -- to honor the couple.

Seriously, they're head-to-toe in this stuff, and you gotta see it! Imagine what's gonna happen tomorrow.

John Cena's very public campaign to win back Nikki Bella is working, but she's still not ready to seal the deal with the wrestling/movie star.

Nikki tells TMZ, John's public hand-wringing -- including posting a photo of John Cusack holding the boombox over his head in the film "Say Anything" -- has convinced her his change of heart about wanting kids wasn't hollow. She says, "I believe 100% he wants kids. It makes me want to run back and jump into his arms."

She says she believes he's now sincere that he wants children ... which was the deal breaker that caused her to break up with him. Until this week, Nikki believed she had forced John to say what she wanted to hear so she'd take a walk down the aisle.

Here's the problem ... Nikki says it's kind of been like a Pandora's Box. The conflict over children has raised issues in her head about the relationship. She says, "I care about him and love him a lot," but now she has to do some serious thinking about the turn in their relationship and feel if it's still right.

She says she's really hurt by the buzz that the whole conflict -- and even the relationship -- is fake to goose ratings for her reality show and John's career. She says, "A lot of people get married for publicity. I'm not like those reality show people. I don't want to be hesitant. I want to do what my heart says."

Nikki says she has no idea what she'd say if John comes face-to-face with her and begs her to marry him. She says, "I'm a girl who lives in the moment and I honestly don't know what I'd say."

Paris Hilton doesn't need an assistant or stylist on the red carpet to make her look good ... she's got her fiance, Chris Zylka, to help her out!

Chris got down on bended knee (again) as he and Paris strolled down the carpet in Cannes Thursday for amfAR's 25th Cinema Against AIDS Gala. Paris' stunning dress got tangled up, which tends to happen pretty often during the film festival.

Don't worry, he wasn't only on dress primp duty -- Chris actually posed WITH Paris before heading into the event. Yes, it's hard to find a good man, but good help ... that's next level.

Well, this is a twist ... Meghan Markle's mom will not walk her down the aisle and give her away Saturday ... instead Meghan's gone the royal route.

Kensington Palace just announced Prince Charles, Harry's dad, will do the honors. The Palace says, "Ms. Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St. George's Chapel on her Wedding Day."

The statement goes on ... "The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to The Royal Family in this way."

TMZ broke the story ... Meghan's dad, Thomas, wanted to do the honors but couldn't fly to England because of heart surgery. Meghan's mom, who is in England for the wedding and her only immediate family member invited, was expected to walk the walk but, clearly, there were other plans.

The Palace made it clear in the statement ... it was Meghan's decision.

The cholesterol level among the Royals is about to rise, because Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding cake is filled with eggs -- 500 of them!

California baker Claire Ptak is hard at work finishing up the staple for any wedding ... this cake contains 200 Amalfi lemons, and 10 bottles of elderflower cordial.

The 3 layers are each different sizes ... unusual, says the baker. She calls her creation an 'ethereal layered lemon and elderflower cake.' It's actually a sponge cake of sorts ... the sponge is sandwiched with lemon curd and swiss meringue buttercream.

The cake will be served at Windsor Castle, where roughly 600 guests will chow down.