China claims nearly all of the resource-rich waterway and has been turning reefs and islets into islands and installing military facilities such as runways and equipment on them.

British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said HMS Sutherland, an anti-submarine frigate, would arrive in Australia later this week.

“She’ll be sailing through the South China Sea (on the way home) and making it clear our navy has a right to do that,” he told The Australian newspaper after a two-day visit to Sydney and Canberra.

He would not say whether the frigate would sail within 12 nautical miles of a disputed territory or artificial island built by the Chinese, as US ships have done.

But he said: “We absolutely support the US approach on this, we very much support what the US has been doing.”

In January, Beijing said it had dispatched a warship to drive away a US missile destroyer which had “violated” its sovereignty by sailing close to a shoal in the sea.

Williamson said it was important that US allies such as Britain and Australia “assert our values” in the South China Sea, which is believed to hold vast oil and gas deposits and through which US$5.0 trillion in trade passes annually.

“World dynamics are shifting so greatly. The US can only concentrate on so many things at once,” he said.

“The US is looking for other countries to do more. This is a great opportunity for the UK and Australia to do more, to exercise leadership.”

China in December defended its construction on disputed islands, which are also claimed by Southeast Asian neighbours, as “normal” after a US think tank released new satellite images showing the deployment of radar and other equipment.

In a separate interview with broadcaster ABC, Williamson warned of the need for vigilance to “any form of malign intent” from China, as it seeks to become a global superpower.

“Australia and Britain see China as a country of great opportunities, but we shouldn’t be blind to the ambition that China has and we’ve got to defend our national security interests,” he said.

“We’ve got to ensure that any form of malign intent is countered and we see increasing challenges — it’s not just from China, it’s from Russia, it’s from Iran — and we’ve got to be constantly making sure that our security measures, our critical national infrastructure is protected.”

Australia has been ratcheting up the rhetoric against China in recent months, with ties tested in December when parliament singled out Beijing as a focus of concern when it proposed laws on foreign interference.

This Chinese New Year marks an Earth Dog Year, making it an exciting event for those born under the sign of the Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 or 2006). As Chinese astrology experts will tell you, this is a year people born in those years will get to celebrate and enjoy, and also one that will usher in excellent opportunities both in one’s professional and personal life.

As for everyone else, read on to understand what the Year of the Earth Dog has in store for you. Take it with a grain of salt.

Nostalgic about the past

Let’s start with the not-so-good news. Chinese astrology and feng shui experts seem to agree that the forecast for the Year of the Earth Dog appears a little depressing.

“The year 2018 brings with it the Earth Dog, reminiscent of things of old. People will crave things that have passed,” said Hong Xiang Yi, a renowned feng shui expert in Jakarta.

Hong Xiang Yi, a renowned feng shui expert in Jakarta (Courtesy of Hong Xiang Yi/File)

Put into a local perspective, Hong’s predictions turn even gloomier.

“You’ll see old patterns recurring in Indonesian politics. Candidates running on old programs or those similar to the ones we have seen in the past will have a bigger chance of winning. Old policies will resurface. You’ll see practically nothing new. In terms of business, 2018 isn’t brimming with optimism either. The most vibrant growth will happen to either those at the lowest end of the prism or at the very top. The middle class will somehow be rather stuck,” said Hong, who’s published several books about feng shui.

Other astrology experts concur. “There will be a lot of problems that arise from the human mind and soul among those who are not ready to face the changes throughout this new year. Expect to see massive changes in all sectors, from politics to entertainment and business,” said Fajar Alfarizi, a prominent feng shui consultant in Jakarta.

Fajar Alfarizi, a prominent feng shui consultant in Jakarta (Courtesy of Fajar Alfarizi/File)

As feng shui professionals do, Hong and Fajar both feel it’s their job to inform people of possible misfortunes, with the idea of helping people hope for the best but plan for the worst.

“Natural disasters, such as landslides, earthquakes, building collapses, diseases and other things will take people by surprise. Therefore, we must always take extra precautions whenever we’re on high ground. We should also maintain our stamina,” said Hong.

Fajar added, “The earth element compels us to pay more respect to mother nature and to be aware of others’ feelings. Misspoken words will lead to many problems this year.”

All the doom and gloom aside, it’s not to say that 2018 can’t be a fantastic year. Along with urging people to be cautious with their finances, feng shui experts have also spoken of the possibility of positive news in family and relationships in general.

Fajar offers some good tips to ward off the spirits of bad fortune.

“The first thing is to be creative and always find ways to improve your ability. Second, work hard. Third, develop an affable yet original personality,” he said.

The lucky ones 

Some people are set to rake in good fortune this new year.

For people born under the sign of the Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 or 2011), the year of the Earth Dog will lead to action, growth and progress, according to fengshuiweb.co.uk.

Those born in the Year of the Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 or 2008) too have some powerful lucky stars this year, and with the right advice and guidance, all difficult energy can be turned into power and drive, feng shui expert Sarah McAllister of the London-based consultancy, The Feng Shui Agency, told The Daily Mail.

Horse year people (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002) will also benefit from this year, if they know how to work efficiently without getting drained or overly tired, according to McAllister.

Time to be “cautiously hopeful”

For everyone else who may be feeling anxious at the moment, Hong has some good advice. By being aware of potential problems, one can take action to avoid what could take place and turn bad into good.

“Staying where you are will be the safest thing to do in 2018. It is highly recommended to be conservative and cautious. Take your time when making decisions. Wait for the right moment before taking any action,” he said.

There may be some truth to that. This Earth Dog Year, gives us a moment of “paws” for making important life decisions.

Johnson met with Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and later called on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during his official visit to Thailand, the last leg of his Asian tour, which also took him to Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The Rohingya crisis erupted in August last year after a militant group launched attacks against security outposts in Rakhine, prompting a tough reaction from Myanmar authorities, who killed hundreds and displaced nearly 700,000 people to Bangladesh.

Nay Pyi Taw and Dhaka have reached a deal to repatriate the refugees within two years but the process was delayed last month due to the lack of preparation. Ministers from the two countries will meet later this week to push forward the planned Rohingya return.

Don said after meeting with Johnson that his British counterpart prioritised the Rohinyga crisis but did not specifically ask for help from Thailand on the issue.

“We shared the same concerns over the atrocities in Rakhine state and determined it was necessary to find proper solutions for humanitarian aid. Thailand can help as we have experience in handling hundreds of thousands of refugees over the past 30 years,” Don told reporters yesterday.

Johnson also discussed the issue with Surakiart Sathirathai, chairman of the advisory board for the implementation of recommendations on Rakhine state, and agreed that establishing security in that Myanmar state was an important precondition for returnees from Bangladesh.

UN agencies should be involved in the repatriation of the displaced persons in close consultation with the Myanmar government, Surakiart said, while refraining from using the term “Rohinyga”, who are widely referred to as “Bengalis” in Myanmar, in a pejorative reference that suggests that they are not native residents of the country.

Myanmar’s de facto civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, chose Surakairt to lead the board to implement recommendations submitted to the Myanmar government by former UN chief Kofi Annan last August, which coincided with the worsening of the crisis.

Prior to his arrival in Thailand on Sunday, Johnson met Suu Kyi and called for an independent investigation into violence in Rakhine, where torture, murder, rape and massacres have been widely reported. The UN has said Myanmar’s military operation contained elements of “ethnic cleansing”.

Johnson said previously that he would comment on the democratisation in Thailand, but Don said they had just exchanged an overview of political developments in Thailand.

The British minister did not apply any pressure regarding the long-delayed election and was convinced that it would follow the government’s stated “road map” and legal procedures, Don said.

“Elections in Thailand would have no implications for the United Kingdom,” Don said. “It matters to us, not them.”

Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kono used a visit to Singapore, the current chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, to call for unity in dealing with Pyongyang, a spokesman said.

“We need to maximise pressure on North Korea, to corner North Korea to change its policy by fully implementing the UN Security Council Resolution,” said Toshihide Ando, deputy press secretary at Japan’s foreign affairs ministry.

“We will continue to work with the United States and South Korea on this issue. But it’s important that we should not be blinded by the charm offensive by North Korea,” he told reporters at a briefing on Kono’s visit.

He said Kono met Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan separately and discussed regional issues, including developments on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has used the Winter Games hosted by South Korea in Pyeongchang to unleash a diplomatic push for his isolated regime.

Kim sent his powerful sister Kim Yo Jong to the Games where she delivered a letter inviting South Korean President Moon Jae-in to a summit. She is the first member of the dynasty to set foot in the South since the Korean War.

North Korea’s delegation to the Games also included the country’s ceremonial head of state and hundreds of female cheerleaders.

Analysts have said the charm offensive aims to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington and weaken the world community’s resolve to force the regime to abandon atomic weapons.

A day before the Winter Games, the North staged a military parade in Pyongyang to mark the 70th anniversary of its armed forces, putting its intercontinental ballistic missiles on show.//AFP

The statement was made during a dinner in the company of 217 former communist rebels in Malacañang last Wednesday night, Feb. 7, where it prompted laughter from the audience. President Duterte was found repeatedly mentioning the word “bisong” to his guests, which translates to “vagina” in Bisaya, according to an INQUIRER report today.

President Duterte’s comment was met with criticisms from personalities and netizens who took to social media to air their grievances, with musician and activist Jim Paredes being one who refused to mince words.

“You have no shame. You have no respect for women. Hey, you have a mother, a wife, a mistress and a daughter — they are women!”

Paredes followed his tweet with another, wondering out loud what kind of people laugh over Duterte’s remarks. “What kind of people laugh when Duterte says that soldiers should shoot woman rebels in the vagina?” wrote Paredes. “How come no official, not even congresswoman and women senators has spoken against this crude remark?”

Image: Twitter/@Jimparedes

The New York Times correspondent and human rights activist Carlos Conde meanwhile said President Duterte is out-trumping Trump, whereas editor and writer Joel Pablo Salud commented that the President “has little respect for women and absolutely no respect for the military.”

Image: Twitter/@carloshconde

Image: Twitter/@joel_salud

‘We have been reduced to our genitalia’

Journalist Mags Z. Maglana, on the other hand, shared a screenshot of the INQUIRER’s Twitter report, giving her own piece of mind in her Facebook account.

“Wrong on so many levels. From a leader hailed and defended as having championed women’s rights and a deep understanding of why a revolution is still raging,” wrote Maglana. “And the embarrassing response of an audience that supposedly once took part in the revolutionary movement. We have been reduced to our genitalia.”

Image: Facebook/Mags Z. Maglana

Netizens were quick to respond to Maglana, with one Maita Arreola saying that President Duterte’s pro-women claims are fake.

“Peke ang pro-women claims niya sa Tutoo talaga ay mababa ang pagtingin nya sa mga babae at consistent siya dito.”

Image: Screengrab of comments from Facebook/Mags Z. Maglana

Another commenter, Sharifa Ali-Dans, expressed that it is tragic to hear such statements coming from a leader, but finds the audience’s response even more tragic.

Image: Screengrab of comments from Facebook/Mags Z. Maglana

Award-winning writer and professor Jhoanna Cruz on her part pointed out that there was nothing out of character with what President Duterte did, while also saying that the statement might be mistaken again for “Bisaya humor.” One Rufa Cagoco-Guiam responded to Cruz, telling her that there was nothing “Bisaya” about what President Duterte did.

“No, Jhoanna Cruz; I am pure blooded Bisdak, and I don’t make those kinds of joke; it is not a ‘Bisaya’ trait; it is just his!” Cagoco-Guiam wrote. “Nakakahiya sa (It is a shame to) millions of Bisaya who are upright, both in words and in deeds! And also in their thoughts.”

Image: Screengrab of comments from Facebook/Mags Z. Maglana

‘The epitome of misogyny and fascism terribly rolled in one’

Gabriela Women’s Party fully denounced the words of President Duterte in a statement posted on their official Facebook page, where they referred to the president as a “macho-fascist” over his “shoot in the vagina” remark.

“Duterte latest nasty remark openly encourages violence against women, contributes to the impunity on such, and further confirms himself as the most dangerous macho-fascist in the government right now,” said Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus. “He has further presented himself as the epitome of misogyny and fascism terribly rolled in one.”

Image: Facebook/Gabriela Women’s Party

In the end, Rep. De Jesus said that “Duterte and his minions” should expect more women to speak and reject his style of macho-fascist leadership: “We cannot just take these vile remarks sitting down.”

Investigators said the Antonov An-148 plane went down in the Ramensky district on the outskirts of Moscow at 2:48 pm (1128 GMT) after taking off from Domodedovo airport in the capital.

“Sixty-five passengers and six crew members were on board, and all of them died,” Russia’s office of transport investigations said in a statement.

Three children were among the fatalities on a list published by Russian authorities.

The flight was operated by the domestic Saratov Airlines and was headed for Orsk, a city in the Ural mountains.

Russia’s Investigative Committee said numerous possible causes of the crash would be considered, including weather conditions as the country has experienced record snowfall in recent weeks. It will also , consider human error and technical failure, but it did not mention the possibility of terrorism.

More than 400 people and 70 vehicles had been deployed to the crash site, the country’s emergency ministry said.

The site was enveloped in heavy snow, making it difficult to access, with emergency workers forced to park their vehicles and reach the wreckage by foot. Others used snowmobiles and drones to survey the scene.

Russian transport minister Maksim Sokolov said “genetic expertise” would be needed to help identify the victims, adding that it could “take two or three months”.

– ‘Shock wave’ –

“I felt a shock wave,” Maria, a resident of a village near the crash site, told AFP.

“The windows shook,” she said

The transport investigations office said the plane disappeared from radar screens around four minutes after take-off.

A regional official said the aircraft’s black box had been retrieved.

The Russian-made plane was reportedly seven years old and bought by Saratov Airlines from another Russian airline a year ago.

Saratov was founded in the 1930s and flies to 35 Russian cities. Its hub is Saratov Central Airport in southern Russia.

The governor of the Orenburg region, where the plane was heading, told Russian media that “more than 60 people” on board the plane were from the region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered “his profound condolences to those who lost their relatives in the crash,” his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Putin also cancelled plans to travel to Sochi to meet with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas. Instead, the meeting will take place in Moscow.

 – Grieving relatives –

Local media website Ural56.ru in the Orenburg region showed footage of distressed relatives at Orsk airport, where the plane had been due to land.

Andrei Odintsov, the mayor of Orsk, told Russian state television that six psychologists and four ambulances with medics were working with the families in the small airport.

Orsk is the second biggest city in the Orenburg region, near Russia’s border with Kazakhstan.

A crisis centre was also set up at Domodedovo, Moscow’s second-largest airport in terms of passenger numbers.

Russia has suffered numerous plane crashes, with airlines often operating ageing aircraft in dangerous flying conditions.

A light aircraft crashed in November in Russia’s far east, killing six people on board.

In December 2016 a military plane carrying Russia’s famed Red Army Choir crashed after taking off from the Black Sea resort of Sochi, killing all 92 people on board.

The choir had been due to give a concert to Russian troops operating in Syria.

Pilot error was blamed for that crash.

In March 2016, all 62 passengers died when a FlyDubai jet crashed in bad weather during an aborted landing at Rostov-on-Don airport.

The Antonov An-148 plane, released in 2004, has a range of 3,600 kilometres (2,200 miles) and can carry 80 passengers.//AFP

BATU PAHAT, Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur will honour its agreement with Beijing to extradite 11 Uighur Muslims wanted by China.

However, the Uighurs would be sent back to China only after the conclusion of a police investigation, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

“Malaysian police are conducting an investigation to gather intelligence, especially to check whether any of them is involved in the Islamic State [IS] terrorist group.

“Other countries do not need to worry about the Malaysian government’s deciฌsion over the matter,” he told reporters after a session with students at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia in Batu Pahat on Saturday.

The group of Uighurs had broken out of a detention centre near the Malaysia-Thai border in November after digging holes in the wall and using blankets to climb down walls.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minฌister, said Malaysian police had been in contact with their Chinese counterparts to discuss the extradition process.

“Our decision to extradite is based on agreements signed with China, includฌing the Mutual Legal Assistance and the extradition treaty.

He earlier said he had received an official request from China to deport 11 Uighurs who were detained in the counฌtry last year.

“Prior to this, we have extradited Malaysians from China who were involved in falsifying credit cards and other criminal activities. As such we will consider Beijing’s request,” he said.

The 11 Uighur Muslims were among reportedly 20 detainees in an immigraฌtion detention centre in Songkhla’s Sadao district who made a dramatic escape from detention in November.

The escapees were among 300 Uighurs who had been detained in Thailand since 2014 pending an invesฌtigation into their origins.

China has requested that Thailand deport Uighurs, claiming they are milฌitants, with 109 of them already having been sent back to China, sparking interฌnational condemnation.

Thai police said the group made two holes in a wall at the facility with sharp objects before climbing out and lowerฌing themselves to the ground using blanฌkets as ropes at about 3am.

They did not have food and could not communicate with villagers in Thailand and Malaysia, police said.

Six senior immigration police offiฌcers in Songkhla have been transferred to their regional headquarters and face an investigation following the escape.

The Uighurs were being detained for allegedly entering the Kingdom illegalฌly.  They had fled China, reportedly to flee from repression, and wanted to go to Turkey.

Following the forced dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party in November and the arrest of its president, Kem Sokha, many opposition supporters and officials fled Cambodia.

At present, there are estimates of more than 100 Cambodian opposition supporters residing in Thailand, with roughly half of those reportedly seeking asylum.

Sam Sokha was handed over to Cambodian authorities on Thursday evening. She was wanted in Cambodia for allegedly “insulting a public official” and for “incitement to discriminate” after a video was posted to Facebook showed her throwing a sandal at a ruling Cambodian People’s Party billboard bearing the faces of Prime Minister Hun Sen and National Assembly President Heng Samrin.

Soon after she was extradited, Kampong Speu Provincial Court documents were released showing Sokha was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison on January 25.

Kampong Speu Provincial Prison Director Kak Savon yesterday confirmed Sokha was incarcerated in his facility after provincial police delivered her there on Friday evening.

The move – a violation of “customary international law” not to return refugees to countries where they face persecution – deeply concerned international rights groups, who feared a similar approach might be taken with Cambodia’s other political dissents.

Reached after the extradition of Sokha, Interior Ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak did not deny the government may seek the return of opposition supporters hiding in Thailand.

“Good question. Wait and see,” he said, chuckling, before hanging up.

Evan Jones, from the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), said while Thailand had “a fairly good record when it comes to not returning refugees to their country of origin”, it appeared they had “capitulated to political pressure” in Sokha’s case. “The recent deportation of Sam Sokha sets a dangerous precedent for the countless other Cambodian opposition figures that may be hiding in Thailand,” he said in an email.

“If Thai authorities are willing to return a UNHCR recognised refugee, then sadly there is little hope that they’ll respond humanely or appropriately towards others that may be caught.”

His fears were shared by CNRP Deputy President Mu Sochua, who fled the Kingdom in October and remains abroad.

“Human lives are in danger. Violations of the rights of those with refugee status [are a] violation of human rights that UN member states must not commit,” she said in a message.

In a statement on Friday, Human Rights Watch said Thailand had returned Sokha despite being fully aware she was a refugee and that Western embassies and the United Nations’ refugee body, the UNHCR, were trying to find her a third country for resettlement.

“This case sets a worrisome precedent for how Thailand will treat the many other refugees currently on its soil,” HRW Asia Director Brad Adams said.

Sokha was arrested in Thailand in early January for overstaying her visa – a charge her lawyers were in the process of appealing when she was extradited.

Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) Communications Programme Manager Marte Hellema said via email that “blatantly ignoring” Sokha’s refugee status and sending her back to Cambodia “raises very serious concerns about others that have also sought refuge in Thailand”.

“It indicates a grave underestimation or disregard for the risk to life and liberty refugees face when [sent] back to their countries,” he said. “As such, it is hoped that this particular case will remain an exception, and not turn into a precedent.”

“While the Cambodian government might be inclined to reciprocate this move by its neighbouring country, FORUM-ASIA reminds Cambodia that it is a state party to the UN Refugee Convention, and as such is obligated to uphold all of its provisions, including those relating to non-refoulement.”

Back in October 2016, Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Chum Sounry said the government was “processing” Thailand’s request to extradite three of their nationals “for insulting the Thai monarchy” – just one of several requests globally to return those who had allegedly violated tough lèse majesté laws.

Sounry could not be reached yesterday to verify the outcome of that request or answer if Cambodia would reciprocate by sending other Thai dissents back from Cambodia. Thai Foreign Ministry officials could not be reached or did not respond to requests for comment.

The device, which costs about RM150 (S$50) and can be obtained online or at some electronics stores, can unlock a car and start its engine by hacking its radio frequency identification (RFID) information.

A source said the device could unlock almost any car with keyless entry.

Car thieves have recruited hackers to install the required software onto their laptops and teach them how to operate the device, according to the source.

“Some local hackers have been approached to offer their services to members of the car theft syndicate,” the source added.

There are three ways to steal the encryption code to unlock these vehicles.

“The device has to be attached to a computer and run with simple frequency monitoring software, which can be downloaded for free from the Internet.

“The software reads the frequency transmitted between the remote key and car system.

“It can capture the frequency code used to lock the car. At the same time, it decrypts the rolling codes transmitted back by the car to the remote key, to unlock the vehicle,” the source explained.

The other method is by “attacking” the car system. The hacking device broadcasts a signal mimicking the remote, tricking the car system into responding with a rolling code.

The device captures the code and decrypts it to unlock the vehicle.

The source said the process could just take a few minutes, depending on the hackers’ code database.

“Thieves have also been known to steal the code from the remote key by broadcasting a radio signal to it.

“This emulates the car communicating with the key, which will automatically send a response.

“The car thieves will then capture and decrypt the frequency transmitted from the key and pair it with the car’s locking system to unlock the vehicle,” the source said.

Many keyless entry systems also included a remote keyless ignition system. As such, when thieves unlock the vehicle, they can also start the car, the source noted.

Remote keyless ignition uses a push button to start the car, not a physical key.

Munich-based Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), the largest auto club in Europe, recently said 110 models from 27 different manufacturers were at risk of being stolen based on the keyless system they used.

In a test conducted by the club, which has 19 million members, the cars were easily “stolen” using the frequency-hacking device.

An ADAC report said they were not only able to unlock the vehicles, but also start them with ease.

“To date, car manufacturers have yet to find a foolproof solution to beat these car thieves,” the ADAC findings concluded.

A police spokesman said they were aware of this high-tech method.

“Car owners should take extra precautions like installing GPS tracking devices or use steering or gear locks to deter thieves,” he said.

He added that keyless entry was impressive, but nothing beats a good physical lock, which made it much harder for thieves.

Statistics of such thefts are not available in Malaysia.

However, according to RAC Ltd, a British automotive services company, the number of thefts reported to 40 police stations in England and Wales rose from 65,783 vehicles in 2013 to 85,688 in 2016.

RAC’s data indicated that the 30 per cent increase was attributed to thieves using the frequency-hacking method to break into cars.

Automotive industry insiders believed the good old way of securing cars – using manual keys and locks – was still effective in preventing vehicle theft.

A spokesman for a carmaker said the longer time taken to steal vehicles with old-fashioned locks discouraged thieves.

Owners are also encouraged to use anti-theft devices such as steering locks, immobilisers, motion sensors and top-grade alarms.

The spokesman said a good tracking device in a vehicle would also be of great help in the event of a theft.

A car owner, who gave his name only as Lee, said he suspected thieves used this method to steal his car.

“Five other friends lost their vehicles within two months of my car being stolen,” he said.

“I believe the thieves used a computer or gadget to open the car doors,” he said, adding that his car used push-button ignition.

He said the thieves also deactivated the alarm when unlocking his luxury car.

Following a noon ceremony in St George’s Chapel the newlyweds will make a “short journey” in the carriage, leaving the castle at around 1 pm (1300 GMT), it said.

“Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are hugely grateful for the many good wishes they have received since announcing their engagement,” the palace said in a statement.

“They are very much looking forward to the day and to being able to share their celebrations with the public.

“They hope this short journey will provide an opportunity for more people to come together around Windsor and to enjoy the atmosphere of this special day.”

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will officiate on May 19 as the couple make their marriage vows, while the Dean of Windsor, David Conner, will conduct the wedding service, the palace also confirmed.

After the ceremony the pair and their guests will move to St George’s Hall for a reception, which they will rejoin after the carriage procession.

Later that evening Prince Charles will host another reception for the couple and their “close friends and family”, it added.

Harry and Markle announced their engagement in November and have since made a series of public appearances, drawing crowds of well-wishers.

A royal spokesman confirmed soon after the announcement that the couple had chosen to marry in Windsor, Queen Elizabeth II’s weekend residence.