SOON to be royal wedding guest Saeed Atcha has spoken of his shock and honour at being invited to the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

A letter dropped through the 21-year-old's door this week notifying him he has been officially invited to celebrate the big day with the couple.

Saeed, aged 21, said: "I was so shocked.

"I only received the letter a couple of days ago. I had to read it two or three times to process it.

"I never thought I would be invited to the wedding. I have attended a royal garden party and just thought I would not go some where like this again.

"It is just wonderful and such an honour."

Kensington Palace announced last month that 1,200 members of the public would be among the crowds allowed into the grounds of Windsor Castle to share in the atmosphere of the May 19 wedding at St George's Chapel.

Saeed, who lives in Middle Hulton, was among the lucky group were nominated by the nine regional Lord Lieutenant offices after the couple asked for those picked to come from a broad range of backgrounds and ages, including young people who have shown strong leadership, and those who have served their communities.

The former Ladybridge High School pupil is CEO of Xplode Magazine, which he started at school and now help develop employability skills.

He is also a youth leader and has attended many events with high profile guests.

"No event compares to this," said Saeed, "It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am so grateful for the Lord Lieutenant for putting me forward."

Saeed says that he believes Prince Harry and his fiancee — both of whom he has seen speak at events before they were a couple —will be an inspirational to young people.

He said: "They both do wonderful charity work and will be an example to young people."

Now the royal guest to be is to decide who he is going to take as his plus-one.

"It is going to be a very difficult decision, " he said, "I never taken anyone from my family to events I have been invited to so this time I will."

The grandmother of Manchester bomb victim Olivia Campbell-Hardy will also be going to the royal wedding after being invited by 12-year-old Amelia Thompson, who was left traumatised when she was caught up in the Manchester Arena attack.

Amelia, who is from Dronfield Woodhouse, said she was "speechless" when she found out she was being invited to Harry and Meghan's marriage next month.

She asked her mother, Lisa Newton, whether she would forfeit her chance of going to the wedding in favour of their friend Sharon Goodman, whose 15-year-old granddaughter was killed in the attack.

Mrs Goodman said it was an "absolute privilege" to be asked to go.

She said: "I've formed a bond with Amelia and so have other relatives. She's just a pleasant, beautiful young lady. And courageous.

"It's just a privilege really, it's an honour."

She said Ms Newton's gesture in giving up her chance to go was typical of her selflessness.

Mrs Goodman said: "Lisa is such a warm, lovely person.

"She is a strong lady who's not just helped us but has helped other families. She is just selfless, kind. She's a really lovely lady."

She said it had been difficult to carry on following the death of her granddaughter but she was looking forward to getting dressed up for the wedding.

Mrs Goodman has set up a fund with her husband Steve in Olivia's memory which Amelia has helped support.

Liv's Trust CIO helps under-25s with their music and dance ambitions in Greater Manchester.