Speculation has been rife as to whether Meghan Markle will attend the nuptials of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews on 20 May – hailed as the society wedding of the year.

The Suits actress, 35, touched down in the UK ahead of the Duchess of Cambridge's sister's big day and is said to be residing in boyfriend Prince Harry's residence in Kensington Palace.

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The 35-year-old US star will officially attend the event in Berkshire as a couple after her invitation was recently confirmed, with Middleton bending her ''no ring, no bring'' policy, and will join Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the lavish celebration.

Markle is said to have arrived at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday, E! news reports, and was immediately driven to Kensington Palace to join Harry.

After Markle attended Tom Inskip's Barbados wedding back in March in a designer floor-length print dress by British fashion designer Erdem, all eyes will be on Markle as well as Pippa at the wedding. It is likely that she will choose another British designer such as Middleton-favourite Jenny Packham or Alexander McQueen.

Middleton is rumoured to be wearing a custom made wedding dress by another British designer, Giles Deacon, and Prince George and Princess Charlotte are set to have important roles on the big day as pageboy and bridesmaid.

Pippa Middleton and Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle is preparing to attend Pippa Middleton's intimate wedding ceremony on 20 May Getty

The news of Markle's arrival in the UK comes as it has been reported that the Church of England has confirmed that she will be able to wed Harry at Westminster Abbey despite being a divorcee.

The nuptials, however, would still require The Queen's permission and it is believed the Archbishop of Canterbury would need to provide a special licence for any future wedding ceremony.

Princess Charlotte
Princess Charlotte and Prince George with their parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge AFP/Getty

If the pair decided to wed in Westminster Abbey, they would follow in the footsteps of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who tied the knot at the famous church in 2011.

A Westminster Abbey spokesman said: "The Abbey follows the General Synod Ruling of 2002. Since then it has been possible for divorced people to be married in the Church of England."

Self-proclaimed foodie and humanitarian Markle had royal watchers in doubt over whether she would be able to marry Harry at Westminster Abbey due to her divorce from Trever Engelson in August 2013. She married the American film producer in 2011 after having dated since 2004.

Meghan Markle Kate Middleton