GETTY/EPA Royal wedding: Protestors are preparing to stage an homelessness demonstration in Windsor

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Those taking part in the ‘Royal Sleepover’ will swap their bedrooms and beds for a spot on the street and a sleeping bag as tens of thousands of visitors from the UK and overseas prepare to celebrate Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle. More than 1,000 people have indicated they will be taking part in the demonstration on a Facebook group set up to manage the May 18 event, with a further 7,800 saying they are considering attending. Organiser Chris Boyd acknowledged there would be criticism from those who disagree with staging a protest before a day before a national celebration but said he was not interested in trying to change their minds. He told Express.co.uk he was motivated to organise the event in the wake of comments made by Windsor council leader Simon Dudley, who warned beggars and homeless could paint the town in a “sadly unfavorable light”.

The idea that we could, or would want to, sweep the homeless under the carpet for a lavish Royal Wedding is, for me, utterly appalling Chris Boyd

The Conservative councillor urged police to use their powers to move rough sleepers on before the May 19 wedding, complaining they were responsible for “bags and detritus” on the streets and "aggressive begging and intimidation”. Mr Boyd said he felt compelled to act because of his “disgust” Britain had “reached a point where such views can be shared so openly”. He said: “The idea that we could, or would want to, sweep the homeless under the carpet for a lavish Royal Wedding is, for me, utterly appalling. “I know that there will be those who disagree with what we're doing. I very much doubt that I could change their minds. I'm not going to waste my time trying to.

GETTY The 'Royal Sleepover' aims to raise awareness of homelessness

Harry and Meghan arrive at Windsor Castle for wedding rehearsal Thu, May 17, 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Windsor Castle for wedding rehearsal. Play slideshow , 1 of 9 Harry and Meghan leave Kensington Palace for wedding rehearsal

“To be honest I've been surprised at the amount of interest the event has got. “When I posted it to Facebook I imagined that I'd be able to get together a dozen or so friends to come and sleep out with me in Windsor on the night before the Royal Wedding in solidarity with our homeless brothers and sisters. “I never imagined that so many would feel the same as me.” Members of the Royal Sleepover group have slammed what they say is a double standard shown by police, who have taken sleeping bags of rough sleepers but allowed royal fans to camp in the streets unhindered.

PA Royal fans have already reserved spots along Harry and Meghan's carriage route

Thames Valley Police said its “entirely voluntary” system of storing the belongings of homeless people will ensure they are kept safe until the Royal Wedding crowds subside. The force this week insisted it “takes a very compassionate approach to homelessness" and announced this week it had no intention of moving homeless people on. Officers have also given the green light to other protests planned for the day of the Royal Wedding, with anti-monarchy campaigners planning to use the high-profile event as a chance to highlight their cause. Mr Boyd said police had also signed off on his event, providing those who attend do not cause any disruption.

AFP/GETTY Finishing preparations are being made for Saturday's Royal Wedding

Royal wedding preparations begin for Harry and Meghan’s wedding Thu, May 17, 2018 Royal wedding: Preparations begin in Windsor for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this weekend. Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 39 Flowers and foliage surround the West Door and steps of St George's Chapel