CELEBRATORY displays of patriotism decorated Oxford city centre today to mark the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Many pubs sported strings of red, white and blue bunting and invited customers to join them for screenings of the ceremony, while shoppers were treated to free Royal wedding gifts in the Covered Market.

The Covered Market Tenants' Association set up a stall in the historic shopping arcade this afternoon, handing out a host of patriotic goods to passersby. 

Jemini Flowers, The Garden, The Cake Shop and Oxford Aromatic all donated free royal-inspired items to the table, including miniature flower bouquets, bath bombs and cupcakes topped with an edible image of the bride and groom. 

They also gave out Royal wedding balloons and Union Flags.

Sandie Griffith, secretary of the association, said: "It's patriotic, and we thought it would be a nice gesture.

"It's just about enjoying the fun of the day - we can't be in Windsor, so why not do something in Oxford?"

It was also hoped the giveaways would entice more people into the Covered Market, which Ms Griffith described as the 'hidden gem' of Oxford.

She added: "There are so many nice shops and a wide variety, and many people don't realise it's here."

Due Amici occasion wear shop opened in the Covered Market three weeks ago, run by friends Pat Butler and Gillian Senior.

The pair said other stallholders had been hugely supportive, and plugged the market as a 'beautiful place'.

Gillian Senior, who also owns The Hat Box in the Covered Market, said the hats and fascinators worn by Royal wedding guests were 'absolutely amazing'.

South American students Maria Gracia Matte, Maria Jesus Ariztia and Valeria Giora Sabaf were among those who took home Royal wedding freebies from the Covered Market.

Miss Matte said: "We are so excited for the wedding. We love Meghan because we saw her in Suits - she is very beautiful.

"I love the Royal Family in this country."

Her friend Miss Ariztia added: "It's a pleasure to see the wedding in this country.

"Prince Harry is so handsome, I love him!"

Pubs in the city centre were also keen for a slice of the celebrations, including The Chequers in High Street.

Staff wore paper crowns and screened the wedding inside as well as outside in its cosy beer garden.

Barman Keelan Bradley said: "People have got quite into it - it's not something that happens all the time, so it's nice to celebrate it."

Customers included Sian Evans, whose family was out in Oxford celebrating her future son-in-law's 30th birthday.

The Stoke Mandeville resident wore a red, white and blue hair clip, a Union Flag bag, Union Flag flip-flops and a red dress - which she said would double up as Manchester United attire for the FA Cup Final.

Aptly-named sister pub The Crown sported striking portraits of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in its courtyard, courtesy of well-known Oxford artist Andrew Mason ('The Big Orange M').

The pub also decorated for the occasion and welcomed customers to watch the wedding coverage on television.

Angela Economopoulos, manager of the Cornmarket pub, said: "As 'The Crown' we thought we would stick with the regal theme."

"It's a bit of fun and it's something a bit different and more exciting."

Are you dressing up or hosting a party to mark the Royal wedding? Email us your pictures.