Blimey, has your invitation to the Royal nuptials gone astray whilst crossing the pond? Keep a stiff upper lip and soldier on, chances are a footman will deliver any minute. It will be jolly good to be among the 600 invitees to witness the wedding of the year when bonny Prince Harry and his beloved betrothed, actress Meghan Markle will tie the royal knot. There is so much excitement and gaiety surrounding this joyous event. For years Prince Harry has made our hearts flutter with his naughty antics. It begs the question, “why do good girls love bad boys?”
Then a chance introduction that would change the course of Royal history precipitating The Royal Family to open their hearts and doors to an unlikely intended. As a divorcee, Hollywood star, and daughter of a divorced, mixed racial marriage, there are those that were aghast at the Prince’s choice. “Why couldn’t he have found a home-grown candidate.” But as the big day approaches the fans of the couple applaud Harry’s choice as a breath of fresh air for the country and for the Royals; and many herald the choice as a sign of renewed relevance for The Kingdom.
If the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, who has led Great Britain with grace, integrity and intelligence for sixty six years, approves or at least accepts this union, then who are we to disagree!? We will of course be setting our alarms to 4:30am to watch every glorious detail. There has been so much ink and airwaves spent on the royal occasion, and more to be transmitted each day but we felt the need to review all the fascinating details for those less gobsmacked than we.
Barnard & Westwood, which has held the “Royal Warrant for Printing & Bookbinding by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen” since 1985. The invitations are die-stamped in gold and then burnished. It features The Three Feather Badge of The Prince of Wales. The heraldic badge consists of three ostrich feathers, set into a gold crown. The ribbon declares “Ich dien,” which is German for “I serve”
The wedding will take place in St. George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle at noon on Saturday, May 19. The traditional ceremony will be conducted by The Dean of Windsor, The Rt Revd. David Conner while the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will officiate as the couple make their marriage vows. This is the same church where Harry was christened at three months old. The couple to-be chose an intimate setting that has special meaning for them and for the security that the location affords.
Following the wedding the bride and groom will parade in an Ascot Landau Carriage from the chapel, through Windsor Town, and then return to Windsor Castle for a Wedding Luncheon, hosted by Her Royal Majesty.. Later the celebration will continue at Frogmore House at a Black Tie Ball. The Queen will not attend, which has triggered speculation of the guests opting for a relaxation of the dress codes. It is sure to be a soiree of epic proportions as the guests let their hair and perhaps their necklines down!
Dress code is Uniform, Morning Dress or Lounge Suit, or Day Dress with Hat and we consulted a former Guardsman and polo player who has shared the field with Prince Charles for his advice, “Protocol watchers are watching to try and prevent any Clothing Car Crashes brought by the collision of Royalty and Stars from both sides of the Atlantic. “Normal rules + plus” apply such as don’t wear white or black. Hats are de rigueur, but not outlandish ones with too many feathers & decoration. Men find it easy as they should only wear black morning coats, stripey trousers & black, never brown, shoes. Hats for men are more optional It is wise to carry a simple umbrella, as it hasn’t stopped raining since February it seems.
KK and Hilary at the Hat Luncheon
As a What to Wear moment, this is truly the bees knees. For these ensembles I harkened to the ladylike attire, favored by Her Majesty – a chic sheath in a floral of the season, modestly cut and with a flattering fit. Fascinators are comfortable to wear and won’t crush your blow or cause the dreaded “hat head” when a band has cut a line into your head. Pumps are a must – no sandals or open toed shoes and of course, stockings are highly recommended if you want to avoid disapproval of HRH. For the Black Tie Ball I chose Talbot Runhof, a favored designer for his flattering fit and accessorized with a celebratory sparkle.
Hilary’s picks are perfectly feminine and festive, “ For this fashion occasion Karen and I are both on the floral trend. I chose feminine ruffles and pinks for my looks. As for my requisite hat, I picked a show stopper so as not to be lost in the crowd. For the evening I love this slim fitting gown with the tulle neckline and flattering ruffles on the arms. And of course your best jewelry is a must at this special moment, as you mingle among the Royals with ease.”
It is not customary for British Royal Weddings to have Best Men and Maids or Matrons of honor. Six years ago, Prince William broke with tradition by asking his baby brother Harry to stand in. Now Prince Harry has returned the honor by asking William to be his Best Man. And who could forget Pippa Middleton’s shining moment with her sister. Megan has not chosen bridesmaids or a Maid of Honor. According to sources at the palace, she has so many close friends, she wasn’t comfortable choosing just one or a few. The others in the Bridal Party will all be children as Pages and Flower Girls and could there be anything sweeter?
According to the latest reports from the prince’s office, Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland will travel with her by car to Windsor Castle. Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle Sr. will be walking her down the aisle. At this writing, Meghan’s half brother Thomas Markle Jr., and her half sister Samantha Grant will not be attending the wedding.
To honor the memory of Princess Diana, her siblings, Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Earl Spencer have all been invited with Lady Jane giving a reading. Harry and William were so close to Diana one can’t help but remember with sadness her blithe spirit and the terrible tragedy that took her from them. Her memory burns brightly and it is fitting that her presence will be felt by all in attendance.
