12th March 2018
A dashing prince and a glamourous actress. Britain meets America. Royal tradition blends with vibrant internationalism. It’s no wonder the world is so excited about the forthcoming wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The couple have been in a relationship since 2016 and their engagement was announced in November 2017. Although the couple are said to have found some all-important privacy in Botswana to get to know each other, their engagement was an altogether less exotic affair. They were cooking roast chicken one evening when Harry popped the question. The roast chicken is a much-loved British tradition, and as a keen foodie, spectators are delighted to see Meghan embrace a healthy dose of Britishness. The engagement ring does have a worldlier backstory however, with the large central diamond hailing from Botswana and the two smaller diamonds from the jewellery collection of Harry’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
The royal wedding is set to take place on Saturday 19 May 2018 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. Various royal weddings have taken place in this chapel previously, favoured by royal couples who prefer a more intimate occasion compared to the much larger Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton got married. Following the ceremony at midday, Harry and Meghan will embark on a carriage journey through the streets of Windsor. The British public embrace royal weddings such as these, and many well-wishers will flock to the streets to wave to the newlyweds. Across the country – and indeed the world – the royal wedding will be televised and there’s guaranteed to be a captive audience. After the carriage ride, the couple will go on to have private afternoon and evening receptions with family and friends.
There is much speculation about the style of the royal wedding in terms of both fashion and the incorporation of traditions. A fashion icon in her own right, Meghan Markle is predicted to opt for a simple but stylish wedding dress that is befitting of her future role in the royal family. The wedding dress designer has not been announced, but it is known that fashion designer Inbal Dror was officially invited by Buckingham Palace to submit designs.
Aside from fashion, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have broken with tradition in some of their planning, suggesting their wedding will take a modern twist. The wedding is taking place on a Saturday, whereas most royal weddings usually happen on weekdays. Furthermore, it has been announced that Meghan will make a speech at the wedding, another break from tradition, but a widely applauded move by equality advocates.
The wedding guest list itself is likely to remain a closely guarded secret right up until the big day. However, occasions such as these tend to involve royalty and dignitaries from across the world, as well as a fair few famous faces. The likes of Barack Obama, David Beckham and Serena Williams are all hotly tipped to be invitees. The Spice Girls have also let it slip that they’ve been invited. Spectators believe Elton John, Adele or Ed Sheeran could provide the music.
On 19 May 2018, England will lead the way with celebrations, parties and general merry-making. Everyone feels a part of royal occasions such as this one, when everyone unites for a happy moment in time. The Athenaeum will be embracing the occasion in true British style, from our location just a short meander from Buckingham Palace, the location that embodies everything to do with the British monarchy. Celebrate with our Royal Afternoon Tea, fit for a Prince and Princess, featuring special delicacies from the late Queen mother’s favourite dish, egg drumkilbo to delightful fairy cakes with buttercream. A truly majestic treat!
ROYAL AFTERNOON TEA
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