We’ve made it through swelteringly-hot week, so what better way to celebrate than with a right royal knees-up? Saturday 19th May sees Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot at England’s Windsor Castle – our invites may have gotten lost in the post, but there’s plenty going on over here to mark(le) this momentous occasion. Whether you plan to watch it at the pub, hang up the bunting and stream it at home, or attend a glamourous gala ball, we’ve whipped up a short guide to the event and what food and drink to best accompany you through the proceedings.
4.30pm: Guests arrive
Expect a truly British affair, with copious amounts of queuing, polite “hello’s” and courteous “how do you do’s”. This part of the day will be all about sharing and mingling, so have plenty of prosecco on hand, fancy canapés, and the staple of any posh party – cucumber sandwiches. P.S. don’t forget the tea.
6.20pm: The Royal Family arrive
Members of the monarchy make their way into Windsor Castle. Prince Harry and big bro Duke of the Cambridge will join the crew at 6.45pm, with Her Royal Majesty the last of the family to arrive. Time to get patriotic, raise a beer or gin and tonic, and get some pre-World Cup practice in with an emphatic rendition of God Save the Queen.
6.59pm: Meghan Markle arrives
It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for – finding out what dress the bride-to-be will be wearing. Word on the street is it’s a number by British couture company Ralph & Russo, but whatever the case we’re sure it will have all green with envy – queue the salads. Or, if you’re in need of something a bit heartier to soak up the earlier toasts, burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches are a fitting nod to Ms. Markle’s American roots.
7pm: The service begins
The Royal Family are all present and seated, family crests and Great British flags drape the walls, and the choir boys’ rendition of Jerusalem fills St George’s Chapel. With so much pomp and circumstance in one room, only staples of British cuisine will do. Whilst the Brits might not exactly be renowned for their food, you can’t go far wrong with a traditional fish ’n’ chips, or pie and mash.
Order yours from THE ISLES
8.05pm: Carriage procession
Looks of wonderment at the service turn to despair as young girls realise another Prince Charming – and with him the chance to be a princess – has slipped away. Ice cream tubs at the ready. A fine vintage wine or whiskey will be the perfect tipple to accompany the newlyweds’ 25-minute cruise in an 1883-built Ascot Landau carriage.
Cake.
This is where the schedule gets a bit blurry and TV coverage gets a little restricted – the Queen will be hosting a lunch reception in St. George’s Hall, whilst the happy couple wave to the British public, so we’ll ditch the timings here and fast forward to the good bit. No wedding is complete without cake, and according to Kensington Palace, they’ll be enjoying an “organic lemon and elderflower wedding cake incorporating the bright flavours of spring.” We’ll have what they’re having.
If you’ve made it this far and still somehow have room for more, the rest is up to you! Have a splendid weekend.