Hello and welcome! I've received a number of requests from readers interested in a pre-wedding post. Due to the plethora of news articles, sightings and last-minute information rapidly available, I thought it a good idea to start an 'Open Post' which will allow for additions as they become available, similar to Live Blogs we've written in the past. We'll be chatting about various aspects of the wedding, from the dress to talking points and opinion pieces surrounding the event. Please feel free to share any links you wish and to chat in the comments section. This post will be 'Open' from now until Saturday, including the morning of the wedding, where we will share images once they become available. You will find the most recent entries at the top of the post.
Thank You For Following the Live Blog
Thank you for following the live blog over the past couple of days. We're now closing this post and getting to work on the full blog post covering the wedding!
Congratulations James and Pippa!
Sweet Photos of Kate, George and Charlotte
The Happy Couple
Kate in McQueen
Kate's beautiful soft-pink dress is reportedly by Alexander McQueen. More from Harper's Bazaar: "The Duchess of Cambridge wore Alexander McQueen to Pippa Middleton's wedding today, the same designer she wore to her own wedding in 2011. She chose a somewhat less dramatic look for her sister's nuptials - an understated pale pink, ankle-length dress, which she paired with a matching fascinator. The Duchess visited McQueen's HQ in recent weeks to meet with Sarah Burton to discuss the design. Presumably the Duchess didn't want to overshadow her sister on her big day, thus the pared-down, yet elegant look. The decision shows Kate's ongoing loyalty to the British brand, which she's worn on multiple occasions since the royal wedding." Below we see Kate trying to keep the children quiet. :)
A Beautiful Father-Daughter Photograph
Arrival Video
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at her sister's wedding, followed by Pippa Middleton herself #PippasWedding. Latest on Sky News pic.twitter.com/CxJqe81U4h— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 20, 2017
The Duchess in Pink with the Page Boys and Bridesmaids
Kate Adjusting Pippa's Train
Pippa and Michael
A closer look.
The bride looked radiant.
George and Charlotte
George and Charlotte Adorable in Pepa & Co
HQ Photo
Pippa wore a bespoke veil by Stephen Jones and the Maidenhair Fair Tiara with matching headpiece by Robinson Pelham.
The Bride Arrives
The back of Pippa's Giles Deacon gown. From Chris Ship: "The dress has a cap sleeve, high neckline, corseted bodice, and heart shape detail at the back."
Family Arrivals
Carole and James.
William and Harry greet best man Spencer Matthews.
James Middleton's girlfriend, Donna Air, in cream.
A hug upon arrival.
Live Stream
Good news, two of the photographers we use James Whatling and Stephen Lock are on the ROTA today meaning we should have photos very quickly. In the meantime, The Telegraph has a live stream showing arrivals.
The Cambridges Photographed Leaving KP
The Cambridges were photographed leaving Kensington Palace for Bucklebury earlier this morning. As you can see they are all ready, with the Duchess wearing her hair in an updo with a hat which looks to be peach or soft pink. I would have thought they would have been there this morning to get ready with Pippa, however perhaps they thought it best to prepare George and Charlotte at home. The Telegraph article with additional photos is here.
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| The Telegraph Twitter Feed |
Sky News
There's live coverage currently airing on Sky News. Reporter Rhiannon Mills tweeted "A small number of tv cameras and photographers will film the guests and bridal party arrive and leave the church.".
Two Hours Until the Wedding
Hello and good morning! It's just two hours until the wedding begins. Roya Nikkhah shared this photo from St. Mark's.
The Night Before the Wedding
With many thanks for joining in over the past 24 hours! We'll see you in the morning when additional updates, arrivals and more will be added to this post. I'm sure it's a very exciting time in Bucklebury right now with mere hours until the alarm clocks go off and it all begins. :)
What aspect of the wedding are you most looking forward to? I am extremely excited to see George and Charlotte as page boy and bridesmaid tomorrow. They have both grown so much. Below, we see the family arriving at St Mark's on Christmas Day.
For Kate, I have no doubt it will be incredibly special to see her sister get married tomorrow. They have always been extremely close - throughout Kate's courtship with William, their brief split, the royal wedding and all of life's milestones along the way. Whilst Kate may not have a very visible role tomorrow, I'm sure she's been there every step of the way, from choosing the dress to rehearsals today.
I'll see you in the morning! :)
Wedding Jewellery
Pippa's art deco engagement ring is a vintage style design with a halo of diamonds surrounding an estimated 3.5-carat asscher-cut stone, estimated to be worth up to £200,000. It is thought the wedding bands will also be created by the jeweller.
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| Rebecca English Twitter Feed |
Michael and Carole Middleton had earrings commissioned from London jewellers Robinson Pelham as a wedding gift for Kate. Their design is derived from the acorn and oak leaves which form part of the Middleton family coat of arms and they perfectly complimented the 'Halo' tiara echoing the scroll elements in the design. The £15K earrings are made of 18 karat white gold and diamonds in the form of a curled diamond set oak leaf top and a pear-shaped diamond set drop with a central articulated pave set diamond acorn. Pelham also made Pippa Middleton's floral motif earrings as well as the tourmaline and diamond pendant and earrings worn by Carole Middleton. Will we see the Middleton coat of arms implemented tomorrow? It would be very interesting to see Kate, Pippa and Carole wear those jewels again - the start of a family tradition.
I would also love to see Kate wear the jewellery from her engagement portraits again. The Links of London Hope Egg earrings in particular were a very feminine, striking pair. The white topaz earrings represent hope and new life and are considered a very attractive and important symbol in Russia, commonly given as birthday gifts. The earrings remain available (and very popular) at Links of London.
Kate also chose the brand for her first engagement following the wedding - wearing the Links of London Effervescence Bubble Stiletto Earrings. "Lavender iolite stones echo the iridescence of bubbles, creating perfect jewellery for evening glamour. The Effervescence collection can be treasured by all women. It represents joy and celebration and will have a special bond with each woman who wears it."
Kate's Hairdresser Chosen for the Big Day
Kate's hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker was photographed wheeling a suitcase into Pippa's London home earlier this week. The Mail reports "Mrs Cook Tucker styles Kate's hair for official occasions both in the UK and abroad and is a dab hand at creating elaborate up-dos. Sources have hinted to the Mail that Pippa is planning to wear her hair up on her big day - meaning the royal crimper is a perfect choice for the occasion. Mrs Cook Tucker's ex-husband Neville Tucker also has Royal connections. His Knightsbridge salon held the Royal Warrant from 1980 to 1994 and he worked closely with the Queen's longest-serving hairdresser, Charles Martyn."
Pippa to wear her hair up for the big day - with the help of Kate's personal hairdresser,— Royally_Petite (@RoyallyPetite) May 18, 2017
Amanda Cook Tucker 👰🏻 https://t.co/jPtAOFWWl7
Mother of the Bride
Carole Middleton chose a timeless Catherine Walker ensemble for the royal wedding in 2011. Will she opt for the designer again tomorrow? This photo of Carole, Camilla and the Queen is another memorable one from the royal wedding.
The Telegraph Shares Exclusive Details on the Reception
'Pippa Middleton has chosen to style the wedding of the year in line with the growing trend for a “two-tier” celebration. Her marriage to James Matthews will be a day of two halves. The first will be very much in keeping with the "relaxed country wedding" she is said to have always dreamt about, with the ceremony held at a tiny 12th century church on the sprawling Englefield estate. This will be followed by a reception of champagne and canapes - The Telegraph understands 20,000 have been ordered for the occasion - on the lawn in front of Englefield House (the palatial Elizabethan mansion which is home to the estate’s owner MP Richard Benyon). And while the adults enjoy exquisite canapes - including scallops, haggis and smoked salmon - it is thought Prince George and and Princess Charlotte will be tucking into some healthy snacks.
At this initial reception, Michael Middleton, James Matthews and his brother Spencer (who is expected to be his best man) will make the traditional wedding speeches and the happy couple will perform the ceremonial cutting of the cake.
The guests will then be invited to return to wherever they are staying to freshen up and change into an entirely new outfit before the second event of the day. Children will be whisked away, as The Telegraph can exclusively reveal the later event is strictly a no kids allowed affair. In the morning, little Prince George and Princess Charlotte will follow their aunt down the aisle as her page boy and bridesmaid, but in the evening, the royal children are expected to either be kept amused inside the Middletons’ house while their parents dance the night away, or be taken back to Kensington Palace by their nanny. For the second celebration - which is to be held at the Middletons’ £6 million manor house, just a couple of miles from the church in Bucklebury - guests will be welcomed into a world of high glamour and decadence. A sparkling glass palace has been erected in the garden, which is expected to be filled with candles and flowers.
Pippa's Pre-Wedding Looks
Pippa has been photographed a multitude of times in the run up the wedding showcasing a variety of looks. I thought it might be fun to look a couple of my favourites. Last month Pippa and James attended the ParaSnow Ball at Hurlingham Gardens. It was the first time they posed together for photos as a couple.
Pippa chose a very pretty dress by one of Kate's favourite designers Erdem. The Heta Embellished-Organza Dress is from the designers Resort 2017 Collection. This textured slate-blue organza-cloqué Heta dress is embellished with tonal-blue and clear crystal floral motifs at the neckline and hips, and falls below the knee in a tiered ruffled panel. Pippa teamed the dress with distinctive Sandro Leather Sandals with Cut Outs.
Meghan was causally chic during a visit to Santi Spa earlier this week.
Pippa wore the Kate Spade New York Scallop Tweed Jacket. It is described as "Contrast embroidery accents the whimsically scalloped edges of a tailored tweed jacket with classic collarless styling." Coincidentally it looks very similar to the jacket Kate was wearing driving in London earlier today. Pippa teamed it with the Kate Spade New York Eyelet Embroidered Top, which is available at Nordstrom and carried the gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana Sicily Medium Textured Leather-Tote
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| Rebecca English Mail Online Twitter Feed |
Pippa wore the Kate Spade New York Scallop Tweed Jacket. It is described as "Contrast embroidery accents the whimsically scalloped edges of a tailored tweed jacket with classic collarless styling." Coincidentally it looks very similar to the jacket Kate was wearing driving in London earlier today. Pippa teamed it with the Kate Spade New York Eyelet Embroidered Top, which is available at Nordstrom and carried the gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana Sicily Medium Textured Leather-Tote
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With many thanks to Middleton Maven for identifying the look.
Meghan Markle Photographed in London Today
There is significant interest in one guest at the wedding in particular - Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle. Meghan was photographed leaving a Soho spa earlier today ahead of her appearance at the wedding tomorrow, which promises to be a significant moment for the couple. If interested, you can read more over at our Meghan blog.
A Scottish Theme
Rebecca English reports: "The Mail can reveal one of the most fascinating aspects yet – the big day is going to have a Scottish theme. Pippa’s links to God’s Country are a little unclear – although she did go to Edinburgh University. Groom James Matthews, however, is better connected and it would seem this has driven the plan for the nuptials. James’s father, David, a former mechanic who made a fortune through the car trade, owns a castle and 10,000-acre estate 15 miles from Loch Ness in the Highlands. His acquisition of the property in 2008 also bought him the courtesy title of the Laird of Glen Affric, which will be inherited by his eldest son, hedge fund boss James. That would make Pippa Lady Glen Affric one day. Friends say Pippa and her fiance have a deep love of Scotland and often spend time at the Matthews family estate, where they hold annual shooting parties at the Glen Affric Lodge. As a result the 300 guests at the wedding are set to enjoy a wealth of food sourced from the region around Glen Affric, including haggis canapés and lamb, all washed down with local whisky. The couple have even brought in a bagpiper."
I was chatting with the lovely Susan from What Kate Wore who correctly noted, given the Scottish theme, there's a possibility page boys could wear kilts as Peter Phillips did for his aunt Sarah Phillips' wedding in 1981. You can read Susan's post here.
The Telegraph posted a delightful 90 second video of royal page boys and bridesmaids over the years.
Royal bridesmaids and pageboys - in 90 seconds #PippaMiddleton pic.twitter.com/FEjStspckI— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) May 19, 2017
The Scene in Bucklebury
ITV's royal reporter Chris Ship shared these images from the Middleton family home in Bucklebury. "In the end, it wasn't exactly hard to spot Pippa Middleton's glass marquee. This was taken from a road on a hill on the other side of a valley from the Middleton's Bucklebury home in Berkshire. Small, it is not."
A video report from Chris Ship.
Kate Spotted Driving Through London
The Duchess of Cambridge has been spotted driving a Range Rover through London this afternoon. The Mail Online reports Kate attended rehearsals for Pippa's wedding at St Mark's this morning (likely the same rehearsal Mike Middleton was photographed leaving).
Nanny Maria Teresa Borrallo was also at the rehearsal with the Middleton family. You can view images on the Mail Online. I expect William, Kate, George and Charlotte will all return to Bucklebury later this evening ahead of the wedding tomorrow.
Carole, Michael and James Middleton join the in-laws at a wedding run-through before Pippa's wedding. pic.twitter.com/3H2qpkOLcJ— Middleton Maven (@MiddletonMaven) May 19, 2017
Kate wore a white and black jacket and her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch. We'll update if the piece is found.
Michael Middleton Photographed at St Mark's Today
Father of the bride Mike Middleton has been spotted with wedding planners at St Mark's Church today for final rehearsals and preparations. The event is being overseen by the Royal family's party planners of choice, Fait Accompli (they organised 'Party at the Palace' at Buckingham Palace most recently). Founder Camilla Monckton was a close friend of Princess Diana and organised an array of events for her at Kensington Palace. The catering is being looked after by society favourite Table Talk; Pippa Middleton worked for the company before the royal wedding.
Tomorrow, Mike Middleton will walk his youngest daughter down the aisle. The photos of Kate and Mike arriving at Westminster Abbey remain some of my favourites from the day. I think he's very much the rock of the family and has been such an enormous source of support. William affectionately refers to him as "Dad".
A video.
Whilst looking through photos of the royal wedding, I came across this one of Kate leaving The Goring. It's such a great image - encompassing the excitement of the day.
And of course the speech will have been months in the planning. More from Hello:
'But if Michael's first speech at the royal wedding is anything to go by, the doting father need not worry. He has been heavily involved in Pippa's wedding preparations, and will have spent weeks, if not months, crafting the perfect father-of-the-bride speech. He will focus on the happy couple Pippa and James, and surely talk about his pride for his daughter, sharing anecdotes from Pippa's childhood. We can expect a heartwarming speech, full of emotion that will bring a tear to, at least, the bride's eye.
Michael, 67, may also recall how Pippa and James met and started dating, and how James asked him for his daughter's hand in marriage. He'll no doubt say just how much the couple are suited to each other, and how Pippa will be in safe hands with her new husband. There will be anecdotes and funny stories to share, just as he did at William and Kate's royal wedding. Back then, Michael joked about the Prince landing his helicopter in the grounds of their family home in Berkshire. "He mentioned… how it nearly blew his roof off, and spoke of how brilliantly William fitted into his family," said one guest.
Another guest revealed: "Mike's speech was all about Kate, and he did very, very well – what a difficult speech to do, but it was very well delivered. He talked about her childhood, how the couple met and what a wonderful couple they make."
The Reception
After the church ceremony, guests will reportedly make the two-minute walk to a champagne reception at Englefield House. Englefield House is an Elizabethan country house with surrounding estate at Englefield in Berkshire, owned by the Benyon family. The gardens are open to the public all year round on particular weekdays and the house by appointment only for large groups. For those who think it looks somewhat familiar, it may be because the house has featured in a host of television shows and movies. From The King's Speech and Great Expectations to X Men: First Class and the reality series "I Wanna Marry Harry". A large canvas tent has been constructed on the Estate grounds in recent days for the wedding.
From there, guests will be taken to the Middleton family home in Bucklebury for the reception. A huge glass marquee has been set up in the garden to host the wedding breakfast and evening reception. The conservatory-style structure can be seen from the road.
A look inside a similar marquee, Pippa's is expected to house 350 guests at the reception.
'Some 17lb of beluga caviar has been given from an anonymous Russian donor costing £40,000, which will also be incorporated into the canapés, our sources say. Pippa has, by all accounts, been intimately involved in every aspect of the menu and has chosen all the food herself, with some inspiration from her book of tips about entertaining, Celebration.
Pippa is understood to have personally vetted all the waiters and waitresses. All staff have been forced to sign confidentiality agreements and will have to give up their phones before entering the site. The bride has also been planning a host of surprises for her guests, including table tennis tables in the glass marquee because it is her favourite sport. A huge sound system with ‘mega speakers’ was yesterday being installed for a ‘surprise act’ who will perform at an after party.
The Middleton family have been given a fleet of up to 50 top-of-the-range cars by Jaguar Land Rover to ferry around their guests, it is understood. In return for the publicity the event is expected to generate, the car giant has loaned them dozens of Range Rovers to transport guests from the village hall in Bucklebury, Berkshire, to the family house. '
Met Office Predicts Rain for Tomorrow
If there's one element of the big day brides wish they could control it is the weather. Pippa and James will be hoping forecasters are wrong to predict showers and rain. The Telegraph reports: "The Met Office is predicting rain for the area on Saturday - the same time Pippa and her new husband are likely to pose for wedding pictures." Hopefully skies will remain clear!
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| The Telegraph |
Another interest portion of the article reveals the ceremony is due to begin at 11:30 a.m.
Who is James Matthews?
"Mr Matthews is the CEO of investment advisory firm Eden Rock Group. Tatler notes: "He went to Eton so is happiest when in a blazer and suede loafers." The former racing driver did not go to university but decided to trade as a finance trader. Mr Matthews' family owns a manor house in Nottinghamshire and his father bought the Glen Affric estate in the Highlands in 2008. His parents David and Jane also have a hotel called Eden Rock on the idyllic Caribbean Island of St Barts, also known as St Barths. In September 1995, David and Jane Matthews arrived on the island of St Barths accompanied by their four children,” the hotel website says.
“The family had purchased Eden Rock from legendary island aviator and local adventurer Rémy de Haenen, moving the family from London to the Caribbean in pursuit of a more adventurous life – and sunshine too.”
James’ brother Michael Matthew tragically died at the age of 22 while descending from the summit of Mount Everest in May 1999. The Michael Matthews Foundation (MMF), set up in his memory, said that the cheerful and modest man was then the youngest Britain to have summited the mountain. The foundation website says: “To date, MMF’s income has resulted largely from the fund-raising endeavours of Michael's brothers, James and Spencer, their friends, and other family members.”
The Guest List
The Telegraph takes a look at the guest list set to include society friends Camilla Campion-Awaad, Old Etionian George Percy and Sam and Annabel Waley-Cohen.
Stephen Glover Opinion Piece: Yes, they're in love but this oh-so lavish wedding won't endear Pippa to the public - or help the Royals
A much discussed topic on the blog of late has been how much coverage there has been surrounding the wedding with many feeling it has very much gone from a private event to a very public wedding. Stephen Glover writes:
'This has become a public wedding. All the more regrettable, then, that many people will see the well-publicised antics of the Matthews and Middleton clans and their guests as proof of Jeremy Corbyn’s contention that the rich occupy a different planet, and should be brought back to earth with a bump.
It is true, of course, that the Middletons have made their fortune out of planning parties, and they must have brought many of their skills to this wedding. No doubt they want to impress their guests, as parents are apt to do on these occasions. But is this flaunting of wealth wise or necessary?
Wouldn’t it have been more seemly to have an old-fashioned English country wedding with a straightforward marquee and perfectly adequate Portaloos? The Middletons have made money, and good for them. Few would complain if they displayed a proper degree of modesty. They are not, in fact, members of the super-rich, though James and his parents (who may well be sharing the stonking bill) probably are. Yet this would seem to be a grotesquely opulent and rather unEnglish affair.
The odd thing is that there is so much to admire about the Middleton and Matthews families. Both have worked hard and are self-made. Both are said to be close and tightly knit. On the assumption that they have all paid their taxes and that everything has been above board, I don’t see why any of us should begrudge them a single penny of their fortunes. They have, it seems to me, epitomised the best of middle-class values, which many people less fortunate than them would naturally admire. Why, then, must they risk the charge of behaving like vulgar Russian oligarchs — or at any rate give rise to the belief that they should be viewed in that light? Why the need to make a mark with such tacky displays of wealth?
Preparations Firmly Underway
Preparations are very much underway with a flurry of activity at St Mark's, Englefield. With less than 48 hours to go until the couple say their vows, workmen have been making last-minute improvements to the church and gardens. From meticulously mowing the lawns to adjusting signage, it's quite the operation.
A chair delivery company dropped off a huge order of chairs at the church. Deliveries from Starlight Design were seen arriving, too. The company website reads: "Specialising in set design, lighting, sound, AV, fireworks, power distribution and event production using the very latest technology with our own blend of creative input and experience to guarantee results that exceed our client's expectations."
A sign from the Englefield estate noting the permissive path will be closed on Saturday.
A Giles Deacon Dress?
One of the major questions surrounding the wedding is the designer of Pippa's wedding dress? The Mail reports it's Giles Deacon. Rebecca English says: "She has chosen a couture dress made by Giles Deacon, who has designed clothes for Ann Summers and New Look. He is famed for his dramatic Gothic creations but Pippa's dress has been described to the Mail as 'classic with a progressive twist'. It is a relatively contemporary, progressive design but is completely in keeping with the occasion. Pippa will look absolutely beautiful." Below we see Pippa and James superimposed onto a wedding photo of Abbey Clancy (who wore a Giles Deacon dress) and footballer Peter Crouch.
If correct, Giles Deacon is an interesting choice. Deacon was employed by the fashion houses Bottega Veneta and Gucci, before founding his own label, GILES, in 2003. He launched his first collection for GILES at the 2004 London Fashion Week and was named "Best New Designer" at the British Fashion Awards. Below, a look at the his current collection.
The Mail also reports Pippa will be wearing custom Manolo Blahnik pumps. Below, a look at the brand's 'Hangisi' point toe pumps: "An ornate crystal embellishment sparkles at the toe of a quintessential stiletto pump done up in feminine floral mesh."
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the wedding? We know the wedding will take place "on the morning of Saturday, 20 May". The Telegraph reports the ceremony will begin at 11.30 a.m.
Will we see photos? Yes we will. Kensington Palace organised a media facility with a small, select group of photographers. Presumably, these images will be distributed via the "ROTA" system, whereby photos are syndicated to various agencies. We don't know how many or how varied they will be, however, I expect there should be a good portion of arrival and departure photos. It's possible an official portrait or two will be released.
How many members of the Royal family are attending? The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge naturally; Prince George and Princess Charlotte will serve as page boy and bridesmaid. Prince Harry will also be in attendance with his girlfriend Meghan Markle, but it remains unknown for certain whether Meghan will be at the entire event or just the reception.
Will Kate have a formal role at the wedding? According to various reports, the Duchess will not have a formal role at the wedding, although I wouldn't rule out some part.
I hope they release official pictures of George and Charlotte in their page boy and bridesmaid outfits!
ReplyDeleteYes please!! That would be such an easy way for good publicity and the kids will probably look adorably cute :)
DeleteWell, this looks fun! Just the ticket for restless wedding watchers. Thanks, Charlotte.Marie
ReplyDeleteI love this post and idea of the open blog!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte! This is a great idea. I'm actually getting excited about this wedding a little bit. Looking forward to seeing the Cambridge, and Pippa's dress and bouquet. Since she doesn't have the royal restrictions that Kate had, I think Pippas gown might be rather unique, so can't wait for that.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Charlotte! Thank you :) I read there might be a Scottish theme with a bagpiper & we could see James in a kilt. I think Pippa will look gorgeous, can't wait to see her dress!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll die with delight if we get to see George in a kilt! Look at how cute Peter Phillips was in one :) Thanks for including that adorable pic, Charlotte. I really hope it doesn't rain on the day! I'd love to hear Mike's father-of-the-bride speech. He seems like such a cool guy, witty, too :)
DeleteWhat a fun blog post!
ReplyDeleteI wonder who is paying for all the maintenance and restoration work that has been going on at the church?
Will Charlotte really be a bridesmaid? I'd have thought that at 2 years old she would be a flower girl. :0)
ReplyDeleteI think this is just the difference in choice of words between different countries. Bridesmaids in the US are the age of the bride, bridesmaids in parts of Europe are in the age of little Charlotte and George, which would probably be considered flower girl in the US.
DeleteI did not write this. Could I please ask this Patricia to perhaps add a number or another word to her moniker, in order to differentiate us? Thanks!
DeleteI believe you are assuming that wedding customs are the same in Britain as in the US. Bridesmaids over there are usually children these days. I don't know that there is a role parallel to the flower girl.
My thoughts too Patricia but I think it's sweet that Pippa thought of her niece as a bridesmaid :) I have a feeling that George and Charlotte are going to have just as many eyes on them as Pippa.
DeleteI think that Kate will recycle an outfit for the wedding. She wouldn't want to detract from Pippa's dress and she has been very considerate in that regard.
I hope that she brings out that fabulous dove grey coat she wore in Australia for the Easter service! It was one of my all time favourite coats of hers! And the pale blue Catherine Walker coat with the white detail down the front which she wore last year for a service at St. Pauls, both would be gorgeous for the wedding and I hope to see those outfits again.
With all the excitement around Pippa's wedding and the preparations that are underway, it almost feels like 29 April 2011. I remember being home from work that day, sick with the flu but lucky enough to stay in bed and watch the royal wedding lol :)
I hope that Pippa and James have a fabulous day tomorrow and I wish them a blessed, happy and prosperous life together :) Cheers to them!
Love Avee in SA
I've thought the same thing myself, Patricia! It does seem like an odd way of describing Charlotte's role. Is it an English thing I wonder, to call her a bridesmaid? I'm sure she'll be very cute and well-behaved, as will George (hopefully, for Kate's sake!)
DeleteHello Patricia, sorry about that! I post using Google and I think you can see the difference (your name is in black, mine is 'clickable'), but don't worry, I don't normally post here, and I only did it because I've been puzzled about the 'flower girl' thing. I'm originally from the UK and now live in Canada - now I can't remember if I know the term from the UK or from here!! But to me, a bridesmaid is a friend of the bride, usually the same age, a flower girl is a little girl. Then I found the term 'junior bridesmaid' for 8-14. Confusing!
DeleteHere's a UK article about it!
DeleteI believe that in England bridesmaids tend to be children...and there are few if no adult bridesmaids. And no "flower girls." I could be wrong, but these are my observations, especially since when I married my first husband, I perused British wedding magazines and publications, and I had an "English" style wedding, at 11 am with the men wearing morning coats and my young nieces (children) as my bridesmaids.
DeleteI disagree that Kate will recycle an outfit. This is her sister's wedding! She will want to wear something new and wonderful and pretty....not a boring old coat dress.
I believe flower girls are an American concept - so called because they sprinkle petals. Very young children are traditionally attendants in Britain - why I was quite certain Kate wouldn't be part of the wedding party. (Perhaps she will give a reading.) Today, adult bridesmaids are very common and Pippa will probably have someone older as her chief bridesmaid - we shall see, if formal snaps are released. I confess one of my interests is whether Freya - who James has said is like a daughter to him - will be one of the wedding party - she should be and I hope she is.
DeleteIt's rather expected young attendants will act out - sometimes they're given soft toys to carry which can look very sweet.
I think she will wear something new too Pam.
DeleteThe UK has page boys: the best man looks after the ring. At the Royal Wedding, Prince Harry had a special little pocket in the cuff of his uniform, to keep it safe.
DeleteThe origin of the "flower girl" goes all the way back to ancient Rome. The bride would have been preceded down the aisle by young girls carrying baskets filled with herbs and wheat. These items were significant symbols of prosperity and blessing to the ancient Romans. During the Medieval Era, flower girls carried garlic, in the hopes of discouraging evil spirits from getting too close to the bride and groom. During the Elizabethan Era, flower girls dropped flower petals on the roadway from the bride's home to the church during the wedding procession. Victorian-era flower girls would have typically been dressed in white, perhaps with a sash of colored satin or silk. Her dress would have been intentionally simple, to allow for future use. She carried an ornate basket of fresh blooms or sometimes a floral hoop, it's shape echoing that of the wedding ring and symbolizing that love has no end. The concept of a flower girl may be found in any country and in any wedding, because it has such a rich history. During Queen Victoria's wedding, she had some trouble with her female attendants (likely young in age), as they kept treading on her wedding dress during the processional.
DeleteThat was interesting. Thanks, Sarah.
DeleteThanks, Charlotte. This will be great fun.
ReplyDeleteGlover sure takes a high-handed and snooty tone in his piece. That says more about him than the Middletons/Matthews. Why does Pippa have to endear herself to the public? And oh yes, it's all right for the middle classes to work hard and make money, but only if they display a proper degree of modesty. Vulgar Russian oligarchs? Oh come on, that's laughable.
Me thinks he doth protest a tad too much. Certainly in much too purple a shade.
The Middletons/Matthews are going to get criticized no matter what they do. Frankly, I'm glad they'll have the kind of knees up that they want. Can't wait to see the pictures.
Philly, I'm going to agree with you on this. The only reason the public knows about it - is because folks like him write articles about it. For money.
DeleteTotally agree!
DeleteI didn't care for the tone either and agree that it says a lot more about him. Just a couple of shades of green going on here. :-)
DeleteTheir first daughter married a future king and the Middleton family handled it all with class and grace. If they have the means and they wish to give their other daughter as special a day as possible, good for them! It's THEIR money. And if not for the royal connection that SELLS, no one would know or care, right?
How sad that people who work and make a good life for themselves are somehow seen as the bad guy.
FABULOUS IDEA THIS OPEN POST!!
DeleteAgree Philly!
While I sort of hoped Pippa would opt for a private, charming, Austen-esque English country wedding, I don't think she or the Middletons or the Matthews owe anyone anything! Her wedding, her desires. Most (hopefully) marry once so why not have the wedding of her dreams, especially since they have the means to give her one?
Caaaaan't waaaaaait!!!!!
I agree, Philly!
DeleteAgree! Why not spend their money as the wish? I bet the party planners, rental companies, florist, caterers et all and their employees are super happy they are spending their cash!
DeleteFlorida Moxie, I had a whole paragraph I was going to unload, but ya know what? You said it PERFECTLY in 3 sentences. Spot on! Agreed 100%!
DeleteI am very excited about this wedding! I have been looking forward to it all week and even have it on my calendar "Happy Wedding Pippa!".
Delete...and they lived happily ever after.
I agree with you Philly, Pippa does not need to gain public approval nor will her wedding festivities affect the royal's image in any way. Pippa is Kate's sister and does not have to worry about being "conservative" with her wedding costs. After all, she does not have a royal title or royal duties ahead of her.
DeleteLove Avee
Agreed!
Deleteagree with all of you, the author of that article took a snooty tone. The parents of the couple have the money, why should not they spend it. I think they would even if the the bride's sister isn't who she is.
Deleteenough
I totally agree, Philly! Their money, their wedding. So looking forward to all the photos and commentary.
DeleteI understand the knee jerk reaction to Glover's piece, but I think it misses the bigger point he's trying to make. No matter my opinion or your opinion, there is reality. And whether it's fair or not the reality is this wedding and the coverage is running into tricky territory.
DeleteIs that fair? No. Should Pippa have the wedding of her dreams? Yes. But, should the media savvy Pippa and her family have been more aware of public perception and fall out? Maybe. Could this hurt them all? Absolutely.
Glover specifically mentions the churning political undercurrent in the country right now. There's an election in just 3 weeks. The front pages, the news, radio shows, have been full of the reality many Brits may face in the near future. Just yesterday an eruption over a proposed "dementia tax" that could cost many seniors (unfortunate enough to get the awful illness) their homes. It's hard for others to understand this climate maybe.
So the public right now may not have much of a stomach for tales of extravagance and free caviar from anonymous Russians. I mean, how normal and middle class is that?
None of this may be fair, but that's not the point. The reality is it's probably not playing very well to the public, we can like that or not but it doesn't change anything. And again, savvy PR/Media people should see that.
Is that the entire Glover statement? It seemed to end rather abruptly. If not, it would be interesting to read the entire opinion piece. May be it got edited by the paper. :)
DeleteI agree with those who think the tone was somewhat green-tinged, as though he could benefit from a good dose of castor oil. Perhaps he's upset because he was not on the guest list.
Seriously, the man has a point, although buried in a very ungracious tone.
Pippa, bless her heart, has waited patiently for this day. It is never easy to live in the reflected glow of a famous relative. It's her party; she can vie if she wants to. However, she is associated with the monarchy and it could make the royals look guilty by association of conspicuous consumption. At least that seems to be the focus of a few reporters and writers. Abagail
It is an odd piece - recently I read someplace - in Tatler, I'm thinking, but can't quite recall, that large elaborate weddings are now considered out of fashion - if they ever were in fashion, other than for royalty! But we don't really know how glamourous Pippa's wedding will be - it has just got a lot of press attention - too much if you ask me - but then here I am! I can rationalise my interest by saying it will be historic to see George as an attendant - as it was when William was.
DeleteIf there is a spitfire, I don't think that is such a big deal - they do go around performing - we saw one do a flyover when we were on a cruise - great fun. Likewise bagpipes - Julia had a piper at her wedding for Leo. As for the loos, well...we don't really know how grand they are! Firms that provide such things must have different choices so what was pictured in the press may not be what Pippa has.
I tend to agree with you here, Claudia. Pippa should have the wedding she wants and the families are allowed to spend their money as they wish, but there's an unrest due to Brexit and I can see how it could look like the Middletons are just flaunting their money and status. I don't think they should necessarily have to alter their plans because of it, but at least consider the public perception, like you said. Maybe they did and just didn't care. Or maybe they didn't think it would really be that big of a deal. There's just something about all of this that doesn't sit well with me, for some reason.
DeletePippa's PR firm (same firm that KP uses) and the media are turning this wedding into a circus. There was nothing close to this much publicity even for Tamara Westminster's wedding, which was attended by Charles, the Queen, Anne and almost the entire royal family. The media like to alternately build up and bash the Middletons and Pippa unfortunately played entirely into their hands in the early days when she was trying to build a public career. It's not going to work for her. The media will never be kind to her.
DeleteThey aren't normal nor middle class though. These are two very wealthy families, and this wedding is typical for this income bracket, I think. Why should other extremely wealthy Brits have extravagant weddings but Pippa only a modest one because her sister married into the royal family. People know Pippa and James are not part of the BRF. Why should they expect them to be self sacrificing for the political climate? Really, the Middletons can't win. Everyone knows Middletons/ Matthews have money but people don't want to see any evidence of their privileged lifestyle.
DeleteI agree with most above, that article had me rolling my eyes so hard. I kept waiting for the author to state just WHY public perception should be a problem for the Middletons. It's their money. If they want to treat their guests lavishly why should the public care? Why should the Middletons care what the public thinks? They're not spending any public money, they're not politicians or griping about paying taxes.
DeleteI for one love the spectacle and am enjoying the suspense. A far flung acquaintance of mine had an extremely lavish affair a few years back (shut down the Las Vegas strip to ride in on an elephant) and I looooooooved watching the glitz and glamour from afar. Tried to figure out a way to get invited as a plus 1 but all my old friends who were going were already partnered. Too bad for me.
I think it only makes the royals look guilty by association if one wants to construe it that way. The Middletons and the Matthews do not have royal duties nor are they supported by the taxpayers. We all know that. Why should Pippa have to be a martyr just because her sister married Prince William? She should have the wedding she wants.
DeleteDuke of Westminster's daughter Tamara got married a decade or so ago. He is the richest man in the UK. It would be interesting to dig up details of her wedding. They are aristocrats and of course, wealthy. As far as I could see it was a normal but beautiful wedding attended by the entire royal family (William and Harry were ushers) including the Queen and PP.
DeleteYes, the criticism of the Middletons is not fair. And that IS the point.
DeleteNo worries-the public is eating it up. Abagail
No big secret about Tamara's wedding - it was at Chester Cathedral not so far from the Westminster home (which is modern.) The queen did attend and it was quite a big deal. Tamara married a van Cutsem. There was a bit of scandal about that wedding because Charles didn't attend - it was said, because he didn't like the way Camilla (who he was not then married to) was seated at the cathedral. How very Charles!
DeleteThe second Westminster girl, Edwina, chose to avoid all this and married in a very private service.
Marriage style for aristocrats vary - Diana's parents were married in Westminster Abbey. St. Margaret's Westminster used to be a fashionable place to wed. But these days, marriages at local churches tend to be the norm - essentially what Pippa is doing, the local parish church, a marquee (usually not a glass one, but it does look pretty if that's what is happening.) That is how Diana's brother was married - the first time. That doesn't mean there won't be attention. Melissa Percy's Northumbrian wedding drew much attention (and Chelsy was a bridesmaid - she attended several weddings with Harry including Peter Philips and no engagement followed - so why such a fuss about Meghan?) Melissa's marriage was sadly short-lived.
There has recently been a move against big lavish weddings - as some of the Russians have had - it's become a bit of new money versus old money in style in the last decade. I suspect Pippa is trying to move towards the more traditional in spite of all the fuss - but it hasn't quite worked out that way.
You mean Diana's parents cmarried at the same Westminster Abbey where William and Kate married? I assume that that is different than
DeleteSt. Margaret's Westminster?
It is and I meant the Abbey - it was a huge wedding.
DeleteI think Harry's friend isn't exactly middle class and is an Etonian. I would think having a destination wedding at a resort on a Caribbean island might qualify as lavish. I assume it wasn't his home parish. I think the difference is that the older families don't usually have click bait like Harry and Meghan or William and his little family in attendance and they just don't get the publicity. No one knows their wedding details. I imagine when the Queen attends a wedding privately BP has a means of controlling access and publicity. And, let's face it, as charming as Charles is, few get this excited about his attending a wedding.
DeleteI'm not sure what new money and old money means exactly, but it sounds a little snobbish and possibly an unflattering reference to the Matthews and Middletons, as they are considered "new money," I suppose, and are having a lavish wedding. Abagail
Abagail, generally "old money" refers to families that have been wealthy for generations whereas "new money" are those who have recently become wealthy. It is often said that old money doesn't flaunt their wealth but new money does. The terms can be used in a snobbish way, but that isn't always the case. With no judgement from me, I would say both the Middleton and Matthews families are "new money".
Deletebristowmom, I have to agree. First of all, class doesn't have anything to do with how much money one has - or how good or bad a person is. The Middletons are middle class and the Matthews are new money - hence Spencer's show - there is nothing wrong with that. Aristocrats may have no money at all - and often don't - but they're still aristocrats. For those who don't care for this - remember monarchy by nature embraces this in every way (although it is often said to act very middle class.) This sort of snobbish distinction is the argument for republicism insisting on equality for all (which arguably does lead to wealth being a determining factor) But for now, birth and background still counts.
DeleteRegardless of who has what and how old the money is, I thought this would be a quiet country wedding in the "old" style - parish church, wedding breakfast at the family home...and in a sense it is. But the hype and all these details of requiring residents to carry i.d. and such has a very "new" celebrity feel to it. The press hasn't helped but having P.R. and all this conscious sense of itself means it has created its own hype. (Part of the "old" style means having royal children as attendants is the most natural thing in the world and requires no special consideration.) Somehow, this event has gone beyond itself - and I must go too.
Yay!! Love the idea of an open post. Thank you Charlotte!! Can't wait to see the Cambridge family!!!
ReplyDeleteDo you'll think Pippa will wear a sentimental piece of jewelry? Like her grandmother's earrings or brooch? I can't wait to see the entire wedding party on Saturday!!XOXO
ReplyDeleteI personnaly think the entire family will have new wedding bling from Robinson Pelham because Kate had that. Plus the jeweler is a family friend, owns the church (and town) and also is said to have designed Pippa's engagement ring for James. What with the huge and fancy "crystal" marquee, fancy loos, luxury transportation for her guests, I think Pippa will go with all new bling for herself and her family. I hope I'm wrong though and would love for her to wear something from Dorothy and Valerie.
DeleteAnyone want to take bets? (Just Kidding) :)
DeleteI'd bet on both, or is that too safe? ;-)
DeleteTotally off topic but just saw some photos of the Queen going to dinner at "The Ivy" to celebrate a friends birthday:)! Oh she looked so great and happy. She also was not wearing gloves and wrapped up in a wonderful huge shawl. No one in my family has made it into their 90's but my Mother-in-law got into her 80's and that type of outing for her was very much fun and I am sure for the Queen who has fewer and fewer friends anywhere near her age it must have been a treat to go out as the guest and not the host.
ReplyDeleteThe queen looked lovely if a little overpowered in her shawl. For long-time royalists like myself, this created an interesting mysterious distraction from the Pippa parade which is getting a little too much for what should be a quiet wedding.
DeleteThe queen is carrying a purse with a woman's image on it. D.M. identified it as Princess Margaret and her children. I knew that wasn't right (big news with D.M.) but wondered who it was. Someone suggested the Duchess of Kent and I wondered about that since the word Helen (her daughter) was on the purse but it didn't really look like her.
It turns out it was Archduchess Helen of Austria, the birthday girl and no doubt the purses were given out. For those who were royalists like me in the 80's (anyone here, probably not) Archduchess Helen is the mother of Sophie of Hapsburg, then considered one of the most glamourous and beautiful royals after Diana. For those who want a dash of celebrity, Sophie was linked to a Hollywood actor - I'm thinking it was Richard Gere, before marrying back into European aristocracy - an interesting occasion for the queen's first visit to The Ivy and one of the queen's rare visits to restaurants. Explains why the Michaels are there too. The Eurohistory blog has a nice write-up on the archduchess mentioning how caring she is. (she is turning eighty.)
Noticed some horrible errors in some of my comments yesterday as to form -my apologies.
No problem, Julia. x
DeleteThanks for the added information Julia. The Queen did look a bit overpowered in her shawl, that was one of the things I loved about the photo I saw:)
DeleteI'm just thrilled she feels well enough to get out and about. I will look for the photo. Thanks Ali and Julia for the heads up. Abagail
DeleteJulia, just so you don't feel alone - I was a royal watcher in the 80s also! I'm American so don't know all of the royal relatives but I know more than any of my friends (who aren't at all interested in The Monarchy.) My mom was a huge fan of the Queen. On the day of Charles and Diana's wedding I happened to be traveling with my parents. Mom wanted to see the wedding so we woke up at 3 a.m. I've been a fan ever since.
DeleteIt's nice there's a group of us out there - in the eighties, there were lots of people to talk about the royal family - now it is better not discussed but I still do care.
DeleteThanks charlotte. Canf wait for all the fun Looking forward to pippa wedding dress the cambridges fam the middleton fam i think the duchess will read at church fir sure i think she not rule out at the wedding really excited about wedding Hmm meghan marke is there too there are spark. After pippa and james wedding they will annocement enagement.but i also want to rush. Things out love the idea Scottish wedding theme pippa snd james spotted jogging st park
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charlotte. Waiting for the pictures. Everyone hello and good evening (USA time).
ReplyDeleteI do wish that the people of this world would stop coveting what everyone else has. There would certainly be less conflict, bittterness, and wars. I hope that Pippa has the wedding she always dreamed of.
ReplyDeleteThat is it in a nutshell, isn't it Jen.
DeleteJen, you hit the nail on the head! Jealousy is what drives the hatefulness in some instances. I'm just happy for this lovely couple, and wish them a grand day.
DeleteAbsolutely! Everything I've read so far seems lavish but beautiful! I can't wait to see pictures and read about more details.
DeleteOne of my most striking memories from my own wedding was taking pictures with my husband and watching all the tables and chairs being set up in our venue. That's when it really hit me that it was real, this was our wedding, and after a year and a half, it was finally here. I'm very excited to see the pictures they release! While I think they seem to have spent an extravagant amount of money on the wedding and it should have been a less publicized affair, it is their right to spend their money how they choose and I think it will be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you would do something like this, Charlotte. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNot a problem with them blowing it up but why does KP make a lign for photographers and such? They always say they don't represent the Middletons and then come qith things like these.
ReplyDeleteThis is really my only problem with the whole affair. KP should have made a better worded statement aka confirm that the attandance only and not anounce the date and not use their resources for more than giving information what might be needed for security. If you decide to have a very public wedding / invite high profile guests than you should pay and provide for all necessary sercurity of your guests. It is not as if they couldn't afford it. And yes, I realise that it is "not Pippa's fault" (not really a fault here) that her sister married into the Royal family, but they attened other weddings and KP did not felt inclined to act like this. This will leave a bad taste on KP's behalf.
DeleteAnyway. I think Pippa is going to be a gorgeous bride and I can not wait to see photos of her dress.
Maybe because the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th in succession to the British throne will be present at the wedding, with George and Charlotte actually being in the wedding.
DeleteI think they must be doing this as a preemptive measure in keeping the paparazzi away. Although a private wedding, they realize the public is interested, thus by taking this step to quell the public's interest in photos, the paparazzi will have nothing to gain.
DeleteElementary my dear, Watson. This is part of the required security and protection for the royals in attendance. KP can't have (and we don't want) a press scrum or anyone getting hurt or (god forbid) an act of terror. William, together with KP is protecting himself and his family.
DeleteCan we really expect the Middletons to act as if there are no royals in attendance, manage it all on their own, and put royals in harm's way? KP wouldn't allow it. And who could condone it? No one--no matter how country-simple and (above all) quiet middle-class-in-their-place some people think the wedding should be kept. The second, third, and fourth heirs to the throne are present. One misstep here and there (potentially) goes the succession.
The Middletons understand that they are directly connected to and will have been working together with KP in order to make this day go as smoothly and risk free as possible.
As for Pippa's wedding being a less publicized affair, it was never the Middletons who started it all. Let's remember the facts. They're not publicizing it, the press is focused on it.
(So are we, btw, even though we perhaps think we are more elegant about it. However we are relying on press photos for our pleasure. Let's not forget that.)
The interest started originally with the press making a huge deal of Pippa's derriere. After that they followed her every move. Neither she nor any members of her family called any of that on themselves.
Good points Philly.
DeleteThe whole saga did start with the press making the huge deal of Pippa at the wedding. I frankly think that it is ridiculous that KP is involved to such an extent, but it is possible that they did not have a choice. The Queen has attended society weddings over the year, a few months ago Charles gave away the bride in another society wedding and never has there been such a fuss or BP or CH making announcements on behalf of the bride and groom or press enclosures and so on. This is completely new.
DeleteI think this is partly the media's doing. They are obsessed with the Middletons. I don't think that the public cares as much. The press is obsessed with them. It is also partly Pippa's own doing. She courted attention aggressively in the beginning, building a portfolio of clients whose clothes she would model and get papped in. She declared herself a corporation so that she could do that. BUt she had to disclose her earnings. She also had the book deal - the earnings from that did not accrue to her corporation. And of course there were the columns she wrote for travel and cooking.
The first year Pippa made 250K GBP doing her paparazzi modelling alone. The second year she made 200K GBP. Then KP stepped in and shut it down. After that Pippa became involved in the BHF and made a more modest amount of money that year. Last year her earnings were 50GBP.
In any case, Pippa did pursue the path of building on her strange fame to build a public career. She tried her hand at TV - didn't work and so on. Part of Pippa's problem is that the public has not been accepting of her efforts and have ridiculed her widely.
I am not sure why she felt that she had to publicize her wedding to this extent - there is gossip that part of her wedding is being sponsored by these companies and so she is contractually obliged to publicize their names. Whatever the case may be, I do hope that she finds happiness and chooses a life away from the spotlight. The media is cruel to her. I hope she has other talents that she can use to build a meaningful career, if she so wants, and she should invest in that in order to have a life of purpose.
It's actually 2nd (William), 3rd (George), 4th (Charlotte) AND 5th (Harry).
DeleteIf anything, god forbid, were to happen at this event that would leave Andrew in Williams place. It's ALOT of high ranking royals in one place so to have press control and security managed by the palace makes sense!
Thank you for that, Philly. It may not impress the congregation, but at least the choir will appreciate it. The Middletons represent different things to different people. Some grew up close enough to see the glitter, but still separate from the royal circle. The fact that one of them made it into that golden circle may bite at their innards. That could be part of what is fueling the irrational dislike directed at the family. This wedding does not represent the usual modest approach the Middletons have adopted, but it may provide an excuse for criticism.
DeleteAmen, Rebecca. The security will be as intense or even more so than when the Queen ventures forth. Lots of heirs there.
DeleteI am fairly sure that the airspace over the church and reception area will be restricted until the Royals are safely in London again.
Their security teams will no doubt be hugely relieved when this wedding and reception are safely over.
Well said Philly. cc
DeleteSomehow surfer girl, I find that profoundly depressing, but fear you are right. So I'm thinking I'll be hugely relieved when it's over too - but am looking forward to the pictures.
DeleteExactly! Snobbery abounds. It's their money, they earned it.
ReplyDeleteI think it's been mentioned that Kate's role in the ceremony will be to do a reading, as possibly will their brother James. No doubt most of Kate's energy will be on ensuring that her little ones behave, but from what we've seen of them in the past, they seem to usually toe the line!
ReplyDeleteI wonder what happens in the time between the end of the ceremony, and the reception? If it's an evening reception, the ceremony usually takes place late in the afternoon. Perhaps there will be several hours between the two, and guests will return in the evening for the reception, unless it's a lunch rather than a dinner. Does anyone have any idea about this?
Hello,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comments, I think this is going to be a fun post :)
I'm away until this afternoon, when I get back I'll be adding numerous updates to the post.
Thank you for giving us this place to revel in the fun of the event :D
DeleteYes, muchas gracias Charlotte. :)
DeleteCan you speak Spanish , surfer girl??
DeleteSol
Un poquito y muy muy despacio. Que lastima, solamente poquito. :)
DeletePero muy bien!! Perfect!!
DeleteSol
This is going to be fun!
ReplyDeleteAnd since I have no say nor any stake in what she does at her wedding I will only comment on the Cambridges and things I like with Pippas wedding, since I think they can do what they want for their day.
I look forward to the fun and fluff about all of this but will stay clear of the inevitable "Middleton bashing".
Completely agree with you Rebecca. Do not in the least begrudge Pippa her day and the wedding of her dreams. Only hope to catch glimpses of the Cambridges, their children and all the wonderfully happy things associated with a wedding. Many thanks to Charlotte for this wonderful post and our opportunity to share in the day. cc
DeleteIf anyone is interested and I only mention this because someone had a newspaper link to a write up about Natasha's wedding. Chris Jackson, on his instagram feed, has some lovely pictures of Natasha and his wedding. It is an open instagram account.
ReplyDeleteWhere is Caunton Manor?
ReplyDeleteThe Telegraph, "Who is James Matthews?", said that James father purchased Caunton Manor in Lincolnshire to raise his children. Other articles say that Caunton Manor is in Nottingham, Newark, etc.
If it is in Newark isn't that really close to Bucklebury?
So, where, actually, is Caunton Manor and some photos of it? :) I have only found one, not very clear photo, circa 1910, of Caunton Manor.
Any readers here from Lincolnshire? Do you know where Caunton Manor is? :)
DeleteI think it is actually in Nottinghamshire not far from Newark. If you Google it there are pictures.
DeleteThanks, Jean. :)
DeleteI so hope Pippa doesn't try to get too avante gard with her gown. She has made some strange outfit choices in the past so I'm a little concerned about her gown. Although she most likely would have had her mom there helping her pick out her gown so that's a good thing, and, since she moved in with James her outfits have been so different from what she used to wear and the change has been a good one. So here's hoping her wedding gown follows suit.
ReplyDeleteToo bad she could not recycle that gorgeous gown she wore at Kate's wedding. That deceptively simple design was spectacular on her.:):)
DeleteAgree with you SG. I had the same thoughts. I hope she doesn't become too adventurous.
DeleteThey said somewhere this morning that the wedding is at 11:30.
ReplyDeleteOut of curiosity, where will all of the guests be spending the night? Thanks so much for publishing this blog...I certainly enjoy reading it very much!!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about hotel accommodations in the area also. Suspect some will drive home Saturday night but there must be a fair number that will stay the night? I do not know the area at all so maybe within 30 minutes there are lots of hotel rooms. I know for big weddings I have attended the bridal party has reserved rooms in advance and let the invitees know where rooms where available and then everyone just books or does not book as needed as well as having guests stay with friends.
DeleteI would think that accommodations have been made by Pippa and James. Partying into the night won't be undone having to buy your own hotel space for that night. They will accommodate out-of-towners no doubt. Carole and Michael rented the entire Goring Hotel for the Royal wedding and included meals, etc.
DeleteThank you for this post. I've been searching for anything about her wedding, I find it very interesting. I appreciate you doing this open post!
ReplyDeleteI want to say something about children and the unexpected. I've been to weddings where children are not included. I find it sterile and contrary to the notion that a wedding is a family affair. A child acting out or just being a child is welcome to me. I have a cousin who has Down's Syndrome. He has been included in every family function even though he can make spontaneous utterances or curses that are heard on videos. Having a toddler or a young'un veer off in a different direction than the procession, or do something like make faces as William and Harry did as boys only adds personality to the event in my opinion. A ceremony where every element is perfect, is in some ways forgettable. We most remember the outliers and the unexpected. I hope that George and Charlotte exhibit their personality at the wedding.
ReplyDeleteI agree, LauraT. One of my favorite remembrances of a wedding was my cousin's. I was in the balcony in the back of the church, getting ready to sing a solo. Suddenly, the 3-year-old flower girl starting doing somersaults behind the wedding party. Since the wedding party was facing the altar, they had no idea why everyone started laughing. And I found it very hard to sing while giggling. :o)
DeleteNow Amanda Devlin, The Sun, is saying that there will be 350 guests at the church and an additional 250 for the reception. Apparently the capacity limit for the church is 350, per another article that I don't remember the locale of at the moment. It was being reported the the guest list for the church would only be 150. Thorough security sweeps are being done in and around the church and that perimeter is being secured. I think that there will be restricted airspace over the church and the Middleton's home. Why secure the building and that perimeter from the ground and not the air? And since the senior royals and their children will be at the Middleton's, and in a clear marquee no less, I think the air space there will be restricted also. They are having a wedding rehearsal today. There were photos of the Middleton's walking up to the church. It must be raining there as James was holding the umbrella for his mom and dad.
ReplyDeleteOther outlets have church attendance and reception numbers differing a lot.
DeleteThere are a lot of widely varied stories out there. I read there was to be a wedding breakfast. I couldn't understand the logistics of wedding and reception on the estate, then carting guests to the Middleton garden for a breakfast and then everybody goes home and comes back for an evening party. I just don't think there will be two different events at that crystal marquee.
DeleteThe thing I do think makes sense is that there will be a central parking and gathering place from which guests will be moved--I've seen fancy buses used-from locale to locale. That would eliminate traffic congestion around the church and be a huge relief for the family's neighbors and for security. That is the problem I had seen with this country wedding scenario-security, traffic, and logistics.
Now I read the cake and toasts are on the grounds outside the estate
where the church is located. I am not sure who the DM and others are using for sources, but I still don't believe it is coming from a Pippa PR source or there would be one version. There is obviously stuff being made up to have something new to sell papers, so to speak.
The wedding breakfast follows the service - quite often there is lunch but the reports here say canapes and it's unclear where it will be held.
DeleteThe evening reception (it's quite common today to have this break which can be tiresome if you are away from home) is in the marquee and will most likely include dinner and dancing. Whilst more often then not, these two events will be held in the same venue, they don't have to be, and it does make a degree of sense here that they would be separate. I would think the glass marquee should be lovely at night.
Where the speeches will be made and the cake cut I'm not sure - usually in the daytime, but hard to say here - but if the press is correct about the maker of the cake, she does beautiful work.
While preparations and rehearsals are being done at St. Mark's, the Diana (Legacy) Award was being presented at St. James Palace by William and Harry to 20 young people from around the world, even America :), for outstanding service to others. Pretty hefty stuff. Those young people are amazing. What a simple yet powerful thing to set up in remembrance of their mum.
ReplyDeleteHarry and William's speeches while there were very sweet and poignant. Love those boys. Yes, even William. :)
DeleteHow wonderful to hear that surfer girl. Where did you find out that information? Would love to hear the speeches. cc
Delete"People", Simon Perry. There are other outlets that covered that also. Just google Wiilam Harry Diana Award. :)
DeleteI am beginning to think "surfer girl" isn't just referring to the ocean. Ha! Abagail
DeleteThanks surfer girl! Wow, what a very nice article and the speeches very touching. Appreciate the "where to find"! cc
Deletehttp://people.com/royals/william-and-harry-award-young-heroes-in-honor-of-their-late-mom-princess-diana/
I have a couple of questions. :)
ReplyDeleteFirst, in the UK, what is usually done the night before a wedding? In the USA there is usually a "rehearsal dinner" where the families and wedding party have a dinner together after rehearsing for the wedding. As I write this it's about 4pm UK time so I am wondering/imagining what they're doing right now.
Second, when/where will the wedding cake be served? Is there a luncheon planned afterwards for the wedding guests where they will cut the cake? The "rhythm" of W&K's wedding day was a breakfast/lunch reception where the cake was served after the ceremony, a break during the day, followed by the party that night. I wonder what the plans are for Pippa's wedding day.
There is no 'rehearsal dinner' as such, although families can dine together if they wish. Normally the cake would be cut at the wedding breakfast and speeches made. Dancing would follow in the evening, often with additional "B" list guests who weren't invited in the daytime. Not certain here - the reports seem ambiguous.
DeleteI think the article by Richard Glover is nasty. On a royal message board, someone described him a pointing out the whole time that Pippa and James are not royal but at the same time expecting them to act royal. They should have exactly the kind of wedding they want. As far as Kensington Palace is concerned, the Middletons are the immediate family of the future Queen of England. I think it is fine for them to speak for them on this particular occasion and be involved since Prince George and Princess Charlotte are involved.
ReplyDeleteRachel, well said. So many vultures out there on social media, just waiting to chime in with negative remarks. That's why I love this site,most comments are kind even though we don't agree on everything. To enjoy this lovely event, I'm gonna stick to reading only this blog. Thanks for the informative posts and fun comments.
DeleteQueen *and* King! Sister and Auntie :)
DeleteI decided to only check in here for wedding information as well, Annette. I can not believe the ill will that is out there for this event.
DeleteRachel, in other words, Pippa and James cannot get it right. :-) Sounds familiar to me.
DeleteBrilliant idea to open up this post Charlotte. Heartily appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI really hate to bring up Meghan Markle but I just popped by DM and there she is - coming out of some London spa. Do you think that paparazzi were hiding exactly in front of that spa exactly at that time to witness her coming out. Of course not. They were told by Meghan's PR team, the same way they were told that she landed in London yesterday and was whisked off to KP by a blacked out vehicle.
ReplyDeleteI find these kind of tactics really aggravating and hypocritical, especially in light of the letter she put together for Harry (according to what William told the press - she was behind it). It also makes me view her with skepticism. Why is there this obsession with having her name out in the public every few days.. ? If she loves Harry then she should take the risk and be all in, not play games.
In fairness Rosman every good pap and photog knows the KP car plates by heart. They knew she would be attending so they stake out KP, the airport etc. They know the comings and goings of certain cars like the back of their hand. They also photographed Kate out in her car driving in London today and I doubt she tipped anyone off ;)
DeleteSo they stake out the entrances to KP, several usually work together, and follow. Or they get a quick text tip "guess who's at the spa RIGHT NOW!"
Trust me these things are quite commonplace with celebs and the royals and there's an entire industry of paps who follow celebs for a living. How every candid photo of someone everywhere exists! And with so much focus on this wedding paps are in full recon mode 24/7!
Also, I don't think Meghan would choose to be photographed as she was outside the spa today.
Could the media have been camped out by Kensington Palace and followed her to the spa?
DeleteMaybe someone saw her at the airport and saw a vehicle pick her up and just called a news outlet.
As I'm typing this text it doesn't seem as promising for Meghan as when I started this text. Alas, you could be right about that. It does seem iffy. Why didn't she stay inside the spa and call for her ride and then just quickly leave the spa and get into the car? Oh dear. I hope you are wrong about her PR team doing tactics like that, no offense. The airport one could have easily happened that way though. Someone saw her at the airport getting into a car but didn't have time to get a picture. If she wanted more publicity she would have had photos of her at the airport and getting into the vehicle, yeh?
Why the obsession of the press to publish the information? Probably because there are enough people obsessed with reading and talking about her.
DeleteI would imagine the paps are keeping a pretty close eye on her. No need for Meghan to phone it in. Whoever gets a shot of her entering the church on Harry's arm would be in for a huge pay day.. Abagail
Claudia
DeleteI agree, I can only echo what you wrote.:)
I agree Claudia. Especially because she was photographed leaving and not entering. She probably was at the spa for a while and even if noone followed her there it wouldn't be out of the question that someone spotted her and contacted someone for a few quids.
DeleteClaudia I agree with your take, do not think anyone can draw conclusions based on those two bits of news/photos.
DeleteOkay okay.. maybe you guys are right. I hope so at least.
DeleteCan't wait to salivate over the dresses and shoes we will undoubtedly see tomorrow !!
Claudia, I'm with you until your very last statement. :-) Her body language does not suggest that she is uneasy about waiting outside and, most likely, being spotted. No one had to follow, nor did anyone have to be tipped. Cell phone images can make it around the world just as easily.
DeleteSG, I must agree with you regarding why not wait inside the spa. Was this intended as proof of her presence in lieu of airport photos that no one managed to get?
I was coming around, I honestly was, but I am filing this under "U" for unnecessary, right next to the Whole Foods expedition.
Not to take away from pippa. But she has a PR team leak stuff. Especially when E! Had in good detail that she arrived on Tues. Postponed a drink night with a blogger. When vanity Fair called out E on how they know she was supposed to meet someone. Later on the deleted in there article.
DeleteLR
Rosman, we may be wrong and you right:) it is just that I assume known of us can know based on these few occurrences:)
DeleteWhen I Meghan leaving the spa I wondered what treatments she had. The article said her nails were polished but she is wearing trainers so guess she didn't have a pedicure. Facial to smooth away jet lag after all those flights back and forth the Atlantic? Salt scrub so the satin will slide smoothly on polished skin? The lives of the rich and famous, at least they provide a respite from the rest of the sorry news.
DeleteI did learn that it will be only one Spitfire and it is owned by a family friend. My favorite article so far is one in the DM about Michael Middleton. What a nice guy.
What a fun idea, Charlotte!:) I love open posts!!! While I'm very curious about Pippas dress choice, I have to admit, I think I'm most excited to see the interactions between some of the high profile guests:)
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Pippa's exes will be there? Like J.J. Jardine. Or if Jame's exes will be there? I think that is strange so I kind of hope not.
DeleteA few updates.
ReplyDeleteGreen Parlour, a local florist who did Kate's flowers for her wedding had a van at the church. Green Parlour has been the Middleton family's florist for years, since 2008 when they first opened most likely.
Nanny Maria is still around. yay. She was at the church for the rehearsal, without the children, apparently.
Kate was seen driving around in London.
Conflicting reports about the number of guests attending the wedding and reception.
Guests will be gathered at the town hall to pass a security check.
Sniffers dogs have checked the venue and sweepers utilized to secure the venue.
Lots of security people with walkie-talkies.
Luxury cars were delivered to the Middleton's to transport guests from the church to their home.
Some local PTA moms made €25 selling leftover refreshments from their PTA meeting to workers near the church.
Meghan Markle was photographed leaving a Soho spa, apparently outside of the spa awaiting a ride to Kensington Palace.
My family is not-so-subtlety avoiding me already again as usual. lol No updates for them. hummph.
SG, are you interviewing? If so, you're HIRED! ;-)
DeleteSeriously, I want you to know that your comment above was a quick summary on what I needed to Google and check on during a break from my Friday errands.
Thanks, rf. lol Just wait until my family hears I am now an official ROYAL reporter. Oh their expressions. Priceless. :)
DeleteLOL... ;-)
DeleteMiddleton wealth debacle notwithstanding, I'm certainly feeling the excitement build-up for tomorrow. Can't wait to see the pictures.
ReplyDeleteErr -- Wealth debacle? How so? They built a successful business and as a result are very wealthy. And the wedding reflects that wealth. Why not? I am just super excited to see Pippa's dress, Catherine's, and of course the children! Because William, Harry and Kate are at the wedding the the security of logistics have to be super tight. Roll on Saturday!
DeleteI didn't make it up--im talking about the criticism the Middleton's are facing.
DeleteI'm very curious what Kate will wear! Think (or I hope) she will opt for a pastel coat dress (maybe pastel pink or another pale blu) and semi up do.
ReplyDeleteMy feelings:
ReplyDeleteFirst of all any wedding where the royal children are attendants is going to draw deserved attention - but this has gone beyond that.
I have mixed feelings on that subject - just being related to a royal doesn't need to draw attention. Pippa has courted publicity in the past - appearing on talk shows, writing columns, engaging in publicised charitable work and so on - because of this, I don't feel that she is really a private person - although I hope now she is married, she will become so.
So my feeling is if Pippa had lived quietly after the wedding, this wouldn't be happening.
On the other hand, the press has gone simply overboard, in part for want of other big news. Every lorry and van seems to be questioned and we don't really know - say if cars are to transport the wedding party or guests...if the loos are what was pictured...
I's a pity that Pippa didn't schedule her wedding for June 10, so the press would have something else to talk about. I suspect a lot of what we are reading is pure speculation. I feel a little guilty about indulging even here - but the royal children are news. However, Pippa's wedding isn't the only event to be happening this weekend, so Julia is glad to have other distractions.
As for what Kate wears - it does seem it could go either way - she often wears repeats now to not overshadow the bride - but she didn't before she was married. Pippa's dress is going to attract more attention than Kate regardless, so a new outfit may be in order. We shall see.
I also think that if Pippa hadn't been marrying a billionaire, this wouldn't be happening. Even with the Middletons' money, the wedding wouldn't be this extravagant, and thus, drawing so much attention.
DeleteGood point Pam. The press is unloading but they are being supplied with an awful lot of ammunition and an easy target. The stories write themselves, and the visuals are a huge bonus - "A glass marquee visible from the other side of the valley!"
DeleteI remember how chuffed JFK Jr was when he pulled off a wedding in complete secret, with the press only tipped off after the fact. That's someone who values privacy ;) But, to each their own.
In all fairness Claudia, JFK Jr. did escape to an island to get married. If it had taken place at either home in NYC or Hyannis Port, the press would have been all over it.
DeleteLadies, if Pippa married a plumber from down the street, the media would be just as hungry.
DeleteCharlotte, I just read your updates. Thank you. Excellent as usual. I didn't know exactly what an "open page" was. Thank you for this Pippa Wedding Page.
ReplyDelete⛪️💍🎩🥂💐
The media is definitely camped out by Kensington Palace, anxious to get photos of Kate, Meghan, etc on their way in and out. The photos of Kate driving were taken right around the corner from the palace on Kensington High Street...you can see the Spaghetti House in one photo, and the Starbucks, just down the street a little further, in the other photo (wonder where she's going!).
ReplyDeleteLOL. Pam, I didn't realize you beat me to it. :-))
DeleteSo many beautiful sites and buildings or historic architectural sites, i don't understand the appeal of a glass building that's been put up temporarily?? or going from what seems like a beautiful site for the champagne reception to the marquee?? and temporary bathrooms?? in the rain it could be disaster.
ReplyDeleteMilo, I think she wanted the reception at her family home. It is a beautiful and gracious place and I think that Pippa is a family girl.
DeletePippa's parents probably wanted to make their daughter's wedding as grand as possible given that there will be royalty there. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th in succession to the throne to be exact. And, to maybe, just maybe, provide as much as possible something that would not totally pale in comparison to her sister's phenomal, beyond grand wedding.
They have the rain factored in quite nicely I think. It isn't the wedding planners or caterers first rodeo.
:) I imagine that the luxury loos have covered corridors to the marquee.
I think it was sweet of Pippa to use Table Talk as her caterer. And it was such a sweet note that she used Diana's friend's event/wedding planning as did W/K/H for their recent garden party. I read that Buckingham Palace also frequently uses them for events.
Would love to know who the caviar was from. Good advertisement for Russian caviar. And who was the decision maker in providing the luxury transportation. Automatically links their brand with Royalty even more.
With William, Kate, Harry, George and Charlotte in attendance this wedding automatically goes from the society pages to the history books.
I had not thought about the rain issue with people going between the main glass structure and the restrooms in the area. You are right with that many folks tramping around it could get messy. Maybe they will have covered walkways set up between the buildings.
Deletesurfer girl, your last paragraph really resonated with me. This wedding will definitely be one for the history books! & Meghan adds to the excitement, too ;)
Delete:)
DeleteSG, I believe you are exactly right.
DeleteAnd since I love natural light, regardless of the weather or time of day, I think the feeling of being outdoors (while being protected from the weather) is wonderful. Daylight or candlelight...I'm sure it will be lovely.
Very special. I would just keep it there if I were her, lol. I am sure that this will start a trend. "crystal" marquees.
DeleteSG, without a doubt. ;-)
DeleteThat is an amazing photo from ITV Royal reporter Chris Ship of Michael and Carole's estate. Thanks for including that Charlotte. Beautiful property. They have large two service tents and huge portable a/c units and no doubt some very large portable generators somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised Chris was allowed on that road to get the photo. I am sure that security is aware of that road and the clear photos opportunities possible from that vantage point. Hopefully.
Thy are now, SG.
DeleteHow exciting! I can't believe the day is almost here. It'll be interesting to see what pippa wears and see the official photos!
ReplyDeleteNice to know that Kate still gets to drive.
ReplyDeleteLOL. Yes, she does. :-)
DeleteI'm starting to think there might be a lot of disappointed people on Saturday! With this rain in the forecast they'll need to erect something to protect the bride and guests on arrival, which could block many a photographer. Maybe the rain will break long enough, we'll see!
ReplyDeleteMaybe they will have a canopied walkway to the church like at The Goring Hotel. Then they have to get to the champagne reception near the church though.
DeleteIf that happens Claudia, the press is going to be apoplectic. I mean look at them. Falling over themselves like crazed fools. Even the nyt has joined in. The NY bloody times. I couldn't believe it. Here I was happily enjoying my evening editorials and silently sobbing at the state of the country.. when guess what pops up. Pippa Middleton. Now I have seen it all.
DeleteI believe all bases will be covered. AND, a canopy would also provide privacy so that the photos don't make it around the world before they say I do. Perhaps not, but it is a consideration...
DeleteYou know how Kate had trees in her wedding?
ReplyDeletePippa is having trees in hers. In the reception marquee. Cherry blossom trees, according to photos provided in Bianca London's article in the Daily Mail.
They sure love trees :) Cherry blossoms are beautiful.
DeleteAlso, there were trees at Chris Jackson/Natasha Archer's wedding. :)
DeleteI am very curious to see how Kate will do her hair and what she will wear. I feel like she will be much more "herself" at this wedding, since she isn't on the job. I feel like some of the chignons/updos we see from her these days are meant to make her look more professional and to get her to be taken seriously. But I'm sure she just wants to be Kate tomorrow, not the Duchess of Cambridge.
DeleteSuper excited, and hope the rain doesn't block beautiful photos! Also, I hope the couple is able to enjoy themselves without worrying about invasive paparazzi and camera clicks.
They are beautiful, Kiwi Gal. I so hope someone gets to photograph the decor in the marquee.
DeleteThe trees ARE beautiful, and how perfect in that setting?
DeleteI'd love to see the decor inside, surfer girl. The setting is gorgeous, royalfan.
DeleteTruly. Pink cherry blossoms in a "crystal" marquee. Heavenly.
Delete:-)
DeleteSuper heavenly SG. Wow☺
DeleteFrom the photos, I have inspected that Kate is turning into the Royal Garden Hotel. I wonder what she is going there for?
ReplyDeleteShe was on Kensington High St, driving away from the palace. Spaghetti House is across the street from (opposite) the Royal Garden Hotel, and Starbucks is on the same side just a few stores down.
DeleteYes I know. But she is turning right before Starbucks, which is the Royal Garden Hotel. Look it up on google maps!
DeleteOh my. Even the NYT has joined in. When the NYT is making fun of your wedding ON ITS FRONT PAGE, you know you have made it. Most of us just get a teeny tiny announcement somewhere hidden away. Pippa gets a whole page :)
ReplyDeletehttps://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/19/opinion/raise-a-glass-to-pippa-middleton.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region®ion=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region
Oh my they did do a skewer. The NYT is the NYT...
DeleteCharlotte here is another one you could link. The last paragraph is the interesting bit. At least they are honest about the coverage.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/16/fashion/pippa-middleton-wedding-guide.html?action=click&contentCollection=Opinion&module=RelatedCoverage®ion=EndOfArticle&pgtype=article
This is a good take on the whole scene:):)
DeleteI think Kate was picking up an array of small churchtime bribes for the children.
ReplyDeleteHA! Quite possible!
Deletehmm fantastic post charlotte I hope it will not pouring rain If I were bride I would be disappointed hmm I love the flowers and tree in wedding I love kids I wedding as for Meghan I don't want to be a rude but I think in one picture in daily mail she even smiling her ask off plus out context Beatrice ex had a new bride
ReplyDeleteOkay. Having Royal guests is serious business.
ReplyDeleteThe "crystal" marquee apparently has a deck so guests can step outside, weather permitting.
The thing about the deck though and the rest of the perimeter of the elevated marquee is this:
The perimeter of the marquee has closely spaced huge floodlights facing outward all around. So the entire perimeter will be lighted and everything seeable for huge distances.
In addition to that, the outer perimeter around the marquee has security to line the perimeter of the building. Camouflaging netting has been put up there for security personnel to conceal themselves as they monitor the lighted perimeter.
There are also outward camo stations further out and at other random locations.
There are concealed cameras at various random places on the property and at least one live feed video monitoring truck on premises.
This does not include their regular armed patrols in those little six wheeler type thingys.
That's okay. The guests with have their eyes on those beautiful cherry blossom trees and Pippa, George and Charlotte.
TMZ, "Pippa's Security". (They have photos.)
Residents of Englefield which is pretty much all owned by the people of Englefield House because the town is part of their estate, have all been asked to carry ID at all times this weekend and to not speak to the press.
ReplyDeleteBBC News, "Pippa's Wedding"
That marquee is GIGANTIC. WOW!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your live blogs so much! Wish we could do another one for a 3rd royal baby soon... :)
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to alert you to a minor mistake that might cause confusuon: you wrote 'Meghan was causally chic during a visit to Santi Spa earlier this week.', but it was Pippa.
Oh Phooey! I was hoping to stay up through the night to get the latest news about the goings-on in Bucklebury, but just fell asleep at the computer and woke up with a start! Oh well - it will be great to come on here later in the day and read all the comments. I’m enjoying them very much!
ReplyDeleteI'm all dressed up and ready for Pippa's wedding! Wait, what do you mean I wasn't invited? Oh well, guess I'll go to a different wedding then...
ReplyDeleteThat is so cute Sharon!
DeleteWell it's 2am here in California, so I am going to sleep for a while. Will check in later. I know it will be lovely. Can't wait to see the children!
ReplyDelete