Royal marriages are not an easy affair, as they seem to look like from a distance. Its a full time job with strict regulations and formalities, which consequently result in a serious transformation as far as the person getting in is concerned. In addition, their weddings, in most instances, entail a whole set of old traditions as well as expectations that the British royals must adhere to. With the Royal Wedding fast approaching, the whole world is anxious to find out how the entire occasion will turn out especially with all the royal traditions that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly broken. Here are some of them:
- The Selected Day:
Royal traditions dictate that royal weddings be held during the week. For instance, Queen Elizabeth II tied the knot on a Thursday while The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wed on a Friday. On the other hand, Prince Harry and Meghan have set their wedding for a Saturday following Harrys father whose nuptial with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, fell on a Saturday.
- The Location:
Prince Harry and Markle will tie the knot on May 19th at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, about twenty miles west of London. Traditionally, most royal couples get married at the capital’s Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton said their “I dos” back in 2011.
“Windsor is a very special place for Prince Harry, and he and Ms. Markle have regularly spent time there during the last year,” a rep from Kensington Palace explained to People in November of last year, when the venue was first announced. “They are delighted that the beautiful grounds of Windsor Castle will be where they begin their lives as a married couple.”
- Paying the wedding bill
According to the royal tradition, the brides family is charged with the responsibility of paying for the wedding. This only happens when the bride comes from a royal family and in this case, Markles family can breathe a sigh of relief as Prince Charming is footing the entire bill!
- The Date Itself
Many royal experts assume Harry and Meghan chose May to avoid it overlapping with Kate’s pregnancy. However, the date happens to overlap with a couple other big moments for the royal family.
For starters, May 19 of next yearis the same date as the Emirates FA Final Cup, Britain’s historic and most prestigious soccer cup competition. To make matters even more interesting, Prince William has been the president of the Football Association since 2006 and typically attends the game and presents the winning team with their trophy.
Regarding the overlap, the president of the FA tells E! News, “Saturday 19 May promises to be a wonderful day with such a special royal occasion being followed by English football’s showpiece event, the Emirates FA Cup Final. With millions coming together to watch both events at home and around the world, it will be a day to celebrate.”
Furthermore, May 19also marks a historic day in the royal family.In 1536,Anne Boleynthe second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I was executed on Tower Green for alleged adultery. This doesn’t necessarily break any traditions, but it’s interesting nonetheless.
- The cake
Amulti-tiered fruitcake is typically served at royal weddings. Despite the fact that nothing has been confirmed yet when it comes to Harry and Meghan’s choice of cake, many rumors have been circulating that the two lovebirds have settled to have one that will be made with banana! According to former royal chef Darren MC Grady, Prince Harry grew up loving all things bananaincluding banana flan and banana ice cream. Moreover, shortly after rumors started running about Harry and Meghan’s relationship, the actress shared a photo of two bananas snuggling with the caption, “Sleep tight xx,”, which most people presumed was her way of confirming that they were now an item!
6. No procession through London
Since the couple likely wont be coming back to London after the ceremony, there won’t be a London procession for the public to congratulate themhowever, Kensington Palace announced there will be a procession through Windsor directly following the ceremony at 1 p.m. local time. No procession through London
- Her father may not walk her down the aisle
Meghan Markle is certainly not afraid to do her wedding her own way. Markle reportedly wants her mother, Doria Ragland, to walk her down the aisle. While this isnt that much of a surprise given Markles close relationship with her motherand many brides has chosen to forgo the classic tradition of having their father walk them down the aislefor a royal wedding, its definitely something new.
- More celebrities will be in attendance
Since Markle’s is an actress in the US, it is more likely that celebrities will be in attendance than dignitaries. Priyanka Chopra, Serena Williams and Patrick J. Adams, her Suits co-star are just some of the anticipated guests. Although Prince Harry and Obama have struck up quite the friendship over the years, it is rumored that the invite could cause some international tension.
- Speech
It is reported that Meghan Markle, will deliver a speech during the wedding to appreciate his husband and her new royal family.
