The Royal Wedding looms ahead

[Palimpsest]

3 hours ago, VelociRapture said:

It would have been nice for her mom to walk her down the aisle, but I understand why she asked Charles. This isn’t a normal wedding - it’s an international spectacle and there will be millions of eyes on them.

I doubt whether she "asked" him.  She may have been consulted as to preferences but she doesn't get to control the day like a "normal" bride.  There have undoubtedly been many discussions about protocol and optics behind the scenes.  The staff of the Royal Households (AKA the men in grey suits)  can be more a lot more rigid about protocol and precedence than the royals themselves.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Households_of_the_United_Kingdom

And I called it!  Did anyone take me up on my $10 bet on it being Charles?  No? Shucks.

This is the BBC announcement. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44168082

People Mag. has a different story: http://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-walk-down-aisle-solo-prince-charles-halfway/

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After arriving by car with her mom, Doria Ragland, the bride-to-be will be greeted by her little bridal party members (including Prince George and Princess Charlotte!), who will lead the way down the aisle

Well, if true, that is very American.  Traditionally the bridesmaids and pageboys follow the bride in British, and definitely royal, weddings.  Quite a few British people are doing it the American way these days though.

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as Meghan takes her first steps to the altar by herself.  She will then be met by her future father-in-law, Prince Charles, who will be waiting for her at the halfway mark to escort her the rest of the way to the altar. The length of the aisle is about 110 steps, and more than half of those will be taken solo by Meghan.

Also, if true, I rather like the idea of a 36 year-old bride walking by herself for some of the way.  I hope she didn't want her mother walking with her, but had her idea rejected by the grey suits.

 

[VelociRapture]

4 minutes ago, Palimpsest said:

I doubt whether she "asked" him.  She may have been consulted as to preferences but she doesn't get to control the day like a "normal" bride.  There have undoubtedly been many discussions about protocol and optics behind the scenes.  The staff of the Royal Households (AKA the men in grey suits)  can be more a lot more rigid about protocol and precedence than the royals themselves.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Households_of_the_United_Kingdom

And I called it!  Did anyone take me up on my $10 bet on it being Charles?  No? Shucks.

This is the BBC announcement. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44168082

People Mag. has a different story: http://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-walk-down-aisle-solo-prince-charles-halfway/

Well, if true, that is very American.  Traditionally the bridesmaids and pageboys follow the bride in British, and definitely royal, weddings.  Quite a few British people are doing it the American way these days though.

Also, if true, I rather like the idea of a 36 year-old bride walking by herself for some of the way.  I hope she didn't want her mother walking with her, but had her idea rejected by the grey suits.

 

I was going off the press release someone mentioned which said she had asked him. I assume you’re right though and it was at least suggested to her as an option.

And it was confirmed Charles will walk her partway. Someone mentioned it in a comment earlier - something about walking her through part of the Church and then she’ll walk the nave on her own? I’m not good with Church terms. I wasn’t a very good Catholic. 

[VelociRapture]

3 hours ago, SilverBeach said:

Yes, giving brides away is a ridiculous antiquated custom. I wasn't giving myself away, I was joining myself with another. 

I know a lot of people are against “giving away the bride,” (and that’s absolutely fine and I do understand that view) but this doesn’t strike me as being that at all - I think it’s more a show of moral support by Charles than anything. I think it’s a nice compromise given the circumstances.

Personally, I was walked down the aisle by my Dad. He and I are close despite our differences and it meant a lot to have him walk with me. It also helped me stay calm because I’m not really comfortable being the center of attention. Having him with me meant I could pretend everyone was watching him instead of me.  We had fun with it though - we joked the entire time and we have a great photo of him laughing while I stuck my tongue out at my college roommate. Neither of us are serious people and we like to goof off, so it worked for us.

(I do agree with your view on marriage being the joining of two people together. Both people involved are equally important and I do think there’s an over emphasis on the Bride being the center of attention. I would have much rather had everyone staring at my husband than at me, but our wedding turned out pretty great so I can’t complain.)

[DaisyD]

My dad walked with me down the aisle. No one asked about "giving" me to anyone. I'd been on my own for a couple of years (I moved out at the beginning of my senior year). I guess I just didn't see it as me being handed over to anyone. It was more like my dad supporting me in my decision...

[Botkinetti]

I got married in the 80’s in a traditional Anglican Church service. My father had died 4 years before my wedding so my brother walked me down the aisle. It don’t think I even thought  to ask my mother to do it and I’m not sure if she would have wanted to. In retrospect I wish I had at least considered it.

 I know Meghan is an actress and far more used to attention than the average person but I still think she will be stressed and tired and perhaps overwhelmed by everything. I hope having someone to hold onto gives her comfort.

[2manyKidzzz]

When I heard Charles was doing this, I just cried a bit. Because that is so nice. Because it is what they should do and they are doing it.

Nice to have someone walking a bride down the aisle because it is just comforting, father, future father-in-law, brother, uncle......or mother. Although as an actress, Meghan is very poised and used to be in the spotlight.

Anyway I have been hearing that everyone is very happy for Harry and don’t care about the family drama. One anchor reported that no one cared for her wedding, but her drama was much bigger than Meghan’s, she was laughing. Life is messy.

And, now on to THE DRESS!!!!

[viii]

I think it's wonderful that she has asked Prince Charles to escort her down the aisle. Her mother is not used to such attention, and it would be nerve wracking for a general wedding, let alone one on this scale. Plus, it's a nice show from the royal family that despite the scandal, they're welcoming her to the family. 

 

[Captain Obvious]

I think she should have asked Camilla to do it and caused the internet to explode. 

[Palimpsest]

1 hour ago, VelociRapture said:

I was going off the press release someone mentioned which said she had asked him. I assume you’re right though and it was at least suggested to her as an option.

Yes, "asked" is in the Kensington Palace press release.  I was just pointing out that whatever they say officially, there is no way that poor Megs can - or did - make all the decisions by herself. #notanormalwedding.

42 minutes ago, DaisyD said:

My dad walked with me down the aisle. No one asked about "giving" me to anyone. I'd been on my own for a couple of years (I moved out at the beginning of my senior year). I guess I just didn't see it as me being handed over to anyone. It was more like my dad supporting me in my decision...

My father walked me down the aisle too at my, rather against my will, CoE wedding.  We'd had a huge row about 2 days before (about me marrying a Catholic and a foreigner) and I'd told him I'd rather walk by myself.  He had a fit because it "wouldn't look right."  I caved just for the sake of peace.  We walked down the aisle together in dead silence.  It was not exactly support.  I don't think we spoke to each other much all day! 

In the CoE the "who giveth this woman" bit is traditional but actually optional.  A lot of people don't know that, but I expect they'll just bypass it for Meghan and Harry.  This is  true even in the old form CoE  Solemnization of Matrimony ceremony, the one previously used at royal weddings and the one I chose because I like the language.   

At my wedding, I'd asked the vicar to leave the giving away bit out but he forgot.  He asked.  My father grunted.  The vicar also declared us "man and wife" not "husband and wife" as we had requested.  He was on automatic pilot and I was a Bolshie bride.

Fundies use "giving away" all the damn time though.  It is objectionable because it reduces the woman to a possession or chattel.  No-one asks "who gives this man ..."

[anjulibai]

5 hours ago, mango_fandango said:

People are ignorant of biology sometimes. Red hair is a recessive gene. Both parents need a copy for the possibility that a child can be born with red hair. 

I’m a redhead. Neither of my parents are. My mum hasn’t cheated on my dad with anybody. Plus I look like my dad’s side of the family anyway. There’s red hair in both my mum’s and dad’s families; not in living relatives, but it’s there somewhere I think. 

Yup. My elder son has red hair, neither my husband nor I do. 

And there are other redheads in the Royal Family. Princess Beatrice for one. If Prince Andrew didn't have the same recessive red hair gene that Prince Charles gave to Harry, then Princess Beatrice wouldn't be a redhead. 

I think it's very nice that Charles is walking with her for part of it. Whether or not it was Meghan's choice (there was probably a lot of discussion and it was strongly suggested she ask), it says a lot about how the senior royals feel about her. They are behind this marriage. 

[J'Lurker]

My husband and I walked the aisle together. We started the whole adventure together, and it was perfect.

I hope her day is perfect for her, despite missing her dad. 

[TatiFish9]

Can I just say I love this thread. I've been checking in all day!

I think it's awesome that both William and Harry were able to marry for love. 

I do wish he and Meghan the best ! I am ready for the wedding. All I need is a fascinator to complete my mini viewing party. 

6 hours ago, mango_fandango said:

People are ignorant of biology sometimes. Red hair is a recessive gene. Both parents need a copy for the possibility that a child can be born with red hair. 

I’m a redhead. Neither of my parents are. My mum hasn’t cheated on my dad with anybody. Plus I look like my dad’s side of the family anyway. There’s red hair in both my mum’s and dad’s families; not in living relatives, but it’s there somewhere I think. 

Can you imagine what life was like before scientific advancements in genetics? I can only imagine how many children/mothers were tossed aside or tortured because of the odd features  of a child that did not match either parent. Sheesh.

[mango_fandango]

Especially kids with red hair. Redheads have been the subject of nastiness for centuries in Britain.

[Palimpsest]

Here's a cheat sheet for where to watch the live coverage of the wedding for US viewers. 

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/how-watch-royal-wedding-meghan-markle-prince-harry-1108015

PBS is starting at 4:15 am Eastern time!  Are they nuts!  That is too early even for me.

For those who don't want to get up at sparrow-fart to watch PBS, probably the interesting stuff will start around the 6:00 am Eastern time as the guests arrive.  The wedding itself starts at 7:00 am Eastern. 

I'll probably have BBC America on in the background as I do other things. However, if I miss anything important, like whatever toilet seat Beatrice is balancing on her royal noggin this time, I'll find it on youtube later.  The Royal Family Official youtube is going to repeat the coverage 4 times during the day.

And I was just musing:  Not that I have anything against them, but I hope all the speculation about Ralph & Russo doing the dress is wrong.  Or if they were originally given the job, I hope Meghan dropped them for another designer after the news was leaked.

So it would be great if she appeared in another designer instead, IMO.  I like Emilia Wickstead personally.  Her dresses have very elegant and simple lines.  That said,  Lady Charlotte Wellesley's dress looked as though it weighed a ton but it was gorgeous.

[singsingsing]

And if any of ya'll live close enough to Canada to pick up CBC over the air, their coverage is starting at 4 a.m. eastern.  Actually, I'm sure they'll be streaming it on Facebook, too, so really anyone anywhere could tune in. So if you want to be a totally hardcore royal watcher tomorrow, CBC might be the next best thing to actually being there in person.

[Destiny]

3 minutes ago, Palimpsest said:

However, if I miss anything important, like whatever toilet seat Beatrice is balancing on her royal noggin this time, I'll find it on youtube later.

This is the most important part. Not gonna lie, I'm totally looking forward to seeing what those two offer me in terms of hat snark. 

[singsingsing]

Now that I actually look at the list of stations and their starting times, though, it seems most of them are starting at 4 a.m. So CBC isn't quite as hardcore as I thought. Boo! 

1 minute ago, Destiny said:

This is the most important part. Not gonna lie, I'm totally looking forward to seeing what those two offer me in terms of hat snark. 

I am going to be severely disappointed if they turn up in something normal. I'm almost more excited to see what the guests are wearing than I am to see Meghan's dress.

[Destiny]

Just now, singsingsing said:

I am going to be severely disappointed if they turn up in something normal. I'm almost more excited to see what the guests are wearing than I am to see Meghan's dress.

I have to teach in the morning so I'm taping BBCA. I think they are starting about then as well. I'm looking forward to coming home, getting a glass of wine and some cheese, and being SEVERELY bitchy about the hats. 

[mango_fandango]

Sky News over here has been doing “coverage” since yesterday FFS!!

[nokidsmom]

50 minutes ago, Destiny said:

This is the most important part. Not gonna lie, I'm totally looking forward to seeing what those two offer me in terms of hat snark. 

I have considered getting up early enough to watch the guests arrive just to see what they come up with this time.  

[TatiFish9]

They've checked in (probably hours ago)!

Markle and her mother have arrived at their hotel.

People picked up the story

[Beermeet]

My father proudly walked me down the isle and "gave me away".  That part was very traditional in my Vegas wedding.  We didn't do a drive through or any type of cheesy Vegas thing.  It was at the Tropicana and my pics look like Hawaii.   Lol    I had been living with my now husband for almost a year.  It would've broken both our hearts if dad didn't do that part.  A big reason why we didn't elope.  His smile was amazing and he helped ground me.  I'm a sucker for tradition though.  Which is easy when no religion is involved.   We asked the preacher dude to not say Jesus at all.  We were ok with God, as we both do believe in a higher power kinda thing.  

It's really cool how the Royal family is treating Meghan.  I picture Harry being protective and supportive like William was to Catherine.   It seems a big deal and kind of out of character for Charles to step up like this.  I would love to chat with Meghan over all this.  Like: omg!  You are totally marrying a prince and the next in line to the throne is walking you down the isle!  I could die!  * que squealing and pillow fight in our underwear like in the movies*.  Ahhhh, it's gotta be fun!  Yeah, yeah, I'm dorking out big time, I know.

[adidas]

Apparently she always planned to walk partway down the aisle by herself and have her Dad meet her at the quire as well. Not sure how true it is, because the media is well known for making up whatever they want and claiming their proof as ‘a source’ (which could just be the person sitting at the next cubicle).

https://honey.nine.com.au/2018/05/18/19/04/royal-wedding-meghan-markle-prince-charles-aisle

 

For anyone needing a visual of the nave and quire there’s a diagram here, under ‘the chapel’ :

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/royal-weddings/meghan-markle-and-prince-harry-royal-wedding-breakdown-of-the-schedule/news-story/ac95721c829e83d16258ada9eaa79544

[TatiFish9]

38 minutes ago, Beermeet said:

[***]

I would love to chat with Meghan over all this.  Like: omg!  You are totally marrying a prince and the next in line to the throne is walking you down the isle!  I could die!  * que squealing and pillow fight in our underwear like in the movies*.  Ahhhh, it's gotta be fun!  Yeah, yeah, I'm dorking out big time, I know.

Same here! It has to be a truly awesome experience.

Also, I think it's cool you kept with some traditions and customized others. We did the same for the most part. It's all about authenticity and celebration. That makes the best weddings to me.

[mango_fandango]

Harry and William have been on a walkabout, greeting well-wishers etc. Harry said he was “relaxed, of course” about the wedding.