Harry and Meghan: Wedding Suggestions and Musings

[Madame Verseau]

It must be true that the invitations have been sent out because of chatter of who's coming to the wedding. KP confirmed dad will walk Meghan down the aisle. Judging that Sam's interview and the hit piece Tom Jr just did ( he wants Meghan to use palace influence to get the media off his back and she allegedly said she doesn't know him) I'm convinced they've been told they are not invited. Watch a meltdown ensue if KP confirms it.

 

[Pranter]

Has a statement been released by KP about her dad?



LaRae

 

[MaiaMia_53]

^^ In the video linked earlier, Camilla Tominey reports that KP told journalists Meghan's Dad would be escorting her down the aisle.

I just came across the below video from a few weeks ago, around the time of M&H's trip to Brixton. The gregarious royal reporter had some interesting and humorous things to say. I wonder if any Britishers can make out the reporter's reference to "gree" when he's describing personalities and events that took place at Sandringham in December? It all tends to sound like OTT gossip.

Also, toward the end of the video, the reporter discusses wedding invites. I fail to understand why such a fuss is being made over the faulty belief that if Obama is invited, it's somehow a snub toward Trump. This is a small wedding and seemingly Harry has a very friendly, collegial and respectful relationship with the Obamas, that is ongoing in terms of projects they assist each other on. Harry has spoken about how much he looks up to President Obama, and they've very publicly had joking fun with each other on some memorable occasions. It would be odd if Harry didn't invite the Obamas, and the same goes for Meghan inviting the Trudeaus and Ben & Jessica Mulroney who are friends of hers. There will be heavy security I would imagine, so I don't think security would be that much of an issue for the Obamas or the Trudeaus. And President Obama is no longer in office.

Just because Trump is now U.S. president, does not mean he's owed an invitation to what is not a formal state occasion. None of the royals have likely ever met Trump. There wasn't a lot of fuss made when Kate and William did not invite the Obamas when President Obama had been in office for two years. W&K had never met the Obamas at the time and their wedding, although larger, also was not a state occassion. The Queen allowed W&K to revamp their wedding list to their own desires. I hope Meghan and Harry do as they please and do not buckle to what others want for any kind of ridiculous 'protocol' reasons or pressure brought to bear. It's their wedding. Why all the OTT fuss and need for certain people to be invited or else?!

Some feel Melania may be invited, if the Obamas are invited. If so, I can see it being awkward because Melania won't really know many people, and everyone will just be bending over backward to be polite to her. The major reason why Melania was at the Invictus Games in September is because the Office of the First Lady had a prior standing relationship in support of the Invictus Games. It's a relationship of support established by the former First Lady, Michelle Obama, which Melania inherited through no contribution of her own.

 

[Ish]

I've heard that Chelsy will probably be invited, but not Cressida.

Harry seems to have remained friendly with Chelsy since their split, which itself has always been presented as having been a fairy amicable one. Her attending the wedding wouldn’t be a surprise.

The split between Harry and Cressida has been presented to have been a bit more volatile, and while they’ve certainly been spotted at the same events, they’ve never been depicted in the press as still being friends.

How accurate the press is on the status of either relationship post-breakups is anyone’s guess, but if it’s rumoured that Chelsy is invited but Cressida isn’t, that’s just in line with how the relationships have been presented for some time now. Actually, come to think of it, if Cressida does attend, or Chelsy doesn’t, that’ll be in sharp contrast to what is always “said” about their post-breakup relationships with Harry.

 

[Leopoldine]

I think we can expect to see Prince Seeiso of Lesotho attend the wedding.

Then there's all of Prince Charles's buddies to consider --- Nicky Soames, Emma Thompson, etc.

And, who remembers the "shocker" from William's wedding when it was revealed that Lady Annabel Goldsmith did not receive an invitation? I don't think she will get one to this, either.

 

[ladongas]

And what of Mr. Bean? Rowan Atkinson attended William’s wedding, so perhaps he’ll be at Harry’s as well.

 

[Pranter]

^^ In the video linked earlier, Camilla Tominey reports that KP told journalists Meghan's Dad would be escorting her down the aisle.

So KP hasn't released a statement ...this is just what a reporter is saying.


LaRae

 

[Rudolph]

At William and Catherine’s wedding the breakdown of guests was around 1000 friends, family and charity representatives and 900 politicians, religious figures, diplomatic corps, foreign royals and military. So almost 50/50.

Harry’s wedding is limited to 800 max so there will probably be a much higher percentage of friends and family.

 

[Ish]

So KP hasn't released a statement ...this is just what a reporter is saying.





LaRae

Reporters typically don’t list KP as a source if it isn’t true.

 

[MaiaMia_53]

So KP hasn't released a statement ...this is just what a reporter is saying.

It's unclear whether a published statement was released, or just a press briefing where it was stated by a KP rep. ETA: Listening again, Camilla clearly said "initial press briefing." I think Camilla Tominey tends to be fair and reliable. The question is whether she's referring to the briefings that took place immediately after the engagement announcement or some time later. If it was from the initial briefing, then all of the speculation in the media about Tom Sr maybe being too ill, and Meghan deciding on her Mom to escort her were just made-up hooey.

There's been so much happening surrounding the royals and the upcoming wedding of M&H, and reports in all manner of places, it's hard to keep up with everything, much less trying to discern the legitimacy. Some sources and stories are obviously taboidy and unreliable.

Harry seems to have remained friendly with Chelsy since their split, which itself has always been presented as having been a fairy amicable one. Her attending the wedding wouldn’t be a surprise.

The split between Harry and Cressida has been presented to have been a bit more volatile... if it’s rumoured that Chelsy is invited but Cressida isn’t, that’s just in line with how the relationships have been presented for some time now...

Yes, I agree. I wasn't questioning why the rumors of one over the other. It seems clear that Harry in a sense grew up during his 20s with Chelsy and that they have remained friends who understand a lot about each other. The two-year relationship with Cressida never seemed to be on the same level.

... And, who remembers the "shocker" from William's wedding when it was revealed that Lady Annabel Goldsmith did not receive an invitation? I don't think she will get one to this, either.

Yes, Princess Diana's former close friend. What allegedly happened is described here:
ROYAL WEDDING: Will Lady Annabel Goldsmith take revenge for 'snub' by Camilla? | Daily Mail Online
Too bad overall. Who knows what the real reason is? The snub may have been an oversight, or something that happened without William's knowledge and then too late to rectify? Or it was with W's knowledge for an unknown, never to be divulged reason. I wonder if there were any significant social ramifications as described by DF reporter.

 

[Leopoldine]

Yes, Princess Diana's former close friend. What happened is described here:
ROYAL WEDDING: Will Lady Annabel Goldsmith take revenge for 'snub' by Camilla? | Daily Mail Online
Too bad overall. Who knows what the real reason is? The snub may have been an oversight, or something that happened without William's knowledge and then too late to rectify? Or it was with W's knowledge for an unknown never to be divulged reason. I wonder if there were any significant social ramifications as described by DF reporter.

Well, since that wedding, I've seen the Prince Michael of Kent family attend her annual summer parties, but no other royals. I can't remember if Camilla's two siblings were in attendance at any of them.

 

[MaiaMia_53]

On a romantic note, do you think Prince Harry liked the month of May for the Royal Wedding because both May and Meghan begin with an M?

Can you imagine Charles and Diana marrying in December if that letter thing was a romantic royal tradition? And would April have been chosen by William because C comes after A, and there's no month that begins with B or C (and the Queen is in Balmoral in August)? ? Anyway if "M" is such a factor, why not March? -- Oh I forgot, Cambridge baby #3 is on the way anytime from late March through early April.

I think the wedding day and month chosen have more to do with logistical scheduling coordination and desirable weather than anything else. It's also just a coincidence that Anne Boleyn was executed by Henry VIII on May 19, 1536. Purely a coincidence, but an interesting coincidence. However no worries, as the young Windsor royals' hugely important charitable endeavor is called Heads Together, after all.

 

[renzii]

So KP hasn't released a statement ...this is just what a reporter is saying.


LaRae

Actually Camilla said that KP had said so in an earlier press briefing.

 

[FashionMaven]

It's also just a coincidence that Anne Boleyn was executed by Henry VIII on May 19, 1536. Purely a coincidence, but an interesting coincidence. However no worries, as the young Windsor royals' hugely important charitable endeavor is called Heads Together, after all.

Sometimes my mind boggles at how much history Meghan is about to marry into and become a part of. It's ... really mind blowing.

 

[Rudolph]

Sometimes the date does have a meaning though. April 29th, the date of Catherine and William’s wedding is the feast day of St Catherine of Sienna.

There could be some sort of symbol behind May19th

 

[MaiaMia_53]

Again, I think the date is more logistical because they had to coordinate so many schedules and calendar events. Clearly though courtiers and royal historians would know about the May 19 date in royal history. However, I'm still convinced that it's mainly a coincidence.

Sometimes my mind boggles at how much history Meghan is about to marry into and become a part of. It's ... really mind blowing.

It's definitely mind-blowing, especially contemplating it from afar. On a human interactive level though, perhaps that kind of stuff fades away? Certainly, if Meghan was too overawed, the relationship with Prince Harry would never have happened. Meghan seems like a very confident person, unfazed by daunting situations and circumstances. In training as an actor, you are pushed and encouraged to be courageous as well as to not fear showing vulnerability. We'll see how Meghan handles her wedding day, but I'm sure she'll look so lovely and likely be in 7th heaven.

 

[Countessmeout]

And what of Mr. Bean? Rowan Atkinson attended William’s wedding, so perhaps he’ll be at Harry’s as well.

Rowan was invited as a long time friend of Charles.

We have to remember WA can seat an extra 1000 people. Even without all the foreign royals, commonwealth leaders and such that Harry wont be required to invite, they still have a lot less seats available.

While I do believe there will be celebrities at the wedding, I think they will be mainly those linked to Harry or Meghan. Charles' friends will likely be limited to family friends, not celebrity ones.

Beyond family, and friends, and some non-celebrity colleagues (military and charity work) likely:

Meghan celebrities:
-her suits cast mates and their spouses
-Priyanka Chopra
-Serena Williams
-Janina Gavankar
-Misha Nonoo
-Olivia Palermo
-Millie Mckintosh (said to be one of Meghan's London friends)
-Roland Mouret

Harry celebrities:
-Elton John
-Rihanna
-Levison Wood
-Nick Knowles
-Joss Stone
-Arthur Landon
-James Blunt
-Dominic West
-Ussain Bolt
-Lewis Hamilton

I would expect to see some of the non-celebrity colleagues from both their charity pasts as well.

 

[Abbigail]

This is so weird - because I actually thought they were friends. Obama showing up at the Invictus Games and Harry's warm friendship with Michelle O - I thought they were friends. Especially with Obama doing that interview with Harry recently. If they weren't friends or at the very least quite friendly with one another, it seems odd that Obama would still be doing so much with Harry AFTER his presidency ended. That screams "we're chaps who started off as work friends, but now are more than that".

Because now that Obama is no longer president, if they were only work colleagues, I'd expect that they wouldn't be working together anymore.

Additionally, when Harry went to Chicago - he and Michelle did those surprise visits with kids at the school - if Harry wasn't friends with The Obamas, why the continual events together?

It just seems to me that a Senior British Royal wouldn't need to do things like that with a former president unless he truly wanted to. It suggests a friendship, imo.

Whether that translates to an invite for the wedding is anyone's guess I guess - but I could see Harry not inviting them to the ceremony, but giving them a reception invite, since the press wouldn't see that. It would avoid the drama with the current potus.

I was kinda surprised to see so many saying Obama and Harry weren't friends when I honestly thought they were. Ditto with Harry and Michelle.

I guess not everyone saw it the way I did, lol.

This is exactly the way I see it as well. I didn't even think it was debatable. lol But since we don't know anything for certain, I guess it's plausible that they aren't friends after all.

 

[MaiaMia_53]

Here's a recent video with more information about the wedding. This royal reporter believes that both of Meghan's parents will walk her down the aisle:

 

[O-H Anglophile]

Those who think President Obama won't be at the wedding, I would imagine you feel that's due to security reasons. We might be surprised though. If Barack isn't there, perhaps Michelle Obama and Jill Biden.

If that's why you think some feel former President Obama wouldn't be invited you haven't been reading. The leading reasons are "they aren't friends" or "it would cause a diplomatic incident with the current US president."

 

[CyrilVladisla]

Since May is a Spring month, what do you think of the pageboys wearing different colored pastel jackets?

 

[wyevale]

wearing different colored pastel jackets?

I think they would RIGHTLY rebel !

 

[TLLK]

Since May is a Spring month, what do you think of the pageboys wearing different colored pastel jackets?

Not likely to happen at a British royal wedding!!!!

 

[soapstar]

A number of off-topic posts have been deleted. Let's stick to discussing details of the wedding. If you wish to discuss genealogy, take it to British Royal Family Genealogy thread.

 

[Curryong]

I think Harry wore a rather ghastly frilled outfit when he was a pageboy at his uncle Charles Spencer's wedding to Victoria. So long as they stay away from anything costumey the page boys should be OK. Not pastel jackets though!

 

[LauraS3514]

I think Harry wore a rather ghastly frilled outfit when he was a pageboy at his uncle Charles Spencer's wedding to Victoria. So long as they stay away from anything costumey the page boys should be OK. Not pastel jackets though!

The pages' outfits at Earl Spencer's wedding were copies of the suit worn in a portrait of an earlier Viscount Althorp.

 

[MARG]

I believe it only works if the entire wedding party is in period style clothing, including the bride. 17th Century page boys, flower girls and bridesmaids look decidedly odd with a bride in a contemporary gown.

 

[LauraS3514]

I believe it only works if the entire wedding party is in period style clothing, including the bride. 17th Century page boys, flower girls and bridesmaids look decidedly odd with a bride in a contemporary gown.

Victoria Lockwood's dress was a period dress - gold brocade(?) with fur cuffs.

 

[Countessmeout]

Page boy outfits seem to fall into two categories in British upper class:

1. either little military/naval (Cambridge, York)
2. period costume

I would love to see some nice cute little suits like ring bearers in North America wear, instead of the short pant period costume look. Meghan's dress stands to be pretty modern likely, and the period feel doesn't suit at all.

period wear:

Pippa
https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incomi...ing-Of-Pippa-Middleton-And-James-Matthews.jpg


Spencer/Lockwood
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f0/61/f4/f061f4b7ca46f25dd4b56386687b31f1.jpg

I admit I love Anne had Edward in a kilt for her wedding
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/00/e6/61/00e66135d79b227eae4052dcf2f5f8cb.jpg

Wessex (play on the order of garter robes)
http://static.bbc.co.uk/history/img/ic/640/images/resources/events/prince_edwards_wedding.jpg

Edward VC and Tamara Grovesnor
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016...lliam_s_best_friends_E-a-10_1470847653115.jpg

Lady Melissa Percy: I assume Peter pan or something
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6c/35/10/6c35107202ffec630d980d828a124910.jpg

James Meade (pretty modern compared to rest but the collar)
https://www.gettyimages.ca/event/la...rce=SEO_GIS_CDN_Redirect#-picture-id180536073

Mini military:

York (sailor)
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/17/6b/bb/176bbb32090b62c6750e787abf404ddf.jpg


Wales
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01764/diana-bridesmaids_1764549i.jpg

Cambridge
https://i.pinimg.com/236x/92/f9/65/...df7be8ccd7--page-boy-wedding-flower-girls.jpg

Nicholas Van Cutsem
https://i.pinimg.com/474x/d7/0b/84/...77c4e77b--royal-weddings-nicholas-dagosto.jpg

 

[Lady Nimue]

Thank you for the list with pictures, Countessmeout.

I admit I love Anne had Edward in a kilt for her wedding: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/00/e6/61/00e66135d79b227eae4052dcf2f5f8cb.jpg

I agree. Edward looks great! It looks more like a serious piece of dress rather than a costume. Maybe that helps.

Wessex (play on the order of garter robes: http://static.bbc.co.uk/history/img/ic/640/images/resources/events/prince_edwards_wedding.jpg

Such a windy day day it was for them. Wonder what the weather will be for Meghan and Harry. Anyway, I liked these outfits though they were definitely unusual.

Edward VC and Tamara Grovesnor: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016...lliam_s_best_friends_E-a-10_1470847653115.jpg

Those boys look very sharp! Are the outfits deep blue velvet?

Wales: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01764/diana-bridesmaids_1764549i.jpg

The stand-out in this picture is the very young and callow teenage Edward at the back. ?

It strikes me that the dressing of these little tykes is very much hit-or-miss. I did like all the flowers at the York wedding with the little girls.

Come to think of it: how Meghan decides to dress the wedding party will be as interesting as the wedding gown choice. Especially those little boys. If Meghan goes for simplicity, and we already see she has a good eye for Harry's ensembles, might she dress the tykes in suits? What will she do, because this is not an American thing so it will be interesting to see what she does.