The countdown to the royal wedding is officially on, and it’s time to prepare your finest attire, whatever that may entail. If you’re anxiously checking your mailbox for a formal invite to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, you’re not alone. Kensington Palace has confirmed that the invites have been sent out, and they’ve shared a glimpse of what to expect.
This morning, the official Kensington Palace Twitter account announced that 600 invitations have been dispatched, showcasing the elegant cards in a post, just in case yours goes astray. The invitations are beautifully crafted, featuring calligraphy that reads: “His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT requests the pleasure of the company of [blank] at the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales with Ms. Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 12 Noon, followed by a reception at Windsor Castle.”
The dress code is notably formal: “Dress: Uniform. Morning coat or lounge suit, day dress with hat.” This suggests that Prince Harry, a decorated veteran and Captain General of the Royal Marines, will don military attire for the occasion. Meanwhile, many of us will find ourselves frantically Googling “day dress,” only to learn it simply refers to a dress suitable for daytime wear. Perhaps we’ll opt for a lounge suit as a simpler alternative.
The invites themselves are classically designed, and Kensington Palace has provided insights into their meticulous creation, indicating that the couple opted for quality over cost. Each invitation was crafted by Barnard & Westwood, a London-based printer and bookbinder that has been producing royal invitations since 1985. Managing Director Austen Kopley expressed his excitement about being part of such a momentous occasion. “The wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle will be a truly special occasion and we are thrilled to be able to create equally special invitations for their guests,” he told The Telegraph.
The production of these invitations is a labor of love, hand-printed using a die-stamping machine from the 1930s affectionately named Maude. The finishing touches, including burnishing and gilding, were completed by Lottie Kent, who recently completed her printing apprenticeship. Topping each invite is the golden Three Feather Badge of The Prince of Wales, adding a touch of opulence to the otherwise understated cards. Interestingly, the invitations were printed using American ink on English paper, perhaps a charming nod to the couple’s transatlantic romance.
All 600 guests are invited to witness the ceremony at St George’s Chapel, followed by an exquisite lunch at Windsor Castle hosted by the Queen. Just a friendly reminder: do try not to spill anything on your day dress; you might not have another one! Following the grand meal, 200 select guests will proceed to Frogmore House for a more intimate reception hosted by The Prince of Wales. Meanwhile, the rest of the nation will likely tune in to watch the Football Association Cup Final, starting at 5:30 p.m.—no invitation necessary for that event!
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In summary, with the royal wedding just around the corner, anticipation builds as we await our invites, all while preparing for a day of celebration.