When Does the Royal Wedding Start: Your Ultimate Guide
Hello, royal enthusiasts! We know you've been waiting for this, so let's dive right in and answer the burning question: When does the royal wedding start? We've got all the details you need to know, so grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's chat about this grand occasion! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and when does the royal wedding start.
Mark Your Calendars: The Big Day
First things first, let's establish the date. The royal wedding, between His Royal Highness Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle, took place on Saturday, May 19, 2018. But when exactly did the celebrations begin? Let's break it down for you.
The Morning: Arrival and Ceremony
Guests Arrive at St. George's Chapel
The guests started arriving at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, around 9:30 AM BST (British Summer Time). This is when the world got its first glimpse of the A-list attendees, from celebrities to royalty.
The Procession Begins
At 11:20 AM BST, the Queen's Guard and the Household Cavalry began their procession from Buckingham Palace to Windsor. This was followed by the royal family and other guests in carriages.
The Ceremony Kicks Off
The wedding ceremony itself began at 12:00 PM BST. The service was conducted by the Dean of Windsor, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, leading the couple in making their vows.
The Afternoon: The Carriage Procession and Reception
A Royal Carriage Procession
Directly after the ceremony, the newlyweds embarked on a carriage procession through Windsor, giving well-wishers a chance to catch a glimpse of the happy couple. This procession started at 1:00 PM BST and lasted around 25 minutes.
The Wedding Breakfast
After the procession, the wedding reception was held at St. George's Hall, Windsor Castle. This was a private affair, hosted by Her Majesty The Queen, and began around 2:00 PM BST. The wedding breakfast, as it's traditionally known, was a sit-down meal for around 600 guests.
The Evening: The Private Reception
To wrap up the day, Prince Charles hosted an evening reception for around 200 guests at Frogmore House. This was a more intimate affair, with a chance for the couple to mingle with their closest friends and family.
When Did the Wedding End?
The royal wedding officially ended around 11:00 PM BST, with the newlyweds departing for their overnight stay at Frogmore House. But for the rest of us, the celebrations continued long into the night, watching highlights and reminiscing about this spectacular event!
Why the Timing Matters
The royal wedding's timing was no accident. The couple, along with palace officials, chose the date and time for several reasons:
- Spring Weather: The couple hoped for pleasant weather, and May in the UK often offers the best chance of this. - The Queen's Schedule: As the head of the Commonwealth, the Queen has a busy schedule. The date needed to fit with her other engagements. - Avoiding Other Major Events: The wedding was timed to avoid clashing with other significant events, both royal and global.
And there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to when the royal wedding started and ended. Now you can plan your own royal wedding watch party with confidence! Just remember to stock up on tea, scones, and your best fascinator. Until next time, stay royally fabulous!