The Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, which took Kate and her father to the Abbey .. looks really old when you see it if you do a tour of the Royal Mews ... the car is in a space that only just holds it .. but when you see the Procession with the flags flying, the outriders .. it looked spectacular.
So Kate, the commoner, has a pretty good ride to the Abbey, as did the Queen and rest of the senior Royal family in other Royal vehicles .. then the surprise ... the junior Royals all packed into four charabancs for the journey to the Service at the Abbey. (The cars/characbancs used to ferry members of the royals and Middleton family were all brand new with consecutive number plates ...)
The Bells of Westminster Abbey ring out as Prince William arrives at the Abbey – he’s wearing the Garter Sash and Star, with his Royal Air Force Wings ... there are only1,000 members of the Royal Garter. (It is the highest order of chivalry, or knighthood, existing in England, founded in 1348.)
I've just found out that Prince William’s finery was made of some heat proof material, so he wouldn’t wilt or faint under the lights ... attention to detail? Not sure about Harry .. but he and I share a challenge – ruddy faces!
The Abbey filled with representatives from 50 governments and Commonwealth countries, with family members, members from Bucklebury village, and celebrities – for most of the 1900 guests there was no seating plan .. first come first serve: that must have surprised some!
The Garden of Britain had transformed Westminster Abbey ... the trees will be planted out at Highgrove, Prince Charles’ country residence, while the mesmerising floral displays were given to charities.
The cameras in the vaulted ceiling of the Abbey and transepts gave us wonderful kaleidoscopic views ... the green trees flanking that long long red carpet on the white and black herringbone tiles .... where some hours later the cartwheeling verger surprised the world with his antics .. and no doubt himself, once he’d realised the cameras hadn’t been switched off!
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| The Royal Garter |
Apparently the next day a couple tied the knot in the Abbey and, though their wedding took place in the smaller Lady Chapel, their guests were able to walk down the main aisle and enjoy that astonishing display of trees and flowers ...
The Queen arrived in Primrose Yellow – wasn’t it a lovely colour – the bells now Peel out, the State trumpeters trumpet, the Household Cavalry resplendent in their red and gold tunics had escorted the Queen and Prince Philip.
Interspersed with the families’ journeys from the Palace or the Goring Hotel in Belgravia, were shots of the guests as they took their seats, comments on their outfits were made – there were some stunning outfits and some ghastly mistakes ... the cameras honed in on the Royals too ...
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A Leyland Tiger used by Southdown Motor Services in England – 'what' we used to call a charabanc when we were children |
Kate arrives – looking absolutely splendid in her very simple flowing wedding dress – the clock seemed to have turned back ... lace and satin. The classic, lace dress with a romantic veil of filmy, ivory tulle trimmed with hand-embroidered flowers – both romantic and traditional, playing a tribute to the Arts and Crafts Movement .. the rose of England, the daffodil of Wales, the thistle of Scotland and the trefoil for Ireland.
Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen designed THAT dress .. but the amazing thing is that everyone involved in the opening of the Retrospective Highlights Exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art last week were so anxious about the downbeat take on the Exhibition due to McQueen’s death in 2010 ... turned the tables and it was suddenly being hailed as a magnificent celebration of his life ...
.... due to THAT dress! Now to quote Business World Online “McQueen’s interest in history, patriotism and nationalism are featured in his works and shows, which each tell a story.” What a story the McQueen legacy now has to tell ... and apparently in an interview Burton gave a few weeks ago there was no give away that she was the designer ... but as an afterthought the interviewer said of course if I’d had my eyes open .. the workrooms were filled with royal regalia .. perhaps a glimpse of what was to come.
The care and concern of true workmanship ... the attention to detail (needle-workers from Hampton Court washing their hands every thirty minutes to keep the lace pristine), the guarding of sensitive information (who was the designer), not letting the secrets out of the bag ... the long hours, the determination to succeed, the proof of the pudding in the revelation of that simple, yet sumptuous, sight – traditional yet modern ...
The Queen had loaned the “halo” tiara to hold the veil in place (the Queen Mother had presented Princess Elizabeth with the Cartier tiara on her 18th birthday); the bouquet reminded us of our history, how flowers have played a part in our stories ...
... Myrtle stems ( emblem of marriage and love) planted by Queen Victoria at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, were used as the base for the shield-shaped bouquet, woven with Lily of the Valley (signifying return of happiness), Sweet William (gallantry), Hyacinth (constancy of love) and Ivy (fideility).
The bouquet was returned to Westminster Abbey to rest on a white satin pillow on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the public to see at close quarters.
To conclude this part – the cartoon in The Saturday Times the next day is just wonderful ... can you visualise: two Devils, tridents stomped on the floor, fire and brimstone bubbling up around them, discussing the day ... saying grumpily to themselves “That’s all we need a marriage made in heaven”! Wonderful .. makes me smile and I know I'll get a big grin from my mother..
Last but not least .. because I’ve just seen it – talk about cashing in ... you can get, for $10, The Royal Wedding for Dummies ... ?!
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| Stables in the Royal Mews |
Dear Mr Postman – Mum and I have had a non end of the weekend .. Saturday was fine with Janice giving Mum a massage and having a good chat ... then late in the evening I get a call that we have to go to hospital as the feeding tube has come out.
I get home at 2.45 a.m. – “sleep” for 4 hours and am back at the hospital ... as the Consultant Gastroenterologist is on duty Sunday morning (luck does hold sometimes!) ... he recognises us and says, with some of his ‘toys’, he may be able to help .. an hour and a half later it’s fixed.
Six hours after that we get discharged ... there was an emergency and understandably the paperwork was delayed .. so effectively I had 18+ hours at the hospital ... Mum was awake all the time .. so I expect she’ll sleep very well today! Still at least she’s not in hospital today waiting to get on the list ... thankfully!
PS – she does love hearing from everyone .. her eyes open in wonder every time I mention hugs sent from overseas ... another dimension to care – which is so wonderful for us – thank you so much.
Business World Online Edition - Retrospective highlights Alexander McQueen's career
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hilary Melton-Butcher
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70 comments:
I did wonder what was going to happen to those trees. So glad they weren't shredded but I did find it a bit odd having full grown trees as part of the floral decoration.
I've stayed at the Goring Hotel but there were no photographers waiting out side for me... and I loved that dress. I'm so glad she went to simple classic.
Sorry to hear that your Mum had to have a 'procedure'. It's hard enough for a young fit person to have to wait around in hospital for treatment. Your Mum must be exhausted. She sounds like a real tough cookie though. Please send her my love from Leicester.
Hi Hilary - Loved hearing about the bouquet and the meanings behind the chosen flowers. We could tell it had lovely lily of the valley - one of my personal favorites. The choice of Sweet William was precious. Springtime flowers for a lovely Spring wedding.
Sounds like you had a scare with your Mother but everything turned out well. Ups and downs. Hope the coming week is on more even keel.
Hi Ros .. yes the trees will be in a good home .. the description that this was a Garden Wedding in the Abbey seemed very appropriate with all the flora that was on display.
Coo - what a very select posh place to stay in! Hope you thoroughly enjoyed it .. sorry there weren't photographers outside!!
Isn't the dress just superb - you're right and it was simple classic.
Thanks re my Mum - fortunately she is extremely forbearing and 'never complains!' .. I'm lucky .. she's confined to bed, so as long as she's positioned comfortably .. we manage. She is a real tough cookie and will be delighted with your love from Leicester ..
Lovely seeing you and having your notes on the Wedding .. enjoy the week .. Hilary
I loved that cart-wheeling guy! Thanks for all the wonderful information, Hilary.
Oooooo! I feel fully informed now! Thanks!
Best wishes to your mom as well!
Hi Betsy .. I wrote you a lovely long comment reply and blogger bombed me out - charming! So here goes again ..
Glad you enjoyed the bouquet information .. I thought people would enjoy it .. and lily of the valley smells so wonderful; while I love your description of Sweet William .. and exactly - Spring flowers for a Spring wedding.
While I was searching I found out that in France the Lily of the Valley is celebrated on May Day ... the streets are scented by this magnificent flower being sold by street vendors - cashing in .. on the day when the vendors do not need to pay a permit tax!
Bunches of little 'Muguet des Bois' are available everywhere ... the woodland flower found in the valleys, where the nightingale comes when the flowers open ..
A glade of paradise .. a nightingale singing, which only returns on the opening of the flowers of this valley lily, when its scent will be all around - wonderful ...
We've been down for this numerous times to the hospital .. but 10.30pm on a Saturday night I could have done without! Still luckily the consultant was there and sorted us out
Me too - an even keel would be a lovely thing to find .. but I'm sure it's there hovering in the future .. cheers to you for the week ahead .. and thanks for commenting - Hilary
Hi Talli .. he was good wasn't he - a little extra magical touch at the end of the day ..
Glad you enjoyed the extra snippets - did you get out to see it .. I must catch up on posts .. great to see you - cheers Hilary
Hi Bossy Betty - thank you!! With blogging we can put those extras down in a post .. and then of course when our brains fail .. posterity can read all about it! Delighted you enjoyed it ..
.. and thanks re Mum - she is absolutely exhausted .. but a few good sleeps and all will be well.
Lovely seeing you - Hilary
> The Bells of Westminster Abbey ring out
You reminded me how powerful bells can be and how their ring can send a signal to so many people, to mark a moment of bliss or a time of mourn.
Hi Karen .. you're right .. but if I don't put some of my insights down or notes I've taken .. then it's gone for good and I'll never remember or never know.
At least it was an exceptionally happy day and as you rightly say - a lovely interlude - just what I needed at the end of the A - Z challenge!
Cheers - have a good week .. Hilary
Hi JD .. how lovely to see you - and absolutely right .. the power of the bells - the peels are beautiful when we hear them from churches around this little island of ours ..
.. but the bells of the Abbey must have added to the day .. that blissful day as you say ..
.. I hadn't properly realised the significance of "For Whom a Bell Tolls" until my mother's brother-in-law died (first husband) in the Pyrenees .. and the local bell tolled for 3 days - then the significance sank in.
I'd holidayed with them when I was 15 and can vividly remember the area, and the local village - the resonance came back ..
Thanks for highlighting these words .. good reminder of life at all times .. cheers Hilary
It was a wonderful wedding, and you added so many beautiful details for your blogger friends! Thank you.
Hi Rosaria .. many thanks and just glad you enjoyed the little extras .. we forget them so easily .. or didn't take them in .. in the first place ..
Great seeing you here .. cheers Hilary
Loved your account of the wedding -I missed the cartoon in The Times but you described it perfectly! That aside, you seem to have had quite a weekend. I am glad your mother was not kept in and hope that you both caught up on some sleep.
So beautiful. I was just thinking how stressful a regular wedding can be, can you imaging the stress of a royal wedding!?
That second picture is amazing. What a unique perspective.
I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I hope she's feeling better. Send her a hug from me too!
Hi, Hilary. I enjoyed watching the royal wedding on television. It was beautiful. Your details of the things not mentioned that day are wonderful. Thank you for sharing all of these interesting facts.
this is all very cool, and I thought Prince Wills looked JUST like a fairytale prince. It was all just perfect~ :o) <3
I remember my wedding. Now I feel like a cheapskate.
Glad your mother is out of the hospital. That's no way to spend Mother's Day!
@ Deborah - many thanks and glad you could 'see' the cartoon .. it was a fun one!
Mum certainly yesterday was still exhausted ..and I hope had a good night .. I certainly felt better: thanks for the thoughts.
@ Holly - I too thought .. how do they hold themselves together .. I'd been emotional since 6.00 am!!
Yes - they looked hugely excited and full of love for each other .. but everything fell into place so well.
@ Theresa .. glad you liked the picture of the Abbey - when they were panning around and showing us views during the build up .. those views down are incredible - as you say an unique perspective.
Thanks re my Ma .. and I'll definitely pass on your hug ..
@ Susanne .. delighted to hear you're enjoying my out-takes (if that's the right word!).. some were things I saw and thought I wanted to know more, and some were just edifying & I'd hoped others would enjoy them .. they do!
@ Leigh .. did you and the girls watch together - I wonder what they made of it .. it was just like a real fairy tale .. all good things coming together - just one missing ingredient = no invitation for us bloggers!!!
@ Alex ... well don't tell your wife! She might request a re-run?!
Thanks .. you're right - our Mother's Day is back in March .. the dates across the pond don't tie in - so at least we didn't have that thought to contend with.
Thank you so much .. Deborah, Holly, Theresa, Susanne, Leigh and Alex .. lovely seeing you here, I appreciate the visit .. Hilary
A wonderful account of the Big Day,
It was great watching it on TV.
Thank you for the comments and the birthday wishes, The hopsital took away the pre cancerous cells, a bit uncomfortable but will be sore for a few weeks, Have to return in 6 months.Yes the weather is great here also , my daughter will be here soon, Once again thanks,
Yvonne,
Dear Hilary,
I'm just now catching up with my blogging friends' posts. After the A-Z project, I was just exhausted, and took a brief break.
These two last posts have a lot of interesting information, very interesting!
This may sound silly, but I still wonder why President Obama was not invited. I dislike that. Maybe it has to do with protocol. I hope that was the reason.
Hilary, sorry to hear about the emergency your mom had. I'm glad she is out of the hospital, and hope she is doing much better by now. I didn't know she had a PEG tube.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting on my stories. You are so kind.
(((( hugs to you and to your mom )))))
Doris
Hi Yvonne .. it was a glorious day - and I'm glad you appreciated some of the extras.
Happy Birthday again today to you! You'll be out on the town with your daughter - enjoy yourself.
So pleased the hospital visit is over and I'm sure all will be well - positive energy and thoughts and a letter! coming your way ..
A pleasure .. enjoy your celebrations .. sad you can't have a slide .. but many other things to do .. cheers Hilary
Hi Doris .. I guessed you'd gone AWOL for a while and am not surprised .. your posts were great though and I'm so pleased you're going to put them into a book.
Glad you enjoyed the supplements to that Wedding.
It wasn't a formal Royal occasion .. ie Prince Charles will be the next king - and then President Obama would have been invited and many other heads of state ..
.. the Commonwealth countries were invited, but not the wider world ..
Hope that makes sense .. and actually as President Obama was doing other things - it may be on reflection a good thing?!
Hope that clears it up ..
Re my Mum - yes - she had 3 further big strokes after her first one (all 4 years ago) - and that meant inevitably confined to bed, and the loss of throat muscles - meant the PEG .. but she can talk - and for that I'm grateful.
I don't mention drink, especially tea or water, in front of her and won't drink in her room .. or eat for that matter - it's unfair on her.
She's not thinking about the next life .. and enjoys somethings .. laughs and chats at times .. we were just lucky the Consultant was there, recognised us and was prepared to get his 'toys' out on a Sunday .. made my life a lot easier.
Pleasure - love reading your stories ..I was reading Graham Stokes' Alzheimer's book in hospital as I needed to finish it .. and Mum was still interested in it.
I referred someone to The Rock Man - chapter 10 .. as one of ours has gone back to his Prisoner of War Days .. but the Rock Man explains it.
Thanks - Mum will be pleased and hugs back across the pond - hope you've had a recuperative break .. cheers Hilary
I love the way you have homed in on all the little details of the day.
It was a glorious wedding day and I wish them every happiness. :O)
Hi Madeleine .. thanks so much - we often miss the little things - and it was a glorious wedding and like you I wish them every happiness .. cheers and hope you continue to feel better and full of beans!! - Hilary
Yeah! Cool!
Wait... who is that cart-wheeling guy?
Wow! There's a ot there. Hard to believe there was no seating plan. If it were up to me as the organizer, I would seat everyone by alphabetical order. Easy!
Yesterday reporters captured pics of Kate grocery shopping. I hope they don't hound her the way they hounded Princess Di.
Great account of the day, Hilary. Lovely pics.
Hi Fresh Garden .. he apparently is Ben Sheward and has been at the Abbey for 10 years and is an expert at cartwheeling by the look of it .. ?!
More in my next post!
Lovely to see you here - Welcome .. See you soon I hope - cheers Hilary
Hi Stephen .. love your comment .. perhaps they should have played musical chairs beforehand .. ?! or as you suggest A - Z like - and we're the experts!
Cheers - good to see you .. Hilary
Hi Joylene .. I'd heard she'd been spotted grocery shopping - I do too .. it'll be really frustrating for her: I guess it'll take a while for everyone to get over THAT DAY .. and she will be our Queen all things prevailing .. I do hope she can work through it .. no dashing down the shops in her slippers!!
Delighted to see you and that you enjoyed the little extras .. cheers Hilary
I was a beautiful ceremony all around. Delighted to hear your Mum is doing better and home. Love and hugs.
Hi Ann .. glad you enjoyed the wedding - it was beautiful wasn't it.
Yes - I'm pleased Mum is out again .. and I hope will be back to normal shortly .. not exhausted by 'the trip'!
Much appreciate the love and hugs - return ones winging your way .. thanks so much! -Hilary
Beautiful wedding memories. I'm so glad I chose not to work that day and watched the whole thing.
So sorry to hear about your mum. I'm sending a virtual hug your way.
Hi Ellie .. good to see you - and delighted with your news.
I didn't see as much as I'd have liked to .. but it was fun to be at a party .. and to share the Ceremony with my Mama ..
Fortunately we're fine .. she's strong! Great to have the hug from the west country.
Cheers and enjoy the week ahead .. Hilary
Hilary, this is totally off the subject of the wonderful wedding, but I've had some thoughts re The Challenge (note the caps!) that I'd like to share with you. Are you able to email me please? Sounds cloak and dagger doesn't it! Just some nuts and bolts things. Thanks. Sue
Oh, that reminds me, your mum might like the picture of the rainbow lorikeets if she's well enough to look and if you can drag a laptop in to her, and I'm sending her a hello from the southern part of Australia.
Hugs for Mum, so glad she is doing better.
The wedding was just lovely (albeit some of the speeches were very long winded heeheehee)I enjoyed watching the coverage. We were all watching history being made.
I just love getting all of the details. Thanks!
Hi Sue .. thanks - I've emailed you ... the webpage message bit doesn't work and I emailed you last week about that .. anyway emailed again .. and we'll see if that get's through ..
Thanks re the Lorikeets .. I commented on your blog re Mum's eyes .. she can see - but has trouble focusing (I think) .. cheers look forward to hearing from you .. Hilary
Hi Mercy .. thanks re my Mama and I'm sure she'll be fine, as far as she can be.
The wedding was lovely .. were you a fly on the wall at the Reception for the speeches? .. fun thought and laughing one too .. heeheheheh.
We were watching history weren't we .. glad you enjoyed it ..
Good luck with the sorting out after your move .. cheers Hilary
Hi Sandy .. lovely to see you here - and I enjoyed your tale of the culinary purchase for Mother's Day ..
Glad you enjoyed the info ...
Look forward to seeing you here and there - cheers Hilary
What an amazing write up you have done on the wedding. I wish your mum well.
My mum is in a nursing home now. She's unable to walk and needs 24 hour care. My husband and I take her out in a wheelchair whenever we go over to see her as she loves to chat with the ladies in the shops. Her memory good but a little all over the place so she comes out with some funny things at times.
Best wishes to you and your Mum
Hi Jamara .. thanks .. we enjoyed the wedding and it's something to talk about in the days to come .. and will certainly mention your well wishes to my mother.
It sounds as though your mother can participate a little .. my Mama can talk, but is unable to ring the bell or call for help .. etc ... but like your Ma her memory gets a little muddled at times .. but then are funny stories to tell later on! I'm so pleased you can take your Mama out to shops etc .. that's great ..
Thanks so much for coming by .. Hilary
I watched it on TV hours after it had taken place. Such an amazing event. It would have been neat to be there. :)
An amazing write about the wedding!
Best wishes to your mom, Hilary
Hugs
Marinela
Just popped back to say that there's an award waiting for you on my blog :-)
Hi Hilary -
Thank you for the detailed descriptions of the happy couple's day. They should have invited you to cover the event for the media. :)
Glad to hear your Mom did not have to remain in the hospital or go on a waiting list.
Blessings,
Susan
Hilary.... Oh I loved the wedding and I loved all the details you added. What a treat.
My regards to your Mum. I hope she's resting well and doing fine.
I always look forward to your visits to my blog. Thank you for your sincere and meaningful comments.
Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck
The wedding was truly spectacular and just right in every way. Even the weather held which was wonderful considering the forecast.
I'm glad your Mom is home and I hope she is continuing to do well, Hilary.
I could just picture that cartoon - made me laugh!
@ Michelle .. I'm sure a lot of people around the world saw the tv programme of it - rather than watch the whole thing .. glad you enjoyed it! Yes - it would have been fun to be up be a part of it .. and many made the effort.
@ Marinela .. glad you enjoyed it - and thanks for the wishes to my Mama ..
@ Ros - fantastic .. brilliantly cheerful and such fun - you're a star .. love awards -
@ Susan .. ah! I couldn't have done the posts without the media doing their brilliant bit first - I just reduce it excessively and bring out the bits that interest me and others (I hope!) ..
Me too - another day in hospital would have been a bit much - so luck held that day.
@ Manzanita - wasn't it fun .. so delighted you like the little extras I've highlighted.
Thanks - Mum was chatty and cheerful yesterday when a friend was there with her - so that was good to hear.
Delighted - that's what blogging is about .. I hope .. writing and commenting as you mention.
@ Talon - yes thank goodness the weather held off - we had a heavy shower in the evening.
Mum is fine and back to 'normal' thankfully.
Glad you like the cartoon - I've another to add in to the next post - probably tomorrow ..
Thanks so much - great to see you all here .. Michelle, Marinela, Ros, Susan, Manzanita and Talon .. have a wonderful Thursday - Hilary
I'm so glad your 18 hours are over. You are a wonderful daughter!
Great post by the way.
Teresa
Cheers Hilary,
I still have to catch up reading your older posts. They are full of information and details. The wedding blogs are so good that I do not find a single detail missing. They are not shy of even a stich in the wedding apparel or a prig in decorations.
I always enjoy visiting you!
Good post, Hilary, thank you! :) As always, love the photos.
Hugs to your Mum - glad she is out of the hospital!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Karen
Hi Teresa .. and you won't believe today .. chatterbox mother!! Telling everyone everything and everything .. and all sensible - all correct ..
.. the nurses, the staff all came in while I was there telling tales!!
Then I read a few blog posts to her, after some letters we'd had ... then a lecture one of her cousin's (Jenny) gave on her great aunt - nine pages on the Boer War and WW1 -
Sometimes she has more stamina than I do .. I'm now exhausted and throat sore!!
Cheers - lovely seeing you around again .. Hilary
Hi Munir .. I hope the posts aren't going away .. but blogger is giving me challenges .. wish it would work properly!!
Delighted you're enjoying reading the posts and finding out bits and pieces of stimulating information from them - that's wonderful to hear.
I'm putting down some of the little things from the wedding .. one more to go - tomorrow ..
I too enjoying visiting you and must check up your reply to my latest comment .. at blogger's pleasure!!
Cheers and see you soon .. Hilary
Hi Karen .. good to see you - and delighted it past muster .. and the photos: thanks!!
Yes as I told Teresa above - we had an amazing day today .. Mum was completely alive and flourishing .. and enjoying her communication - shattered now I think!! I too am glad she's out of hospital ..
Thanks - you too have a blessed weekend .. Hilary
My roommate and I stayed up until 3 AM to watch this. We were too young for Diana and Charles, so it's our little piece of fairy tale in history.
The wedding was absolutely amazing. I love that it was classic, but modern and fun all at the same time. Talk about modernizing tradition! And who knows, maybe that Royal Weddings for Dummies will come in handy when Harry settles down?
Ava
Great to learn that William is a Knight of such an Order. As a modern day knight, he even landed his helicopter on the Middleton's lawn one time. I'd love to know the story around that visit! :D
Isn't your mother a trooper. She deserves many hugs - from over many seas! Here's mine, please, Hilary.
I hope you and she sleep well tonight, with beautiful dreams!!
xoxo
"Positive Letters" has been included in this weeks Sites To See. I hope you like the image I featured, and I hope this helps to attract many new visitors here.
http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2011/05/sites-to-see_13.html
Hilary: Thanks for the information and "behind the scenes" look at the wedding. It really is so interesting to hear some of these facts. There was so much that went into this wedding ... absolutely amazing.
Hi Ava .. ah - but I suspect you and your future families will be up for the next generation's Royal Wedding?
Fairy tale in history .. your words say it like the whole day seemed .. it was amazing ..
Love your comment about the Royal Wedding for Dummies .. perhaps not Harry .. but who knows!!
Thanks Ava - good to see you here .. Hilary
Hi Amy .. excellent to see you - I think the Guides would say .. that was boy needed to see girl?! In our fairy tale world of Knights and Garters .. the helicopter would whizz across the country for a speedy visit .. modern day broomstick? Direct flight!
Mum is amazing and I have a wonderful story to tell from this week .. once I've recovered from blogger's chaos .. and will definitely give her a BIG HUG later on .. - thanks Amy - enjoy the weekend .. Hilary
Hi Jannie .. thank you - I've caught up and so has my mother, but she's exhausted herself again .. a post next week!
Love beautiful dreams .. cheers to you all and wish BB was masterminding Blogger!! it would run smoothyly!? Cheers Hilary xoxox
Hi FishHawk .. my mother will be so delighted to know that Hardwick features as the star show for our picture link .. good to meet you and thanks for coming by .. cheers Hilary
Hi Sibyl .. delighted you enjoyed the 'behind the scenes' look .. we forget - but at least here the record will stay around in snippet format!
As you say so much goes into the planning of these things - it was wonderful it went off so smoothly and in typical low key British fashion .. yet with lots of pageantry and style ..
Wonderful to see you - enjoy the weekend .. Hilary
What a great post! I'm so glad to find out what happened to those trees (they brightened up the Abbey so nicely) and I'm so glad to hear Catherine's bouquet went back to teh Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. My Mom & I were quiet disappointed that she didn't leave it here when she passed, but I suppose she needed it for the photos (oh, those gorgeous photos!)
It was such a marvellous wonderful day.
Judy, South Africa
Hi Judy .. thanks for stopping in now, when you're so busy with your book launch and all the marketing and prizes you're giving away ..
I think the whole wedding was just wonderful and everything went off perfectly .. including the bouquet getting back to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier .. yes she did need it for the photos - I'd thought the same as you and your Mum.
The photos are extraordinary ..
Lovely seeing you - cheers Hilary
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