With the royal wedding just a few months away, it’s time to prepare your attire for the occasion. If you’re currently on the lookout for your invitation to the wedding of Prince Henry and Ms. Meghan Markle, rest assured that Kensington Palace has confirmed it’s on its way. This morning, their official Twitter account announced that 600 invitations have been dispatched, complete with a photo of the elegant cards to ensure you recognize it when it arrives.
The invitations feature beautifully swirling calligraphy, stating: “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 19th May 2018 at 12 Noon, followed by a reception at Windsor Castle.” The dress code is specified as: “Dress: Uniform. Morning coat or lounge suit, day dress with hat.” This hints that Prince Harry, a decorated veteran and Captain General of the Royal Marines, may don military attire, while we anxiously search for what constitutes a “day dress,” which seems to mean “a dress suitable for daytime wear.” Perhaps a lounge suit will suffice, whatever that entails.
Unsurprisingly, the invitations exude traditional elegance. Kensington Palace has shared details about the meticulous production process, indicating that the couple is prioritizing quality over budget when it comes to their big day. Crafted by Barnard & Westwood, a London-based, fully employee-owned printing company, these invitations have a rich history of serving the royal family since 1985. The Managing Director, Oliver Sinclair, expressed his enthusiasm for this prestigious assignment. “Creating invitations for the wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle is an honor, and we take pride in being part of such a momentous occasion for them and their loved ones,” he shared with The Daily Chronicle.
Each invitation was hand-printed using a vintage die-stamping machine from the 1930s, affectionately nicknamed Maude. The intricate details, such as burnishing and gilding, were skillfully completed by a recent apprentice, Emma White. The top of each invite boasts the golden Three Feather Badge of The Prince of Wales, adding a touch of sophistication to the otherwise understated design. Utilizing American ink and English paper, the invites reflect the couple’s transatlantic connection, or perhaps it’s simply what the print shop had available.
All 600 invitees will attend the ceremony at St George’s Chapel, followed by a lavish luncheon hosted by the Queen at Windsor Castle—don’t spill anything on your day dress, as it might be your only one. A select group of 200 guests will then transition to Frogmore House for a more intimate reception hosted by The Prince of Wales. Meanwhile, the rest of the nation can look forward to the Football Association Cup Final, kicking off at 5:30 p.m., which will be accessible to everyone on television, no hand-crafted invitations needed.
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In summary, the royal wedding invitations have been officially sent out, and as we await our own, we can certainly appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition that goes into such momentous events.