North Texans attend Royal Wedding watch parties
Newlyweds Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a dramatic departure for their evening wedding reception.
Their new titles are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The newlywed couple departed Windsor Castle for Frogmore House. The left earlier in the evening in a classic Jaguar convertible.
Meghan changed into a white gown with a high neck by Stella Mccartney ad Harry wore a tuxedo. Both wore big smiles as Harry opened the car door for his bride. The reception was hosted by Harry’s father, Prince Charles.
The ceremony had some “American” touches, including a gospel choir performance of Stand By Me as well as a sermon from the head of the American Episcopal Church, Bishop Michael Bruce Curry.
Not everyone could be in Windsor for the wedding of the year, so North Texans found a way to celebrate locally, at the most British place in the are.
“That’s why you watch the wedding! for the hats! fabulous hats,” said Sarah Wright.
“Fashion is my passion and that’s why I got up so early and dressed to the 9s like I was going to the royal wedding,” said Bonnie Kurtz. “I wanted to see her dress on the big screen with a bunch of ladies around with all of our hats.”
It was silent as Meghan Markle walked down the aisle.
“You could hear a pin drop in the audience,” said British Emporium owner, Sheela Bailey. “I thought the wedding was tremendous, emotional, a wonderful religious experience.”:
Bailey hosted the watch party outside the British Emporium in Grapevine, where she brings a slice of her British culture to the metroplex.
“Can you believe it?” she said, ”My hometown in England is Sussex and now we have a duke and duchess of Sussex! Which we Haven’t had for many, many years.”
Bailey thought of every detail, even bringing in a lemon elderflower cake, just like Meghans.
“These traditions are dear to our hearts. people in the audience had seen so many royal weddings. It reminded them of Princess Diana and Prince Charles wedding,” she said.
Debby Conner watched Diana’s wedding live and has followed the royals ever since.
“July 29, 1982, I will never forget that day” she said. “With Diana’s death, it was really super impactful and to see her children mature and those amazing grandchildren. Now I want to see them have 18 months and then they need to reproduce! Harry and Meghan need to produce a baby for me!”
“She is a Hollywood actress, she’s a celebrity. Harry is the late and great Princess Diana’s son. We’ve watched him grow up there was something for everyone and everyone loves a bit of love, a bit of glamour and a royal celebration,” said Bailey.