I was a relatively new military bride, expecting my first child, when Hubby #1 and I lived in England. Britain was all abuzz with the news of a Royal Wedding coming that fall. Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, married Mark Phillips on November 14, 1973. The country was bonkers for this event that drew an audience of over 500 million worldwide.
The wedding was on a Wednesday…a workday for my husband…so my friend Gloria watched the wedding with me on television in my little flat. Gloria was a Brit married to an American soldier. I had such a good time with her and she taught me a lot about the differences in cultural norms. Everyone loved the Royals. Most everyone had a portrait of the Queen and the Queen Mum in their homes.
Princess Anne was married in Westminster Abbey. Meghan Markle, a divorced American actress will marry Prince Harry in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. I’ve visited both places. While hardly “intimate”, St. George’s Chapel does have a different feel than Westminster Abbey. I love the choir area and Princess Charlotte’s Memorial is stunning. (Princess Charlotte was in line to be the queen but died after giving birth to a stillborn son at the age of 21. The memorial is carved marble and depicts angels taking the baby to heaven as those left behind are separated by a veil.
When Princes Diana and Prince Charles married, the world fell in love with Lady Di. When their son Prince William married his Kate, the world fell in love with her. We are particularly intrigued by Meghan Markle because she is an American. An American Princess.
I’ll be camping during the wedding, so I’ll not be watching. But I’ll follow along online as I can. It brings back such lovely memories of my time living abroad. We even gave our firstborn the middle name “Anne” in honor of the princess. A Royal Wedding is a welcome little break in all the badness that is followed by news coverage. I’m looking forward to something other than politics and bad stuff for a change. The focus will turn back soon enough. ❤️
“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:2-3 ESV
I have always loved reading on the Royal Families.You are so lucky to have been able to see all you have. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos.
Hugs.
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Thank you Ginny for sharing and the lovely pictures! As an American (living in the west), I have been fortunate enough to visit England/Europe twice when I was younger ??
Traveling, when I was young, changed me in an amazing way! Getting out of ones small fish bowl is a priceless education and truly broadens ones horizons. I was a little older than Princess Diana when she married Prince Charles. I was fascinated and really found her an amazing woman. Following her life was special to me. I was the mother of 6 when died so tragically. I felt silly feeling like I had lost a friend. I’m still fascinated with the Royal family….why is that? Your blog today made me feel so good. I admire you So much and reading that you too are interested made me feel that I wasn’t alone. ?
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