Is this the end of the big royal wedding?
Covid might have killed off the supersized wedding, but here's why we are loving the intimate new ceremonies…
As Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge’s brother James Middleton tied the knot in a tiny ceremony in France this week, it made us ponder… will we ever see the likes of William and Catherine’s, or Harry and Meghan’s mega-sized royal weddings again?
Kerry wrote an opinion piece about Covid weddings for The Sunday Telegraph this week – to read, click here.
Thanks to the pandemic, a bride is doing well just to get to the altar at the moment – and if there are any guests in attendance, even better. It’s meant that we’re seeing a rise in smaller, more intimate ceremonies, such as that of James Middleton and Alizée Thevenet who wed in a small ceremony attended by their dogs, parents and siblings.
“Yesterday I married the love of my life surrounded by family, friends and of course a few dogs in the beautiful village of Bormes-les-Mimosas,” he wrote on Instagram. “Words cannot describe how happy I am.” He posted one photo, so we had to make do with a description of Catherine and William’s outfits from local mayor François Arizzi, who said Catherine wore “a long dress of a very light green colour” and Prince William “a beige and off-white suit”.
Prince Charles’ god-daughter, India Hicks, also got married in modest – but exquisite - style this month when the designer wed long-term partner David Flint Wood in Oxfordshire. She sported a beautiful Emilia Wickstead ’50s-style frock, had a home-made cake and held the (uber-stylish) party the night before. “I could feel love all around us,” she told Vogue.
Likewise, Flora Vesterberg, granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, celebrated her marriage to Timothy Vesterberg with a small blessing at St James’s Church this week. Art curator Flora wore a Phillipa Lepley wedding dress and the family Ogilvy tiara. The couple had married a year ago, but delayed the party for when restrictions were lifted. Wedding guests included Princess Alexandra, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Lady Gabriella Windsor and Lady Amelia Windsor.
The only one who bucked the trend was Princess Diana’s niece Lady Kitty Spencer, with her lavish wedding in Italy in July to financier Michael Lewis, where the Dolce & Gabbana ambassador sported six divine dresses.
It’s why Princess Beatrice’s nuptials in July 2020, are still one of our favourite royal weddings of all time. From her beautiful Norman Hartnell dress loaned to her by the Queen, to the private service at the chapel in the grounds of her Windsor family home Royal Lodge and the handful of family and friends who made it, including late grandfather Prince Philip, all make that day – without any pomp and just the ceremony – unforgettable.
Harry and Meghan’s Time honour
“In a world where everyone has an opinion about people they don’t know, the Duke and Duchess have compassion for the people they don’t know. They don’t just opine. They run toward the struggle.” So said Jose Andres, World Central Kitchen founder, for Time Magazine, which this week included Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in its Time Magazine 100 Most Influential People of 2021 list.
The pair posed for a glamorous cover shoot, with Meghan sporting a crisp white shirt and pleated trousers. On their Archewell site, they said they were “humbled to be part of this year’s Time 100, but also write in praise of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the publication’s annual list of Most Influential People.”
Harry and Meghan “turn compassion into boots on the ground,” said Jose, “they give voice to the voiceless,” and “take risks to help communities in need.”
It’s back to business for Will and Catherine
Straight from James Middleton’s wedding, it was all change for the Cambridge clan this week after their August break. With George and Charlotte back to school and Louis at nursery, their hard-working parents returned to their day jobs with aplomb.
Catherine visited RAF Brize Norton where she met aircrew and medics who helped evacuate Afghans in last month’s emergency airlift. Wearing a £285 Reiss blazer, Jigsaw navy trousers and carrying a £295 Tusting bag, Catherine spoke to military personnel who took part in Operation Pitting, which saw more than 15,000 people flown out of Kabul, 850 of which arrived at the Oxfordshire base.
Meanwhile, William was busy with The Earthshot Prize, on Friday releasing the authoritative book on his initiative, called Earthshot: How To Save Our Planet, with a clip of him typing on a typewriter (one for the oldies). Then, the prince proudly announced the Prize’s inaugural 15 finalists, here. “The five winners will each receive £1 million to support their work,” he said. The winners will be announced in a ceremony live on BBC One and Discovery on Sunday October 17.
William and The Royal Foundation first launched the Prize in October 2020. Calling it “the most prestigious global prize in history,” with the aim of inspiring activism to “innovate, problem solve, and ultimately repair the planet.” It will be awarded annually until 2030 - the target year for the UN Global Goals to be achieved.
Catwalk queen Naomi takes on royal role
She’s ruled the fashion world for decades and this week Naomi Campbell was named The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust Platinum Jubilee Global Ambassador – the first person to take on the role. Marking the Queen’s 70-year reign in 2022, the Trust is launching a Platinum Jubilee Fund for Young Leaders, and Naomi’s role will be crucial in promoting the campaign and its work in the Commonwealth’s 54 countries.
“I have been doing the work with empowering young people for over 25 years,” said Naomi. “This is something very close to my heart and I will continue to do everything I can to uplift the next generation, so they can create a better future for their communities.”
Naomi is no stranger to charity work. In 2005 she founded Fashion For Relief, which raises millions for environmental and humanitarian causes. Along with launching other initiatives, she was also named ‘my honorary granddaughter’ by the late South African President Nelson Mandela for her activism across Africa.
Her Majesty’s tribute to new tennis queen
As Emma Raducanu served up a fairy-tale in New York with her US Open victory, it didn’t take long for The Queen to congratulate the 18-year-old.
Her personal message posted on Instagram, straight after Emma’s historic victory, read: “I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships. It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is a testament to your hard work and dedication. I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players. I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters. Elizabeth R.”
A delighted Emma reacted to the Queen’s post during a BBC interview, saying it meant everything and she felt very honoured. “I can’t believe it. I’m maybe going to frame that letter or something,” she added.
Other royals joining in the congratulations, included tennis fans Will and Catherine, plus Charles and Camilla and Princess Beatrice. We reckon it won’t be long before Emma meets the Queen face to face – picking up an OBE, perhaps?