We’re just a few days away from Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry, and if you’re anything like me, you’re looking forward to watching it. Don’t we deserve a little break from all the bad news we’ve gotten lately (erupting volcanoes, slow decline of democracy as we know it, etc)?
And although I’ve never actually been to a royal wedding, I’ve written about them numerous times:
I feel this qualifies me to post this quick little guide on Meghan and Harry’s wedding for those who feel they need more information:
Who is getting married?
Meghan Markle, a 36-year-old American actress best know for the show Suits, is marrying 33-year-old Prince Harry of England, the younger son of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Harry is currently sixth in the line of succession to the British throne.
Why should I care?
Because Meghan Markle is biracial (half African-American, half white), and will be the first person of color to marry into the Royal Family of England. This will be historic by any measure.
Also, by all reports, she seems to be a genuinely fun person.
Prince Harry, too, seems to be a genuinely fun person, except for a few mishaps in his youth that can hopefully be chalked up to losing his mother in a horrible way at a young age, and to hanging out with the wrong sort of people. Since then, he’s worked hard to change his image.
Where and when can I watch the Royal Wedding?
The wedding will be on Saturday, May 19, beginning at different times, depending where you live. If you have HBO (or know someone who does), a fun thing to do might be to watch Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon host it starting at 7am EST. But there will be many other ways to follow along…including on Twitter, where I will be live Tweeting starting at 7ishAM, EST.
What makes this wedding more interesting than previous royal weddings?
If you’re American, the fact that an American is involved makes it super fun.
There are already American-style hijinx happening. As of this writing, Meghan’s father will not be attending, due to a dust-up over some photos he sold to the paparazzi (of himself) (Edited to add: Now he is claiming that he cannot attend due to having heart surgery). One of Meghan’s half-siblings sent a letter to Prince Harry, urging him not to marry Meghan (!). And another half-sibling is writing a tell-all book about Meghan.
Isn’t it mean of Meghan not to invite those two half-siblings to her wedding?
No.
What kind of wedding presents are these two going to get?
None. In lieu of gifts, the bride and groom are asking for donations to numerous charities, all of which are interesting. One involves breaking taboos about menstrual hygiene, and another involves sewers.
What should I eat and drink while watching the Royal Wedding?
Personally, I suggest champagne and cake, or any cake substitute, but tea and cake will also do.
Where can I learn more about American biracial princesses?
I’m so happy you asked! One place to start would be my series, From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess, which is about Princess Mia Thermopolis’s little sister, Olivia. Book #4, featuring Mia’s coronation, will be out in August 2018.
Do you have questions about the wedding I failed to answer?
Go here. Be sure to stay on the site long enough to see the animated cat stroll by the bottom of the page.
Or you can ask me while I live tweet the wedding on Saturday morning!
Have a great Royal Wedding Day!
More later.
Much love,
Meg
