So after much anticipation the big day for Catherine “Kate” Middleton, and Prince William has come, and gone. What a fairy tale wedding it was at that, didn’t she look gorgeous in McQueen?! (congrats to Sarah Burton!).
Consequently the words Royal Wedding are no longer taboo; after almost reaching saturation point in the weeks prior; we can all breathe, and go on to reminisce.
However much like the wedding of the late Diana to Prince Charles, it is an occasion that shall not be forgotten. In years to come whenever it is mentioned you will remember what you were doing on the 29th of April 2011.
Up, and down the country street parties, and private parties took place. I went to a typically British pub in London to watch the wedding in the beer garden with a drink (naturally). Now what kitsch Royal Wedding party isn’t complete without miles of bunting, an army of union flags to wave, and of course a cardboard cut out of the Royal couple?!
It is nice to see patriotism in England. I think far too often we are scared to be proud of being British. However I think it is a whole load of tosh this whole fear – we should embrace it, and be proud of our heritage, and country, and what better way for us to unite than over a Royal wedding. I am not the biggest royalist, however I believe in tradition, and I think it is a part of our heritage we should respect, and hold on to. People need to realise their is a difference between pride, and racism – to be proud isn’t to be racist, so don’t mistake it for that.
Some people clearly took things a little too far, I must admit the above spectacle really made my day – I couldn’t help but grab my camera to catch a photograph of the sheer tacky ness before it passed me by! Saying that I am sure stranger things walked the street of London that day, however this is one of the oddities I personally encountered. Certainly made me chuckle (I’m sure the alcohol helped). It’s errr… rather different.
Following watching the Royal Wedding, and consuming a plethora of food, and drinks (anyone for Pimm’s?), I went for a leisurely walk in the sunshine. I stopped for macarons ‘to go’ at Café Macaron (see my blog post on Café Macaron http://www.lorien.me/2011/morning-macarons/, and found myself feeling like a child again with a 99 icecream in tow (oh the memories, and obviously had to have red sauce, and a flake on it just because).
After a tiring day I had a leisurely evening, and I even made attempts at being a domestic god. Look at my home made scones! I don’t think I could have had a more British day if I tried. Pimm’s o’clock, scones, and all. Speaking of Pimm’s, check out the limited edition bottle – I absolutely love it.
Saturday I headed to Knightsbridge for a mooch in Harrods, and Harvey Nichs. I had afternoon tea in the Fifth Floor Café at Harvey Nichols. It was delicious! They had a special offer going on to commemorate the Royal Wedding, so I didn’t just have afternoon tea; I had “Royal” afternoon tea (thanks to Briony of http://www.agirlastyle.com/ for the heads up there).
It was a delightful selection of treats; sandwiches, cakes, scones, and naturally tea! I chose Earl Grey, as it is quite positively my favourite blend of tea. Best of all of was that included in the price of afternoon tea I got a delightfully kitsch playful mug to celebrate the Royal Wedding (isn’t it absolutely adorable?!). Anyone who knows me well, will know I have a soft spot for tacky kitsch mugs, particularly bone china, it’s a plus if it’s gilt, floral, or commemorative!
I wish every afternoon consisted of afternoon tea in Harvey Nichs. I followed my delightful day out with a “pseudo” debauched night out in Soho, how I woke up this morning without a hangover is completely beyond me (however I shouldn’t complain now should I?).
Today I popped to central to go to John Lewis, and Selfridges. I picked up ANOTHER commemorative mug – me obsessed?! Never. This one is by Dunoon, and is stocked at John Lewis. I like the silhouette design, and could not help myself when it came to buying it. I had to have it to add to my collection. Commemorative mugs are one of those tacky things I absolutely adore, they are a little guilty pleasure of mine if I am entirely honest.
I have ANOTHER confession to make. I may errr have traded in my Oyster card for the commemorative Royal Wedding limited edition one with Kate Middleton, and Prince William on. Yes, I am sounding scarily obsessed – however I thought it was ever so cute, so I had to do it. I just couldn’t resist!
So what did you do on the weekend of the Royal Wedding, anything exciting? Let me know! I’d love to hear from you. Oh, and remember to stay brilliantly British, and proud.
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