WHITEWATER REGION (Beachburg) — Women dressed in their finery and with glorious hats or fascinators arrived very early at Colleen England’s home Saturday morning.
Ms. England and cousin Cathy Patterson hosted a Royal Wedding Tea.
“We’re a fan of the Royals,” Ms. England said. “We’re a fan of William and Harry’s.
“We also wanted to contribute to The Grind.”
The Grind is a coffee house, emergency shelter and provides youth programs throughout the year. It is a non-profit, inter-denominational organization located in Pembroke.
Ms. England said there were places hosting a royal wedding tea but at a fee. She and Ms. Patterson decided to follow in Harry and Meghan’s footsteps, and instead of guests bringing a gift for them, they were to bring an item or money to be donated to The Grind.
They chose The Grind because they felt it was the best place they know that needed donations.
“We had about 20 people,” Ms. Patterson said.
Following the tea, and prior to having a lunch, the two women took a few minutes to talk about the televised wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that was the reason for the tea.
“The wedding was beautiful and elegant,” Ms. England said. “They were always smiling, they didn’t look nervous.”
Ms. Patterson said the wedding was much more casual than past royal weddings, more relaxed.
“It did not take away from being a royal wedding, it makes it more real for the people,” Ms. England added.
But the cousins did not agree on everything about the wedding.
Ms. Patterson said Ms. Markle’s wedding dress “was simplistic but beautiful. She reminded me of Grace Kelly.” Ms. Kelly was an American actress who married Prince Rainier of Monaco and became Princess of Monaco.
However, Ms. England added, “I thought it would be more blingy.”
Ms. Patterson thought the children as page boys and flower girls was darling and liked the idea there was no Maid of Honour.
However, Ms. England said since Prince Harry had a groom, his brother Prince William, Ms. Markle should have had a Maid of Honour.
It was nice having the Canadian connection, which was Ben and Jessica Mulroney’s children as pages. Ms. Mulroney was a stylist and friend of Ms. Markle’s when she lived in Toronto.
Knowing they were up early, they weren’t sure how long they’d be able to stay awake, but said, everyone is welcome to stay as long as they wanted.
There was lunch to be eaten yet as well as cake to cut and toasts to be made to the newly-married Prince and Princess of Sussex.
The various tables were set with beautiful china place settings, photos of Meghan and Prince Harry were displayed around the two rooms where the tea was held and books of past royal weddings were on display. The food on the table included crustless petite sandwiches, vegetables, cake and a variety of desserts.
Both ladies agreed it was a fun time.
“It’s kind of nice to view the wedding with a group,” Ms. Patterson said. “All the other royal weddings I’ve watched alone.”
The two women admitted to watching the weddings of Sarah (Fergie), Princess Ann, William and Kate, Charles and Diana.
Laughing, Ms. Patterson said to her cousin, “I know you wouldn’t be happy with that, but I even watched Charles’ second wedding,” which was to Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.
Following the event, Ms. England said $200 was collected as well as blankets, personal hygiene items and other items needed at a shelter.
