Celebrate Royal Weddings: A Tour of Historic Venues
On a gloriously sunny day in May last year, thousands of royal fans poured into Windsor to celebrate the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. As they mark their one-year anniversary this weekend, here’s how you can walk in the footsteps of the monarchy and revel in the pomp, pageantry, and architectural splendour of their historic royal wedding venues.
Windsor Castle: Royal Weddings and Gothic Architecture
The world’s largest and oldest continuously occupied castle played host to two royal weddings in recent years: Prince Harry and Meghan, as well as Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, tied the knot here in October. Both ceremonies took place in St George’s Chapel, a remarkable example of Gothic architecture that dates back to 1475. This site holds significant historic value, as it is also where Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles commemorated their civil wedding in 2005 and the final resting place of notable figures like King Henry VIII.
Frogmore House: A Scenic Setting for a Royal Reception
Harry and Meghan chose Frogmore House for their evening wedding reception, a site filled with historical and romantic significance. Although their private residence, Frogmore Cottage, is not open to the public, visitors can explore the beautiful 35-acre gardens and the 17th-century house on select days each year. In 2023, open days are scheduled for May 28-30, with proceeds benefiting various charities.
Westminster Abbey: The Most Storied Royal Wedding Venue
In 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton exchanged vows within this grand Gothic church in front of over 2,200 guests, marking it as one of the most celebrated royal weddings in history. You can discover a wealth of royal history, including William and Kate’s marriage license, in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries. Furthermore, Westminster Abbey has been the nuptial venue for 16 royal couples, establishing itself as a significant part of the UK’s royal heritage.
St Paul’s Cathedral: Site of the Wedding of the Century
The wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer in 1981 was dubbed the “wedding of the century,” held at St Paul’s Cathedral, which accommodates up to 3,500 guests. The magnificence of this venue, alongside Diana’s unforgettable 25-foot train, captivated audiences worldwide. Today, visitors can admire Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece and its iconic dome, open Monday to Saturday, with a morning session to avoid peak crowds.
St James’s Palace: A Royal Tradition
St James’s Palace has historical significance, as it is where Queen Victoria broke royal protocol by proposing to Prince Albert in 1840. This venue popularized the tradition of wearing white wedding dresses. While not open to the public, visitors can attend weekly services at the Chapel Royal and catch a glimpse of the royal changing of the guard.
The journey through these historic royal wedding venues not only offers insights into royal traditions but also a glimpse into the stunning architecture and rich history of Britain’s monarchy. Therefore, whether you’re a royal enthusiast or simply seeking a beautiful place to visit, these locations are worth exploring.
