Princess Beatrice's Simple, Yet Fun-filled Wedding Reception


Her Royal Highness, Princess Beatrice of York's small wedding ceremony remains the British royal family's most intimate wedding celebration kept secret from public until the afternoon of July 17, 2020.

It was kept a secret to allow privacy for the ceremony to take place at the Queen's country chapel, All Saints Church, at Windsor Great Park, next to the Royal Lodge, home of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, since 2004.

The low-key event reportedly attended by only 20 or less than guests happened at 11:00 in the morning of Friday, July 17. Apart from the bride's grandparents, and her immediate family, no other royals in attendance.

Something Borrowed

The ninth in line to the British throne also donned a vintage dress owned by her grandmother, the Queen, a stunning Norman Hartnell dress made from Peau de Soie tafetta in ivory shades, trimmed with ivory duchess satin, encrusted by diamante and has checked geometric bodice.

It was worn by the Queen twice in the 1960s, first at the world premiere of the movie, Lawrence of Arabia, second in 1967 at the opening of parliament.

1962 world premiere of Lawrence of Arabia
1967 Opening of Parliament

The original design was altered by the Queen's dressmakers, Angela Kelley and Stewart Parvin, adding organza sleeves, especially for Princess Beatrice.

Queen Mary wearing the diamond fringe tiara

The bride also wore the Queen Mary Diamond Fringe Tiara made by Garrard for King George V's consort, Queen Mary, in 1919.

Only two royal brides worn the tiara to a wedding. The Queen herself for her 1947 wedding to Prince Philip, and her only daughter, Princess Anne when she wed Captain Mark Phillips in 1973.

The Queen and Princess Anne wearing the same tiara to their wedding

Something Old

The wedding theme itself is vintage, a secret-garden motif, with all the details of freshness and romance. Pale pink flowers and roses with olive-hued green archway embellished in dainty pink blooms.

The princess wore a simple, vintage veil to hold the tiara, and she let her curly locks loose at her back instead of a hairdo style.

The atmosphere and the venue were very much a countryside feel, and the old church completed the backdrop of this something old wedding element.

Something New

The wedding was, however, without the touch of some youthfulness and fun. Despite it being low-key, simple and private, the reception was reportedly filled with fun, laughter, coziness and modern style.

The couple invited 14 friends to attend the small reception at the ground of the Royal Lodge and partied until the early hours of Saturday, the Daily Mail reported.

They had setup a pop-up pub marquee named after Prince Andrew. The Duke of York filled with sofas, jukebox, dart board, cocktails and beer.

They had also a bouncy castle to complete the fun and glamping pods, Indian-style tent, where they stayed after the party.

Grannies Special Presence

The chosen date and venue were stemmed from the fact that the princess wanted her grandparents to attend her wedding. Both are ideal and convenient for the Queen and Prince Philip. 

with the Queen and Prince Philip

The monarch and her husband are believed to move to their summer residence in Scotland, Balmoral, at the end of the month, and the Royal Chapel of All Saints is just miles away from Windsor Castle where the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had been isolating since the lockdown in March.

The wedding also showed Prince Philip attending a family event for the first time since he joined the royal family at Lady Gabriella Windsor's wedding at St. George's Chapel in Windsor.

Post a Comment

0 Comments