Inside Meghan and Harry’s engagement party
ENGAGEMENT NOW THAT THE ACTRESS HAS OFFICIALLY MOVED IN, THE PARTY PLANNING HAS BEGUN...
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will throw the ‘biggest party Kensington Palace has ever seen’ when their hugely anticipated engagement is finally announced.
Palace sources confirm that Meghan has already started planning the exclusive bash at Harry’s Nottingham Cottage home, after moving out of her Toronto apartment and into her royal beau’s house last week.
And while a besotted Harry has given Meghan an ‘open chequebook’ to make whatever design changes she’d like to the two-bedroom abode in the grounds of Kensington Palace, the actress is said to be more interested in planning their star-studded engagement party.
‘Meghan wants to make it the biggest and best engagement party the royals have ever seen – and also a house-warming party, all in one!’ says a source.
‘She is so excited about announcing their engagement and throwing a massive bash to celebrate, she’s going all out with the plans. Amazing cocktails and food, and Harry is talking to all his A-list musician buddies about performing a small concert on the night. U2, Pink and Coldplay have been approached. It will definitely be a night to remember.
‘While they could host it in one of the big ballrooms at Buckingham Palace, Meghan and Harry love the idea of doing something at home and making it more intimate – that’s more their style, and Harry loves the idea of tearing up the rule book.’
Harry has reportedly already tried to make the cottage ‘girlfriend-friendly’. He’s more than happy for Meghan to give the place a makeover to reflect her preferred interior style, which has been described as ‘equal parts calm, inviting, and stylish’.
Favouring neutrals and luxe textures, Meghan is a fan of filling her home with fresh blooms – she has been spotted picking up bunches near Harry’s residence and says flowers, and peonies in particular, make her ‘endlessly happy’.
Having spent three years dishing out lifestyle advice on her blog, The Tig, Meghan will want to ensure everything is perfect before welcoming Harry’s society friends over, a royal source tells New Idea.
‘This is the start of a new chapter for Meghan and she wants to start out on the right foot,’ says the source.
‘Not only does she want Nottingham Cottage to feel like her home just as much as Harry’s, she also wants to make a good impression with all Harry’s friends.’
Guests such as his old pals Tom Inskip and Guy Pelly, as well as celebrities like Cara Delevingne, the Beckhams and Richard Branson’s kids Sam and Holly, can expect to receive invitations handwritten by Meghan herself.
‘I used to be a calligrapher – that was my side job while I was auditioning,’ the royal-in-waiting has said. ‘I think handwritten notes are a lost art form. The idea of someone taking time to put pen to paper is really special.’
And the personal touches won’t end there. A self-described ‘foodie’ Meghan has shared her love of cooking on her blog and on Instagram, posting recipes for dishes such as creamy pasta and red wine hot chocolate. And her signature dish just happens to be a British favourite!
‘There is nothing as delicious, or as impressive... as a perfectly roasted chicken,’ wrote Meghan. ‘I bring that to dinner parties and make a lot of friends.’
While a more formal engagement party will be on the cards following an official announcement, Harry and Meghan are keen to have something small and private that reflects them as a couple.
There is plenty of time for a lavish, formal affair down the track,’ says the source. ‘This house-warming party is all about starting their new life together and gives them a chance to celebrate their engagement with their friends in their new home.’