Forget rugby, it’s the English

● South Africa caught its own dose of royal wedding fever yesterday, with parties around the country.

At the Rand Club in central Johannesburg, nearly 200 royalists crowded into the main ballroom to watch the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on a big screen.

Refreshments, alongside the traditional tea, sandwiches and scones, included cupcakes adorned with miniature crowns.

Loretta Morris-Chamberlain, 49, from Bezuidenhout Valley, said she had been a devoted follower of the royal family since she watched a TV broadcast of Harry’s parents, Prince Charles and the then Lady Diana Spencer, getting married.

She showed off her sapphire drop earrings, fashioned after Princess Diana’s own pair, which 20 years ago cost her a month’s salary. “I thought it only proper to wear them today.”

She chose to attend the Rand Club high tea event because of the history and traditions of the club, which dates to 1887.

“The Rand Club imbues all that opulence of the British Empire — it’s very steeped in the heritage and traditions, and a great opportunity for the British expats in South Africa to come together,” she said.

Mienke Potgieter of Krugersdorp said she had always been drawn to the elegance of the royals and believed Markle would bring a breath of fresh air to the family.

“I was raising my stepdaughter to one day marry Prince Harry, so I am rather disappointed,” she joked.

In Cape Town, around 100 people watched the wedding at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa. Small Union Jack flags adorned the tables and guests were served gin and tonics in porcelain cups.

British-born Katie Friedman and husband Jonny hosted a wedding party of their own for 300 guests at their home in Morningside, Durban.

The house was draped in Union Jack bunting and guests were served items like cucumber sandwiches, welsh rarebit, bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie. — Additional reporting by Jackie Clausen