Queen’s dress ... and a night of glamping
FROM music on an iPod, a bouncy castle and glamping pods to a secret socially distanced service of just 16 people – including the bride and groom – it was a royal wedding like no other. REBECCA ENGLISH reports.
BIG DAY PLANNED IN A FORTNIGHT
WHEN the Government relaxed lockdown regulations on July 4, Beatrice – with the help of her mother Sarah, Duchess of York, and future mother- in- law nicola Williams-ellis – sprang into action to organise the big day in just two weeks. Only the couple’s ‘inner- circle’ were told about the new plans – ‘and even then it came as a surprise to some’, says one friend who was sworn to secrecy.
Royal aides have said the pair wanted to enjoy an intimate day and were keen not to overshadow the knighting of nhS hero Captain Tom by the Queen on the same date.
GRADE II CHAPEL
JUST 16 guests watched the ceremony in the 190year-old Grade II listed Chapel of All Saints on Windsor estate, just a hundred yards or so from Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge. The late Queen Mother, Royal Lodge’s previous inhabitant, was a regular worshipper there. A drinks reception was later held in the gardens of Royal Lodge. FRONT and centre were the Queen and the Duke of edinburgh. Also on Beatrice’s side were the Duke and Duchess of York, sister Princess eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank. On the groom’s side were his mother nicola Williams-ellis and sculptor step-father David. The groom’s four-year-old son Christopher, known as Wolfie, was his ‘ mini best man’. Wolfie’s mother Dara huang did not attend.
TAFFETA TRIBUTE TO GRANDMA
BEATRICE was keen to capture a ‘vintage vibe’ with a modern twist. She remodelled the Queen’s norman hartnell dress to include puffed organza sleeves and remove underskirts for a sleeker look. It was, the Mail understands, the princess’s idea to pay tribute to ‘super gran’ by borrowing one of her dresses. The diamante-encrusted gown was made from Peau De Soie taffeta and trimmed with ivory Duchess satin. It was designed by legendary dress maker hartnell for her Majesty to wear to the 1962 premiere of Lawrence of Arabia in Leicester Square.
TIARA MADE FOR MARY
THE bride borrowed the Queen Mary diamond tiara, worn by the Queen on her wedding day in 1947. The heirloom was originally made for Queen Mary by Garrard and Co in 1919, from a diamond necklace given by Queen Victoria for her wedding. On the Queen’s wedding day it dramatically snapped two hours before the ceremony when a hairdresser was securing her veil. It had to be rushed to Garrard’s London workshop to be fixed. Beatrice’s ring was designed by Shaun Leane, who designed her engagement ring.
PINK BOUQUET
BEATRICE carried a bouquet including trailing jasmine, pink sweet peas, spray roses and astilbe. In keeping with royal tradition, sprigs of myrtle were also added.
NO SONGS SUNG
THE Reverend Canon Paul Wright, Sub-Dean of the Chapel Royal and The Reverend Canon Martin Poll, Domestic Chaplain to her Majesty The Queen officiated. There was a reading of St Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. no hymns were sung, in accordance with government guidelines, but music including the national anthem was played.
MINI BEST MAN AND THE CASTLE WAS BOUNCY
‘SECRET Garden’ was the theme of the day, which also included a bouncy castle and a marquee in the garden where speciality cocktails and finger food were served.
The Mail understands there was no DJ and the couple instead had a jukebox for friends to pick their favourite tunes, as well as an iPod connected to speakers. There was also a dartboard, with claims some guests dubbed the pub- style set-up The Duke of York. And guests – including the bride and groom – stayed overnight in ‘glamping pods’. ‘It added to the slightly bohemian, festival vibe and was great fun,’ said a source.