Royal invitaion
Check out posh places to take in Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding
For those obsessed with the British royal family, it's a really big season, perhaps the biggest. There's this week's birth of the son of Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, the history-making rule change allowing Princess Charlotte to remain fourth in line to the throne and, of course, the much-buzzed about marriage of Prince Harry to America's own Meghan Markle.
OK, so it's not the stopeverything deal that was the wedding of Prince William and Kate (23 million Americans reportedly tuned in to watch) or that of his parents, Prince Charles and Lady Diana (17 million Americans were glued to their tellies), but still, more than a few of us will be up early and tuning in live May 19.
Why not glam it up a bit? Hotels across North America are offering special packages for a special royal wedding experience. Some even have links to the royal family. So while you keep checking your mailbox for your invite, pick out your fascinator and consider these royal wedding getaways.
The Hotel Saskatchewan, 2125 Victoria Ave., Regina, Canada. Roam the halls, sit at the tables, use the china and possibly even sleep in the beds that royals have for generations. Since opening in the 1920s, royal visitors to this spot, now a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, have included Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret and Princess Anne. The actual tea set used for their visits is on display, and you can take high tea the way the royals always did while there: in the privacy of your own room, where you can discuss the personal things going on with your corgis and no paparazzi can hear.
You'll find others waving tea towels there, too: The night of William and Kate's wedding, hundreds of celebrants partied all night. You can also take part in a giant group tea before the wedding. Learn more at marriott.com.
Loews Chicago Hotel, 455 North Park Drive, Chicago: While Harry may be the prince, the royal wedding is all about the princess, and isn't every bride a princess? With that in mind, Loews is offering two special packages for the wedding day and night: “Princess” (for a fun night with your BFF princess) and “Princess in training” (for fun with a little future princess in your life).
Both packages offer freshly baked scones, clotted cream, jam, tea and Chicago Honey Co-op honey, along with two fascinators for viewing attire. Grownups are treated to mimosas with their viewing-time
breakfast in bed; princesses-in-training enjoy Prince Harry and Meghan paper dolls along with a pop-up castle tent to bring home.
And, of course, both packages offer discounts on spa treatments. Learn more at loewshotels.com.
The Kimberly, 145 E. 50th St., New York: This chic spot has arranged a two-day “Be There” package. Guests will be welcomed upon check-in on the wedding eve (May 18) with a British-inspired treat. You can then watch all the pomp in your balcony suite, and enjoy a basket full of goodies and commemorative items to get you in the wedding mood.
With ceremonies beginning in the early morning, you will start with a frosty mimosa as you turn on your big-screen TV to watch the excitement. As the vows begin, a real English breakfast will be served. Learn more at kimberlyhotel.com.
Mandarin Oriental, 776 Boylston St.: The famed Boston hotel will hold a Royal Tea and Wedding Party on the day of the royal wedding. The morning will begin with a half-hour rose reception (the drink is a favorite of the bride-tobe), and will showcase the Windsor signature cocktail. Guests will then be seated for a presentation of five bespoke tea blends, accompanied by an assortment of petite wedding-inspired pastries by pastry chef Robert Differ.
A quintessentially English tradition, the hotel’s afternoon tea commences with a selection of wild Maine blueberry scones served with traditional Devonshire cream, strawberry preserves and a zesty lemon curd. Delicate finger sandwiches, such as a mini New England lobster roll, Waldorf chicken salad, classic English cucumber and a honeyed apricot and goat cheese will be paired with a collection of confections, including a raspberry rose tartlet and a petite replica of the bride and groom’s wedding cake featuring the spring flavors of lemon, elderflower and fresh mint. Guests will depart with a special gift. Learn more at mandarin oriental.com.
Royal Wedding Pop-Up Bar, 1843 Seventh St. NW, Washington, D.C.: And should the actual royal wedding date not fit in your busy social schedule, head to Washington, D.C., where from May 4-20, the Royal Wedding Pop-Up Bar will recreate the interior of St. George’s Chapel, with hand-carved replicas of the wedding venue’s ceiling, heraldic flags, faux stained-glass windows and a special throne room.
Located in the lovely section of D.C. known as Shaw, the Pop-Up Bar will also serve themed cocktails such as the God Save the Queen martini, made as the Queen likes, and served with your own crown to take home. There’s also the Kensington Garden Party cocktail, a modern take on the Pimm’s Cup.