It’s Markle mayhem in U.K.
Prince Harry’s nuptials hike popularity of British-themed events, memorabilia
As wedding decorations are hung and fascinators brought out of closets, Calgary is preparing for Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle on Saturday.
One royal wedding event in Calgary is led by Lisa Shelley, who returned to the city after living in London for three years.
After celebrating the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding while in London, Shelley knows the excitement of a royal wedding.
“Four o’clock in the morning we were down in the streets just to get a spot because we wanted to sit front row,” said Shelley.
“Everybody walked down to Buckingham Palace and watched the first kiss. It still makes me get goosebumps when I think about it.”
She’s organized Britster, a gala Saturday morning at the Royale on 17th Avenue S.W. that brings the wedding festivities to Calgary.
“Let’s highlight the amazing British connection that we have as Canadians, both their flair for the pageantry and gala celebrations, but also highlighting some of the British brands that exist here in Calgary,” said Shelley.
“Our vision is to think global but celebrate local.”
As the Calgary branch chair for the Monarchist League of Canada, Robert Falconer said the wedding is a continuation of an institution he values.
“Why does this family matter to Canada? It’s a question that every Canadian should ponder.”
There are about 20 active members of the Monarchist League in the Calgary area, who will be celebrating at small parties.
“As we live in a world that can be very divisive or polarized, the Crown represents that unifying factor for Canadians,” said Falconer.
The Fairmont Palliser hotel has been celebrating the royal wedding by hosting afternoon tea daily from May 1 until Aug. 15.
With American and British inspired treats and Earl Grey tea, the afternoon event has sold out on the weekends, serving about 120 people each day.
“People have been really excited about it. They get dressed up. We also have a flower wall in our lobby with some cardboard cutouts of the Royals so that people can take photos with them,” said Lindsay Gallagher, communications manager at Fairmont Palliser.
Teri Burgart, manager of Chapel Hats in Chinook Centre, said sales of fascinators have increased by about 50 per cent in the past couple of weeks.
“People are creating their own events, like garden parties. They ’ve kind of made their own invite to the wedding,” said Burgart.
“Fascinators top off your outfit and put a little more whimsy into it, or sophistication. They bring everybody together as a group.”
Another local business enjoying the royal hype is Calgary’s British Pantry.
Hamida Virji, who is from the United Kingdom and manages the import store, said people have been buying up mugs, plates and other wedding memorabilia.
“I am a Royal fan and I think the wedding is really good for the monarchy because it unifies different countries,” said Virji, who said she might wake up at 4:30 a.m. Saturday to watch from home.
An online survey done by Ipsos Global Advisor found that eight per cent of people globally said Markle is their favourite member of the Royal Family. However, 29 per cent say their opinion of Markle is favourable.
The survey polled more than 20,700 people between the ages of 16 to 64 around the world, including Canada.
In Canada, Ipsos found that 31 per cent said Harry is their favourite Royal, 30 per cent favour the Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen landed in third place with 25 per cent.
Markle received fifth place with 18 per cent of Canadians surveyed saying she was their most liked member of the family.
As we live in a world that can be very divisive or polarized, the Crown represents that unifying factor for Canadians.