Tuning in or doing the gardening?

AS royal fever grips the UK ahead of tomorrow’s royal wedding, we took to the streets of Belfast to see who would be tuning in for Harry and Meghan’s big day.

Taking a well-earned rest by Belfast harbour was Shrewsbury man Stephen Davies (60) who had just completed a 700-mile cycle tour around Ireland.

“To be honest, nobody’s mentioned a thing about the wedding during the whole time,” he said. “We’re more interested in our cycling trip and meeting the real Irish people.

“I’m not really bothered and won’t be watching. But with Meghan Markle’s dad not able to come after his heart operation... that’s life isn’t it? People get ill and if he can’t make it, he can’t make it.”

Three members of the Bangor Trefoil guild, part of the Girl Guides organisation, said they can’t wait for the wedding but have something of a crisis as it clashes with their annual general meeting.

Evelyn Dunn from Bangor said: “We’ll not miss it, we’re going to set up a television during the meeting. Royal things are always very interesting. The personalities and the style are what it’s all about.”

Chairperson Glynis Wilson will be looking after catering for the meeting but hopes to dash in and out of the kitchen to catch the big moments.

“I’d love to see all the outfits, it’s going to be beautiful. They’re a lovely couple and she looks so well.

“It will be difficult not having her father there as she’s very fond of him, so she will be sad he can’t make it.”

Joan Magee from Donaghadee said: “I like the style and seeing the church service. There’s people camped out there already, but that wouldn’t be for me. My days of camping have long gone.

“Seeing the children as bridesmaids and page boys, especially Prince George and Princess Charlotte, will be lovely.”

Caroline Meharg (66) from Belfast remembers travelling to her mother’s house in Millisle just to watch Princess Diana’s wedding in 1981.

This time she’s more interested in getting a good Saturday in the garden. Her son Ben Dinnen (28), however, claimed he didn’t even know there was a royal wedding.

“It’s nice to know they’ve invited ordinary folk as well, not just dignitaries,” said Ms Meharg.

“I doubt I’ll watch, I’ll be working in the garden on Saturday. I will have a look online to see her dress though.

“Her dad’s just had a heart operation, but I think there could be a larger family story behind it all.”

Her son said: “To be honest I don’t know who’s getting married. It’s the ginger one isn’t it? The other one’s already married isn’t he?

“I don’t have a TV and I won’t be watching, but I wish them well.

“It’s celebrity culture, there’s a lot of politics wrapped up in it as