ROYAL BLISS
They could be considered New Zealand’s most ardent royal subjects. Angela and Bill Thompson have dedicated years to amassing a royal collection second to none, so it was hardly a stretch to imagine they would be doing something special to mark the nuptials of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.
Unable to join the betrothed in old Blighty, the Waikato couple marked the occasion with a mass vow renewal ceremony on the slopes of local mountain of love, Te Aroha.
Little did they know their year would be capped off in an unimaginable way when, during the recent royal tour, Angela (72) and Bill (62) got to meet one half of the newlyweds.
Recalling the exciting day, Angela says she went to Rotorua armed with a commemorative copy of the Weekly.
“I had planned, come what may, to be able to pass to either Harry or Meghan your issue of their wedding and the coverage you gave our event in Te Aroha.
“We called and shouted, ‘Harry, we are over here. We want Harry!’
“Bill received a handshake, whilst I was able to pass the magazine to him. I spoke of Te Aroha, the mountain of love, and passed on best wishes from our community and mayor, and turned the magazine in his hand to show him the front cover of the beautiful photo you chose.
“He thanked us and was delighted – it brought a big smile to his face. I am sure it’s been read by them and is back in the UK with them.”
We hope so too, Angela!