A wedding beckons
WINDSOR: In the shadow of Windsor Castle’s fairytale turrets, the clipclop of hooves and a brass band’s soaring notes rang out as throngs alternately cheered, clapped and sighed.
All that was missing was the bride and groom.
It was just a dry run, but the elaborate rehearsal of the stately carriage procession planned for tonight (NZ time) offered a closeup view of the pomp and pageantry to come when American actress Meghan Markle marries Prince Harry.
The faux festivities took place under the watchful eyes of a vast security force as police used facial recognition technology to scan the crowds and spotters lined rooftops as helicopter blades thudded overhead.
Even mere commoners’ nuptials are subject to lastminute familial drama, and this royal union was no different. Markle announced her father would not walk her down the aisle, alluding to his health problems.
Kensington Palace said last night Prince Charles would take his place.
‘‘The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to the Royal Family in this way,’’ the palace said.
With plentiful bunting and all manner of memorabilia on sale, Windsor looked every inch the regal backdrop, and even those inconvenienced by the crush were generally goodnatured.
The biracial, California raised Markle and her prince are widely seen as a breath of fresh air in a Royal Family whose history contains an abundance of scandal, not least involving the father and mother of the groom, the late Princess Diana and her sinceremarried husband, Prince Charles. There is a nascent sense that they truly reflect a younger, more modern Britain.
‘‘Well, they’re in love, aren’t they?’’ said Firaz Rajabdeen, who scooted out of his Windsor doughnut shop for a quick glimpse of the procession.
‘‘That’s what matters, really.’’ — TNS/AAP