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A right royal knees-up is being planned in the kingdom’s expat clubs to celebrate the Saturday’s wedding of British royal Prince Harry to his Hollywood royalty sweetheart Meghan Markle, writes Kristian Harrison.
The British Club of Bahrain will be transformed with trestle tables forming a traditional street party scene and every corner of the premises will be decked out in red, white and blue bunting as a big screen broadcasts the ceremony live from Windsor Castle.
Members can feast on the traditional fare of Old Blighty from the various outlets within, and there will be a fancy dress and lookalike competitions. Prize draws have been promised.
General manager David Endall and his team have the aim of ensuring the winner of the UK Telegraph’s Best of British ‘Best Social Club in the World’ accolade lives up to its reputation. He said: “There’s been a huge interest in the Royal Wedding and members of the club are eagerly anticipating the big day so they can proudly display their Britishness!
“Some people question why the country goes mad over a wedding of people they don’t even know, but I think it adds something to being British and celebrating the institution of the British Royal Family as a whole. They’re such uniquely public figures and have so much respect from the vast majority of the population, and we want to celebrate their happiness.
“When you’re living away from home you can’t help but feel even more patriotic. We felt it was important to mark the occasion of the royal wedding in style and share our culture and traditions with our Bahraini friends and other members of the international community who frequent the club.
“The celebrations won’t be as ‘full on’ as they were in 2011 for Prince William’s out of respect for Ramadan, and entry will be limited to only members and guests who want to buy a ticket. However, we still expect a big crowd.”
The wedding will take place from 2pm Bahrain time in St George’s Chapel, part of Windsor Castle. The venue was previously the site for the weddings of Prince Harry’s uncle, the Earl of Wessex, and his cousin, Peter Phillips, as well as the blessing for the marriage of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, Harry’s stepmother.
Following the ceremony, there will be a carriage procession through Windsor as well as two receptions. The first reception, for those attending the ceremony, will be hosted by the Queen and will take place in St George’s Hall after the carriage procession. A second reception at Frogmore House, for family and close friends and hosted by the Prince of Wales, will occur later in the day.
Experts suggest the wedding will cost around BD250,000 but it will give a big boost to the British economy as loyal subjects celebrate and buy memorabilia to mark the occasion
The Bahrain Rugby Football Club in Janabiya is hosting a party of its own, with afternoon tea to be served in Manos restaurant while the ceremony is broadcast on the big screen. There will be prizes for best hat, and guests are free to enjoy the FA Cup Final from 7.15pm.
