Island residents are invited to be a part of the royal wedding ‘congregation’ as Prince William makes his vowels at Westminster Abbey, which will be shown live on a big screen at Osborne House.
Surely there is no more appropriate or atmospheric setting to watch the romantic day unfold, than on the lawns at Osborne, Isle of Wight, which witnessed another great royal love story take shape between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert some 175 years ago.
From 10am on Friday April 29 visitors can take part in the historic occasion and view live coverage on a 10 metre square big screen on Osborne’s sweeping Durbar Lawn, in front of the special backdrop of Victoria and Albert’s royal retreat.
Special celebratory refreshments including picnic boxes, local champagne and wine by the glass will be available to buy and enjoy on the lawns, along with patriotic union jack flags to wave. Inside, Osborne’s cafe and Terrace Restaurant will be offering themed cake and afternoon tea packages, plus pageboy and flowergirl meals for youngsters to enjoy. Wedding watchers can also take their own picnic and a rug to watch the pomp and ceremony of the day at their leisure.
Prince William and Kate Middleton enjoy a football match together
The house and gardens where Victoria & Albert’s love was allowed to blossom in private will also be open for viewing (no food, drink or large bags allowed).
Visitors on the day will receive a celebratory button hole of Osborne House myrtle*. The plant has long associations with royal weddings and with Osborne. Queen Victoria was given a nosegay of myrtle by Prince Albert’s grandmother in 1845 and a sprig was planted on the terraces at Osborne, where it and its progeny still grow. A sprig from the original Osborne plant was traditionally included in royal bridal bouquets to signify the innocence of the bride.
Myrtle plants will also be available to buy as a lasting souvenir of this special day and a selection of top quality souvenirs will be on sale, including fine bone china Royal Wedding Commemorative items decorated with platinum and 22 carat gold and fun ‘street party’ items including egg cups, mugs, tea cosy’s and teapots.
Osborne’s grounds will be open from 9.30am-6pm. House open from 10am-5pm. Normal admission prices apply: adults £11.50, concessions £10.40, children £6.90, family ticket £29.90. Open 10am-6pm.
*Myrtle button holes will be available on a first come first served basis.
Be sure to check back at ‘The Gazette’ for photographs from this truly fabulous event.
