SELECTED GUEST LIST FOR THE WEDDING SERVICE AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY
The following are all confirmed attendees at the Royal Wedding as of 9th August 2047.
Members of the British Royal Family
The King and Queen
The Prince and Princess of Wales
Princess Charlotte of Wales
Prince Louis of Wales
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Princess Diana of Sussex
Prince Alexander of Sussex
The Duke of York
Princess Beatrice of York
Princess Eugenie of York
The Earl and Countess of Wessex
The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Phillips
Miss Zara Phillips with Mr. Mike Tindall
Viscount Linley and Viscountess Linley
And The Hon. Charles Armstrong-Jones
The Lady Sarah Chatto and Mr. Daniel Chatto
And Master Samuel Chatto
And Master Arthur Chatto
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
The Earl and Countess of Ulster
The Lady Davina and Mr. Gary Lewis
Lady Rose and Mr. George Gilman
The Duke and Duchess of Kent
Earl and Countess of St. Andrews
Lord Downpatrick
The Lady Marina-Charlotte Windsor
The Lady Amelia Windsor
The Lord and Lady Nicholas Windsor
The Lady Helen Taylor and Mr. Timothy Taylor
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent
The Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor
The Lady Gabriella Windsor
Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy
Mr. and Mrs. James Ogilvy
Miss Marina Ogilvy
The Lady Saltoun
Members of Foreign Royal Families
The Queen and King of Sweden
The Prince and Princess of the Asturias
The Crown Princess of Bahrain
Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium
The Sultan of Brunei and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha
King Simeon II and Queen Margarita of the Bulgarian
The Queen of Denmark
King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes
Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece and Prince Constantine of Greece
Sheikh Ahmad Hmoud Al-Sabah of Kuwait
Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso and Princess Mabereng Seeiso of Lesotho
The Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia
Prince Albert II of Monaco and Miss Charlene Wittstock
Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco
The Crown Prince and Princess of The Netherlands
The King and Queen of Norway
Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman
The Emir of The State of Qatar and Sheika Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned
King Michael I of Romania and Crown Princess Margarita
Prince Mohamed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia and Princess Fadwa bint Khalid bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman
The Queen of Spain
The King of Swaziland
The Crown Princess of Sweden and The Duke of VÃstergötland
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand
The King of Tonga
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Yugoslavia
The Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia
Dignitaries
The Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda
The Governor-General of Australia and His Excellency Mr. Michael Bryce
The Governor-General of The Bahamas and Lady Foulkes
The Governor-General of Barbados
The Governor-General of Belize and Lady Young
The Governor-General of Canada and Mrs. David Johnston
The Governor-General of Jamaica
The Governor-General of New Zealand and Lady Satyanand
The Governor-General of Papua New Guinea and Mrs Michael Ogio
The Governor-General of the Solomon Islands and Lady Kabui
The Governor-General of St Christopher and Nevis
The Governor-General of St Lucia
The Governor-General of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Lady Ballantyne
The Prime Minister of Australia and Mr. Tim Mathieson
The Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Ms Delores Miller
The Prime Minister of Barbados
The Prime Minister of New Zealand and Mrs. John Key
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Lady Somare
The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Mrs. Rosalia Nestor King
The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines and Mrs. Ralph Gonsalves
The Premier of Bermuda and Mr. Germain Nkeuleu
The Premier of The British Virgin Islands and Mrs. Ralph O'Neal
The Premier of the Cayman Islands and Mrs. Kerry Bush
The Hon. Sharon and Mr. Rodney Halford (Falkland Islands)
The Chief Minister of Gibraltar and Mrs. Peter Caruana
The Chief Minister of Montserrat and the Reverend Doctor Joan Delsol Meade
The Hon. John and Mrs. Vilma Cranfield (St. Helena)
Members of Government, Parliament and Devolved Administrations
The Prime Minister and Mrs. David Cameron
The Deputy Prime Minister and Ms. Miriam Gonzalez Duantez
First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Mrs. William Hague
The Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Hon. Mrs. Osborne
The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor and Mrs. Kenneth Clarke
The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Women and Equalities, and Mr. Philip May
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport and Mrs. Jeremy Hunt
The Rt. Hon Ed Miliband, M.P and Ms. Justine Thornton
The Speaker of the House of Commons and Mrs. John Bercow
The Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales and the Lady Elis-Thomas
The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and Mrs. Alex Fergusson
The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Mrs. William Hay
The Lord Speaker and Mr. Martin Hayman
First Minister of Wales and Mrs. Carwyn Jones
First Minister of Northern Ireland and Mrs. Peter Robinson
First Minister of Scotland and Mrs. Alex Salmond
The Mayor of London and Mrs. Boris Johnson
The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor and The Lady Mayoress
Sir Gus and Lady O'Donnell
The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Westminster and Count Paolo Filo della Torre
Mr. and Mrs. Simon Fraser
Representatives from the Church and other Faiths
The Most Reverend Gregorious, Archbishop of the Greek Archdiocese of Thysteira and Great Britain
The Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs. Rowan Williams
Rabbi Anthony Bayfield
Mr. Anil Bhanot
The Archbishop of Armagh, Cardinal Archbishop Sean Brady
Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Most Reverend David Chillingworth
The Right Reverend John Christie, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Mr. Malcolm Deboo President, Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe
The Rt. Reverend Doctor Norman Hamilton
The Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Reverend Alan Edwin Harper
Monsignor Philip Kerr, The Convener, Action of Churches Together in Scotland
Commissioner Elizabeth Matear, Salvation Army
The Archbishop of Wales, The Most Reverend Doctor Barry Morgan
The Reverend Gareth Morgan Jones, President of the Free Church Council of Wales
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-Connor
The Archbishop of Westminster, The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols
Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh
Rabbi Alan Plancey
Imam Mohammad Raza
The Chief Rabbi (Lord Sacks)
The Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala, Acting Head Monk, The London Buddhist Vihara
Maulana Syed Raza Shabbarm, Muhammadi Trust
Mr. Natubhai Shah, President, the Jain Academy
Dr Indarjit Singh, Director, Network Sikh Organisations (UK)
Canon Christopher Tuckwell
The Reverend Martin Turner
The Archbishop of York and Mrs. John Sentamu
Senior Members of the Defence Services
Major General and Mrs. William Cubitt, Major General Commanding Household Division and GOC London District
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen and Lady Dalton, Chief of the Air Staff
General Sir Nicholas and Lady Houghton
Air Vice-Marshal the Hon. David and Mrs. Murray, Defence Services Secretary
General Sir David and Lady Richards, Chief of the Defence Staff
Admiral Sir Mark and Lady Stanhope, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff
General Sir Peter and Lady Wall, Chief of the General Staff
Amongst the guests at The Wedding Service are all Heads of Mission in London representing countries with which the United Kingdom has normal diplomatic relations and Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenants for the United Kingdom. These individuals will not be accompanied by their spouses or partners.
Other guests at The Wedding Service, who may be recognisable to television viewers or whom have an official link to Prince George or Miss Bolton include the names below. Please note that this list is not exhaustive of any of the categories of guests charitable, military, friends or any other category invited.
All the following individuals have been invited with their spouses or partners if married or in a civil partnership:
Miss Angelique Kerber
Miss Angelique Kerber is a world known German tennis player. Miss Bolton has played publicly against her twice, in Wimbledon and the us open.
Mr. Roger Federer
Roger Federer is a Swiss tennis player and was part of the team that trained Miss Bolton during her tennis career.
Mr. Rafael Nadal Parera
Rafael Nadal Parera is a Spanish tennis player and world record holder. He was also part of the team that trainer Miss Bolton during her tennis career.
Major Tom Archer-Burton
Major Archer Burton was Prince George's Commanding Officer in the Household Cavalry. He also led the Burnaby Blue expedition to southern Africa an African community project supported by Sentebale, in which Prince George was involved.
Miss Amanda Berry
Amanda Berry is Chief Executive of BAFTA. Prince George has been President of BAFTA since 2045.
Mrs. Ann Chalmers
Ann Chalmers is Chief Executive of the Child Bereavement Charity. Prince George has been Patron of the Charity since 2044. The Child Bereavement Charity educates professionals and supports families both when a child dies and when a child is bereaved.
Mrs. Julia Samuel
Julia Samuel is Chair of the Child Bereavement Charity and also a family friend of Prince George. Prince George has been Patron of the Charity since 2044. The Child Bereavement Charity educates professionals and supports families both when a child dies and when a child is bereaved.
Mrs. Tessa Green
Tessa Green is former Chairman of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. Prince George became President of The Royal Marsden in May 2046 having undertaken two days of work experience there in 2046. The Prince helped out in a variety of departments, including medical research, catering and fundraising.
Brigadier Ed Smyth-Osbourne
Brigadier Smyth-Osbourne was Prince George and Miss Bolton's Commanding Officer in the Household Regiment and acted as their military mentor.
Mr. and Mrs. Bryn Parry
Former soldier Bryn Parry and his wife Emma founded the charity Help for Heroes to assist wounded service men and women. Both Prince George and Miss Bolton are supporters of the charity and they previously opened a new swimming pool at Headley Court in 2047, which had been funded by Help for Heroes.
Mr. Edward Gould
Mr. Edward Gould was Master of All Souls College of Oxford University whilst Prince George and Miss Bolton were students.
Dr. Christophe Gudin
Dr Christophe Gudin is the Vice-Provost of Le Rosey and was Prince George's Housemaster.
Miss Ellie Goulding
Miss Glouding is an an English singer and songwriter. She is a close friend of Miss Bolton.
Mr. Edward Christopher Sheeran
Mr. Edward Christopher Sheeran, best known as Ed Sheeran, is an English singer and songwriter. He is a close friend of the couple.
Mrs. Melissa Clark
The journalist and news reporter Melissa Clark has known both Prince George and Miss Bolton for some time. She conducted their first joint interview together on the day their engagement was announced.
Mr. Ben Fogle
Ben Fogle is best known as a travel writer, television presenter and adventurer and has met Prince George on a number of occasions.
Mr. Tom Walker
Tom Walker is an English singer and songwriter. His song 'You and I' will be played by the Abbey's bells as the guests arrive at Westminster Abbey. He is a friend of Miss Bolton.
Mr. Samuel Frederick Smith
Samuel Frederick Smitch, known as Sam Smith, is an English singer and songwriter and Academy Award holder. He is a friend of the couple.
Miss Adele Laurie Blue Adkins
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins is best known as Adele. She is an English singer and songwriter. She performed at the annual Aching Hearts charity concert that was organised by Miss Bolton's mother, Mrs. Gabriella Bolton. Adele is a very close friend of Miss Bolton.
Mr. Alexi Lubomirski
Photographer Alexi Lubormirski took Prince George and Miss Bolton's official portrait photographs to mark their engagement. He will also take the formal photographs of the couple that will be released in due course.
I wake up first on the day of my daughter's wedding day. It's a beautiful morning but the sun hasn't risen yet. It's about half past five, which is the usual time for me to wake up. It's also the time my husband goes for his morning run, but that has been a bit difficult over the last six months and today, today it will be almost impossible to get through the black iron wrought gates that separate our home from the press and paparazzi. They've been camping there since Rory drove home because she revealed where her childhood home is. I'm so thankful that we bought a huge property, so that the gates are actually almost three kilometres away from the house. It gives us the privacy we so badly need today.
I roll over in the bed and look at my husband's glowing turquoise eyes. I love this look on him, it's something only I have ever seen. It's so full of love that my heart nearly bursts in my chest. I can't believe we're celebrating our 31st wedding anniversary this December.
I could stare at him all day.
"I thought I woke up first..." I whisper after minutes of silence between us. "Are you nervous about today?"
"A bit. I've never sung in front of anyone but you."
"You'll do fine and Rory will be blown away by our surprise." I tell him with a smile on my lips. For the last days we've been working on our wedding surprise for Rory and George. Troy and I will be singing Elton John's Can You Feel The Love Tonight live on stage as Rory and George will dance their first dance as a married couple. No one knows about this but the band and us.
He shows me a small smirk, one that makes my heart skip three beats. "Our daughter is getting married today... to the Prince of the UK. She'll be a Royal."
"It still sounds surreal to me as well." I say back before I run my hands through his silky chestnut hair. "Are you going on a run through Richmond Park?"
He nods, "Zeus needs to move as much as me. What about you?"
"I think I'm going to do some yoga in the winter garden." I love how the sun shines through the stained glass when it rises. The whole room fills with pink peonies and green stems. "A nice vinyasa flow would be good. Something to get my heart rate up because I know we won't move a lot today."
"Sounds good." He agrees before kissing me passionately. As our lips touch a joint of pleasures rushes through my veins like it has been for the last 33 years that we've known each other. "But I know a better way to get your heart rate up." He says before rolling me on my back.
"Troy," I moan as he finds one of my erogenous zones on my neck. He knows what buttons to push to get what he wants. He always knew.
PRINCE GEORGE AND MS. LORELAI BOLTON'S WEDDING RINGS
Prince George and Miss Lorelai Bolton have chosen Cleave and Company to make their wedding rings.
Miss Bolton's high polished mobius ring has been fashioned from a piece of Welsh Gold, gifted by His Majesty The King.
Prince George's ring will also be a mobius ring made out of Welsh Gold with a high polished finish. Both rings were crafted in the Cleave workshop.
The rings will be carried to Westminster Abbey on the day of the Wedding by Prince Louis of Wales, in his capacity as Best Man.
Dressed in my pale blue yoga attire from Lululemon, I walk down the staircase that leads to the kitchen. To my surprise, there's already a lot going on there. I thought Troy and I woke up first but turns out most of my daughters are awake already as well.
Della, Ana and Rory are already wide awake, sipping on their lemon teas. Just like me they're dressed in a sports bra and a yoga leggings.
Four women and one thought.
"I thought you guys were still sleeping." I breathe out as I stop at the white marbled kitchen island. Dawn is slowly filling the sky.
"We couldn't sleep so we thought we'd start the day with yoga to calm our minds." Ana says with a shrug. She's dressed in a white leggings and black sports bra.
"Just like me. Where's Zeus?"
"Out at the gates, barking at the press." Della says with a grin on her lips. Just like all of us, she has wrapped her hair into a bun that's on top of her head. She chose a deep purple sports bra with matching leggings.
"He's good because the paparazzi have started to back off a little bit." Rory mirrors her oldest sister's grin before taking a sip of her lemon tea.
I smile, "Your Dad wants to go on a run through Richmond Park with him. I thought it could be tricky with the press following his every move..."
Ana waves her hand at me, "No, he'll be fine with Zeus by his side. He's a guard dog after all."
"I bet now you're thinking getting Zeus really pays off, don't you?" Rory asks me. Her workout outfit consists of light green leggings and a fuchsia coloured sports bra by the brand that sponsored her through all four Grand Slams and the Olympics. Lululemon is the only brand she ever wore for working out.
I giggle, "Yes, I kind of do. When you guys convinced me to get him, I was hesitant first... But he's family now."
"He really is." Ana agrees with me.
"Just like Lily and Luna." Della says with a nod.
"I wanted to do yoga in the winter garden. Let's head there." I suggest and walk out f e white marbled kitchen. I walk through the dining room with the huge walnut table that has twenty light grey velvet chairs. The grey marbled fireplace has framed wedding photos of Della and Wlad, Ana and Sasha and Troy and me on it. After today, there will be a photo of Rory and George as well.
I open the double French doors of the winter garden and take in the stunning colours scheme that's happening in here. The pinks of the peonies from the stained glass and the bright colours of oranges, reds and pinks from the sunrise. It's stunning.
Perfect for an hour long of Yin Yoga.
I've moved the couches, armchairs and coffee tables to the side last night so there's a lot of space to do yoga. The yoga mats are rolled up and hanging horizontally on hooks on the walls next to the French double doors. There are ten mats total, five on each wall. Every family member has a Lululemon yoga mat: Troy's mat is black, mine is a pale purple, Della's is a deep navy, Ana's a pale yellow, Nate's a turquoise colour, Jo's red, Rory's pink, Elias' orange, Calloway's grey and Gideon's rainbow coloured because he doesn't have a favourite colour.
I pick up my mat and roll it out in the middle of the room. A pink peonies from the stained glass of the ceiling is at the front of the mat. I love doing yoga here every morning.
Rory, Della and Ana follow me before we all start our very own yoga practice, listening to it breaths and our bodies... becoming one with our body again before this life changing day.
PRINCE GEORGE AND MISS LORELAI BOLTON: ANNOUNCEMENT OF TITLES
The King has today been pleased to confer two Dukedoms, the Dukedom of Norfolk and Oxfordshire, on Prince George of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Oxford, Earl of Rosslyn and Baron Chichester of Belfast.
Prince George thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Oxford, and Miss Lorelai Bolton on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Oxford, Countess of Rosslyn and Baroness Chichester of Belfast.
"Oh, Rory, you look stunning!" I breathe out with tears in my eyes. "George's going to be blown away."
She smiles at me, her bright blue eyes are sparkling as much as the tiara on her head. Her wedding dress for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey is in ivory. It has long sheer silk sleeves with silk covered buttons. Grace Kelly, Princess Margret as well as the Princess of Wales inspired the wedding dress. Virginie Viard, the creative director of Chanel, designed the gown that has a boat cut neckline in sheer silk so the sweetheart neckline from the silk floral laced dress underneath is still visible, similar to the wedding dress of the Princess of Wales. The back however is exposed by a big V-cut. The edges of the V-cut form big waves because of the sheer silk that covers the dress until the waist where it meets the lace-floral covered organza fabric which makes the skirt. The A-cut silk ivory dress is tight at the waist and has all 53 commonwealth country flowers stitched on the organza skirt. The organza and the sheer silk sleeves as well as the exposed back take away the heaviness of the dress. It appears light and airy. The flower application starts at the very edge of the six meter train and grows up until her tight waist, they end at the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom that Rory has explicitly asked to have embroidered as well. There are even a few English roses, Lily of the Valley, Hyacinth, Forget-Me-Nots, Astilbe, Astrantia and Myrtle - to follow the Royal tradition and in remembrance of the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex who had those flowers in their wedding bouquet.
But Rory chose to go with bright pink peonies for her wedding bouquet because they're her favourite flowers and mine as well. Ana, Della and I all had a simple bouquet of pink peonies on our wedding day. And I feel so honoured that she decided to follow the tradition.
However she decided to not break with the Royal tradition of having myrtle in her bouquet, so the big pink peonies are surrounded by white myrtle. The sprig of myrtle came from the same plant used in Queen Elizabeth's wedding bouquet back in 1947.
Rory's something old are my diamond earrings that I wore on my wedding day. I gifted them to her. Her something borrowed is the Fife tiara which is already sitting on her head. This tiara was made circa 1887 and was based off a design by Oscar Massin. It is almost exactly like his tiara for the Exposition Universelle of 1878 in Paris, the only difference being the shape of some of the diamonds. The pear shaped diamonds in the middle are hanging so that they move freely. There are nearly 200 carats of diamonds set in gold and silver.
The tiara is keeping the veil in place, that is made of layers of soft ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers, which was embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace. The dressmakers used the Carrickmacross lace-making technique, which originated in Ireland in the 1820s. Hand-cut lace flowers were created individually and added onto ivory silk tulle. The floral application consists of English roses, Lily of the Valley, Hyacinth, Forget-Me-Nots, Astilbe, Astrantia, Myrtle and peonies that embrace George's royal coat of arms as well as Rory's and the coat of arms of his Majesty the King, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Her something new is the simple rose gold necklace with a half moon pendant that's covered in paradescha sapphires. Troy had it made for her.
As for her something blue she chose to have on the edge of her veil, above her and George's royal coat of arms, she has stitched in George's and her initials in the same pale blue along with their wedding date.
I can't believe my youngest daughter is getting married!
To the future King of England.
"I love you, Mom." She whispers before embracing me tightly. She spent her last night before becoming the Duchess of Oxford in her childhood home in Richmond. The roughly 35 minute ride from here to Westminster Abbey will be filled with hundreds of thousands of Londoners waving and cheering on this very special day.
My heart swells with so much love that I have to hold myself together to not cry and ruin my make up. "I love you, too."
"Your Royal Highness," a deep male voice says, slicing through the hectic noise that's surrounding us.
Rory's head swings around, reacting to the title already. "Norris,"
The man in the black suit holds up a pair of ivory silk heels by Givenchy. "Your footwear, Your Royal Highness."
"Thank you but I'm not a member of the Royal Family yet." She says as he hands her the shoes.
I stare at her with wide eyes, "You're not wearing any shoes?"
Rory turns the shoes over and I can see that there are words written in a beautiful calligraphic handwriting in gold on the pale blue soles.
'My Queen,
Loving you is the best that's ever happened to me. I can't wait for the world to see you as what you've always been to me, the Queen of my heart. Today I'm marrying my best friend, my soulmate. My heart beats for you. You are the pulse to my heartbeat.
Ever Thine,
Ever Mine,
Ever Ours.
G'
"Did George write that?"
Rory nods, "Meghan taught him calligraphy."
"For your shoes?"
She looks up, "Yes. And the love letter he gave me yesterday. I read it this morning."
I didn't know that. "That's so sweet... Did you write on his shoes as well?"
She nods, "But not a whole love letter like him."
"What did you write?"
"I used Paul Neruda's Love sonnet: I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close."
I stare at her with wide eyes, "That fit on his shoes?"
Rory chuckles, "George has big feet and my handwriting is quite small. So yes. I didn't expect him to get so personal with it otherwise I would have come up with something myself." She says with a sigh, "Now, the people will think I am uncreative because I used words that already exist when they will see the shoes. Oh, well, I cannot please everyone."
"They will see your shoes?"
"Of course they will. There will be an exhibition at Buckingham Palace for a whole year with our wedding outfits and photos we're going to take today. People all over the world will want to see my dress up close. They want to know what went on behind the scenes. People are noisy. Maureen, the head of social media, said it could possibly move to Windsor if the interest continues to be so big. Or maybe Kensington Palace."
"Will you put the love letter on display as well?"
"Yes. Mine and his. At least I used my own words this time." She shrugs, "Can you help me put them on?"
"Sure." I grab her shoes and she lifts the organza skirt of her dress. I place the ivory silk shoes in front of her pale blue manicured toes and she slips into the shoes with ease. "Okay, I think you're ready to get married."
She lets go of the skirt and her shoes disappear underneath the layers of the organza skirt that's full of the flowers from the commonwealth countries. It's such a detailed work... Of course people from all over the world will want to see her wedding dress. It's stunning!
"Mom, we need to go now." Adaline urges me.
But I can't let my little girl go. In just a few minutes she's going to be a Mountbatten-Windsor. She'll be the Duchess of Oxford. A Duchess... a future Queen. I shake my head, I never thought this would happen. Never.
"Mom,"
I wince as I feel Della's hand on my shoulder, "We've got to go." She says to me before looking at her youngest sister. "George's the lucky one, not the other way around. Never forget that."
"Is that your finale marriage advice?"
"No, that was my advice as a feminist. My advice as your sister is to enjoy every freaking second with him because time flies by quickly. Before you know it, you'll be a mother yourself and you're going to have to redo your makeup three times on your daughter's wedding day, because you can't stop crying." She says before looking at me. Adaline chose a stunning royal blue coloured dress by Vivienne Westwood with a matching tailored coat that has embroidery and a matching hat with peonies.
Rory chuckles before embracing us both. "I love you guys."
Wladimir walks over to us dressed in a black tuxedo and a bow. His silver eyes stare at Rory for a moment and he gulps, clearly feeling the same way as her wife and me. "Enjoy this day. Take a deep breath every now and then and let it all sink in. Be present and don't stress too much. It's your day." He tells her in clear Russian.
Rory nods before she embraces him, "I'll see you at Westminster Abbey."
Ana and Sasha will leave after Della, Wlad and me, because they're technically higher on the social ladder than us. Ever since Sasha decided to take on the title Prince of Romanov, he's officially royalty as well. Even if he doesn't have a kingdom to rule over anymore. But by protocol it means they have to arrive after us, the commoners.
The rest of our family is already at Westminster Abbey.
The six bridesmaids and six page boys are running around in our living room that we've cleared of most of the furniture. The page boys - among which Elias, Calloway and Gideon are - are wearing a uniform based on a Foot Guards officer uniform, in a red fabric that matches George's uniform. The three other boys are Princess Eugenie's, Princess Beatrice's and Lady Louise's children.
The bridesmaids include my granddaughters Caroline and Isabella as well as the girl of Isla Philips, the daughter of Peter and Autumn Philips. The three of them have blonde hair that's sparkling in the sun which is peaking through the glass facade in our living room. They look so lovely!
The bridesmaids are wearing ivory ballerina length dresses that were fashioned from the same fabric as Jo's maid of honour dress. The box-pleated skirts finish with English Cluny lace at the tail end of the skirts. The dresses have the traditional puff sleeves and the necklines are also trimmed with he English Cluny lace. The buttons of the miniature dresses mirror Rory's and the dresses are finished off with a pale pink silk sash which has their names and the date of the wedding hand-embroidered into the sash. They're wearing ivory coloured satin shoes with Swarovski crystal buckles. Each flower girl has a hair wreath made of lily-of-the-valley, forget-me-nots, astilbe and pink peonies sitting on top of their heads.
It's a mad house of children.
I couldn't be happier.
Suddenly, Jo appears in a gorgeous ivory silk dress that's been tailored to her body shape. It shares the same 16 buttons covered in garza silk and organza that are fastened by delicate Rouleau loops on the back of the short sleeved dress, in her hair she's wearing a flower piece made out of the same flowers as the bridesmaids flower wreaths. Her ivory satin Ralph Russo thud against the marble floor, announcing her entrance. She snaps her fingers, causing all six page boys and bridesmaids to stop running.
Josephine is Rory's maid of honour and in charge of the page boys and bridesmaids. She'll drive with them to the abbey and from what I've seen she has them under control. They will behave on the 30 minute long drive. All twelve of them. "All tongues out, I'm going to check for gum and candy."
All twelve boys and girls open their mouth and Jo starts checking before looking at me. "You have to go."
I know but I can't bring myself to leave. Goosebumps start covering my bare arms and legs as I feel my husband's presence behind me.
"Gabriella, you have to leave with Wlad and Della right now. Otherwise we're late." Troy's voice fills my ears. I turn around and stare at his handsome body. Hermes did a fantastic job with this black tuxedo.
He's right. I nod and turn around to face the breathtaking bride that is my daughter. "We'll see you at the altar." I kiss her head before letting go.
"I'm the one in white." She jokes with a smirk on her lips.
It's a surreal drive to Westminster Abbey. There are hundreds of thousands of people lined up at the streets, waving and cheering at us. A drone is following the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI we're sitting in and I find myself amazed by everything that's going on. Policemen on motorcycles are leading the way and following us. The roads in and around the processional route were closed to traffic this morning. London's Metropolitan police told us that they calculated their security men for ten million people, costing more than 320 million pounds. At first I thought they were joking, not because of the hefty cost we're paying but about of the numbers they calculated with. But now... seeing the huge amounts of people that remind me of the Queen's coronation or Obama's inauguration ceremony, I think they should add a few millions to their calculations. This is like a dream! It's absolutely crazy!
It's the wedding of the century.
And no cost, no number of security men or witnesses will ruin Rory's wedding day. It's her day that she chooses to share with the world. It's not her duty to have a public wedding, but it's her choice. She chooses this life.
And on top she chose to declare August the 9th as a public holiday.
The route from Richmond all the way to central London is quite a long one for a royal wedding. But the 30 minute drive passes by quicker than I thought it would and suddenly we stop in front of that impressive cathedral that's Westminster Abbey. After Della, Wlad and me, Ana and Sasha will arrive before the Royal Family will start filling the Westminster Abbey with the King being the last with his wife the Queen Consort. And then Troy will arrive with the bride. Jo will be in another Rolls-Royce behind them with twelve kids all under six.
The deep red Rolls-Royce stops at the entrance of Westminster Abbey. A second later a staff member of the royals opens the door for us. Wlad gets out first before Adaline and me follow. I get greeted by even more cheers, louder screams that hurt my eardrums but I put on a smile and look over my shoulder. The masses I stare at make me breathless for a moment. It's impressive to say the least. I can't believe all of these people are here to see this wedding.
The wedding of the century.
Della, Wlad and me smile and wave at the waiting crowds that are going to see the royals shortly. I can't believe how many people are here! Then I turn around and walk into the church where Queen Elizabeth II was crowned, the Prince of Wales married the Princess of Wales, King Charles was crowned and now Prince George will marry Rory.
The outside of the church is decorated with a beautiful flower arch made out of pink and white peonies. The roses crawl up the western side of the gothic abbey church until they embrace the two pointed towers. On the wreath of the left tower hangs a white G that's made of white peonies. The right tower has a white L hanging from the wreath. Between the two towers, on the pointed tip, stands the Duke and Duchess's of Oxford coat of arms moulded out of gold that has been especially created for today. The coat of arms of the Duke and Duchess of Oxford weighs over a hundred kilograms and is a gift from his Majesty the King. It will be going on display in the Tower of London after the wedding. The bells are ringing, creating the melody of Rory's favourite song: Just You and I by Tom Walker. It will change once the ceremony starts.
The inside has been transformed into a garden of English roses, lily of the valley, hyacinth, forget-me-nots, astilbe, astrantia, myrtle and peonies as well. The colour palette is white and soft pinks mixed in light greens of eucalyptus branches and more greenery. The peonies and English roses in white and soft pink are even hanging from the roof on transparent ropes, not hiding the stunning architecture of the church but enchanting it. There are lots of lit candles along the pale green carpeted path that leads down the aisle.
The wedding guests consist of different heads of states and Commonwealth leaders, members of religious organisations, the diplomatic corps, several military officials, members of the British Royal Household, members of foreign royal families from all over the world, but also lots of friends. Tennis stars, celebrities from music, film and theatre, Olympians as well as lots of doctors and nurses, paramedics and about a hundred people from different charity organisations that were chosen directly by George and Rory for their remarkable work. In total there are 1,500 guests attending the wedding ceremony, which is 400 less than the wedding of Prince William. All of these people were invited to the luncheon in the gardens of Buckingham Palace after the ceremony and around 300 guests will be at the evening dinner hosted by the Prince of Wales in one of the state rooms at Buckingham Palace.
We walk past the seated wedding guests in tailored morning coats, uniforms or lounge suits. The women are wearing day dresses with different coloured hats and fascinators in all shapes and heights. The guests smile at us and I even recognise a few faces as we walk down the pale green carpeted aisle. The floral smell fills my nose along with the wonderful smelling candles by Jo Malone. They created the candles especially for today. Smaller versions of these candles are part of the gift bags for the guests. Tomorrow the label will sell the same candles online and in their stores. It's the only kind of candle that will not only be in their standard collection but also always stay a charity candle. Every cent spent for those candles will be directly donated to children fighting against cancer. The money will not only support the child but also the families who are suffering just as much.
This is just one way of how my daughter and her husband will change the world.
George and Louis are already standing at the altar. The groom is wearing the Colonel of the Irish Guards uniform and his brother chose to wear the uniform of a Captain of the Household Cavalry. They look just like William and Harry on William's wedding day.
The Princes of Wales walk over to us as soon as George's warm brown eyes spot Wlad, Della and me approaching them. George shakes Wlad's hand before hugging my oldest daughter. "What do you think?" He asks before hugging me.
"It's stunning. The flower arrangements are spectacular and the candles make the place smell amazing. Are you nervous?"
"He's not nervous. He hit the jackpot with Rory." Della whispers and chuckles, well aware that there are 25 cameras pointed at us right now.
George and Louis smile at us before the groom leans forward. "She's right. I've hit the jackpot with her."
"Told you."
Louis grins, "I swear, I'm so looking forward to our Christmases. You're the funniest sister-in-law I could have wished for."
"You know what they say, you don't just marry your partner but the whole family." Della tells him with a smirk. "And our family is pretty big."
"We should get seated." Wlad says before they can share another word.
George nods and we walk over to our side at of the altar. The stunning wooden rows are beautifully decorated with flower arrangements of pink peonies. Victoria, Miley, Lucas and Liam are sitting behind Ryan and Kelsi. Diana is sitting next to Kelsi and Nate. Wladimir walks into the row first before Della and me follow. Troy will be sitting next to me in less than five minutes.
And in an hour my daughter will be married to the Prince of UK.
They'll be the Duke and Duchess of Oxford.
The next King and Queen.
I take a seat in my icy blue silk Carolina Herrera dress under a matching tailored coat with white embroidery in the middle and on the edges of the sleeves. The floral fascinator on my head is by Philipp Tracey.
And then I wait.
THE ORDER OF SERVICE FOR PRINCE GEORGE AND MISS LORELAI BOLTON'S WEDDING
The Official Order of Service for the Wedding of Prince George and Miss Lorelai Bolton has been made available for the public to download for free from 0001hrs Thursday 8th August.
The Order of Service includes full details about the processions, music, hymns, prayers and readings. The Service is from Common Worship.
Like any couple getting married, Prince George and Miss Bolton have taken a great deal of care in selecting all elements for their service. This has been a collaborative effort led by Prince George and Mis Bolton. They have also sought the advice of The Prince of Wales for the orchestral music before the Service begins.
Copies of the Order of Service will be given to all those attending Westminster Abbey.
The angelic voice of soprano singer Elin Manahan Thomas starts filling the Abbey, silencing all whispers, as my daughter starts walking down the aisle. Goosebumps cover my arms and legs as Thomas sings Eternal Source of Light Divine accompanied by the organ, harps and violins. Her voice is so delicate yet it fills this cathedral to the highest points of Westminster Abbey's ceiling. I can't see her yet, but I can feel her power, pride and love.
A strong sense of peace and pure bliss overcomes me. It's overwhelming. Truly overwhelming.
This right here, is the union of two loved ones.
Nothing more and nothing less.
It's perfection. Everything is perfect on this day.
And then... I get to see the first glimpse of my daughter walking down the aisle with her father next to her. My heart bursts with love and pride so suddenly that I have to hold back the tears with all I have. She looks magnificent. The veil is not being held by anyone but it's flowing down the pale green carpet. My daughter is swanning down the aisle. Her dress seems glowing as the stained glass from the windows coat her in a magical lightning. She looks like an angel, a real Queen. There's so much happiness and love in her eyes. She's bursting with it.
Josephine is leading the six bridesmaids and page boys behind her sister and father. She has Caroline and Isabella on each side while the two daughters of Isla Philips as well as the two daughters of Autumn Philips walk behind them. Calloway, Gideon, Elias, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice and Lady Louise's boys are behind them, looking like miniature versions of George in their red uniforms.
But Rory... Rory is stealing the show. As she should be on her big wedding day.
The lightning is breathtaking. She looks like an angel sent from heaven.
After a three minute walk down the aisle, she has finally made it. She arrived at George's side.
Where she belongs.
Troy walks over to me and squeezes my hand.
I'm too amazed to react in anyway.
This feels like a dream.
A dream that's coming true right in front of my eyes.
And the eyes of 5 billion people.
LUNCHTIME RECEPTION
His Majesty The King is giving a Lunchtime Reception at Buckingham Palace for around 1,500 guests drawn from the Wedding Service congregation.
Guests will also be served a selection of canapés, including:
- Gressingham Duck English Goats cheese from Paxton and Whitfield
-English Asparagus
- Welsh organic Celery Salt
- Mushroom Crostini with Rosemary Lemon Cashew Cream
- Beetroot 'caviar' blinis
- Langoustines from the North West Coast of Scotland
- Pork from the Cotswolds
- English Crayfish
- Windsor Estate Lamb
- Smoked Haddock from the East Coast of Scotland
- Beef from the Castle of Mey Selections in the North Highlands of Scotland
- English Rhubarb
- Balsamic tomato and pesto canapés
- Organic mini pumpkin and ricotta tarts Sweet Potato, Chestnut, and Sesame Balls
- Indian Spiced Rostis Mini Masala Dosas
Sweet canapés will also be served, including:
- Champagne and Pistachio Macaroons
- Orange Crème Brûlée Tartlets
- Blood Orange Pate de Fruit
- Raspberry Financier
- Vegan Rhubarb Crème Brûlée Tartlet
- Vegan Passion Fruit Praline
- Vegan White Chocolate Ganache Truffle
- Vegan Milk Chocolate Praline with Nuts
- Vegan Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Tartlets
- Date and walnut cinnamon bites
The wine card will feature an exclusive collection of the Royal Family as well as wine bottles from the Bolton vineyards in Bordeaux, France. Pol Roger Brut Réserve Champagne as well as non-alcoholic, sugar free drinks will be offered at the luncheon.
The reception will also included the cutting of the wedding cake and speeches from His Majesty The King, The Prince of Wales and The Duke and Duchess of Oxford. Prince Louis of Wales, who is the Best Man, will act as compere for the Reception.
With Troy's hand wrapped around mine, we follow the Duke and Duchess of Oxford through the impressive hallways of Buckingham Palace. After the ceremony, the joined families drove to Buckingham Palace where we waited for the happy couple to come back from their carriage possession. And now we're on our way to the famous balcony on which the couple will share their official second kiss as the Duke and Duchess of Oxford. They had shared a kiss in front of the Westminster Abbey to give the waiting crowd a reward for their persistence. I mean, most of them have camped in front of the Westminster Abbey for days before the wedding. They deserved more than a few friendly waves and 1000-watt smiles.
They deserved to witness the first kiss.
But now the crowds that have gathered in front of Buckingham Palace will get their reward as well. We walk into the centre room that's known as the golden room under the royals that leads to the world's most famous balcony. With hardwood floors that get covered by a Persian rug and golden walls the name has clearly found its source. There's so much history within these walls. Buckingham is a stunning palace. Golden stucco is on the ceilings and paintings hang on the walls. There's an marbled fireplace with a huge golden framed mirror above it and a glass chandelier that resembles a flower hanging from the ceiling - a colourful and peculiar main attraction - as well as Chinese embroideries and candelabra. There are a few chairs but other than that there's no furniture. The large dining table has been removed. Which is for a reason as we are quite a lot of people. We're 25 people which is significantly smaller than the group of 30 that usually appears on the balcony after the Trooping the Colour that's in summer to remember Elizabeth II who died nearly a year ago. The festival was originally her birthday party but it has now turned into a way to remember Britain's longest reigning monarch.
The windows in front of us show the Mall. It's a breathtaking view of the waiting crowds. Rory gets stopped by her hair and makeup artist. She called her the Duchess of Oxford. Her title. It sounds surreal. My daughter the Duchess of Oxford Lorelai Olivia Valentina Mountbatten-Windsor. It's a mouthful of a new name. But to me she's always going to be Rory.
Just Rory.
I watch the hair and makeup team fix her hair and makeup as the photographer and camerawomen film within these walls. There will be a documentary from BBC covering the time from the engagement interview all the way to the day after the wedding.
Another gift from the Duke and Duchess of Oxford to the British people.
"Okay." Claire, her makeup artist says to Rory. "You're all set, Your Royal Highness."
My daughter looks over her left shoulder and over to us. The camera of the photographer starts clicking, "Everyone ready?" She asks both of her families now.
She looks so stunning in that light. The Fife tiara on her head is sparkling like crazy and the smile with her rosy cheeks makes my heart swell with love. She's still in her wedding dress. She and George are going to drive through the closed streets in a silver Jaguar that's electric after we take the official portrait in the Throne Room that will be shared with the public tomorrow and the private photos in the garden of Buckingham Palace. They might release a few for their wedding anniversaries and Christmas but most of them will never see the public eye.
Then the doors to the balcony gets opened by a member of the Royal staff. A wall of loud cheering hits us that it takes me a moment to get used to the volume.
I know that Rory has made a few appearances on the balcony before so she's probably used to it but not me. She has stood on this balcony for the last five Trooping of Colour festivals to watch a fly next to George, breaking the most strict royal rule that is no ring, no bring. But George brought her without a ring. Five times.
It drove the world crazy.
Just like today.
"Is it always so loud?" I ask.
Catherine smiles at me, "Yes. But you get used to it."
Meghan nods at me with a silly smile on her lips before shaking her head, "Yeah, no. You'll never get used to that. But this will be the only time you're going to stand on that balcony so I say enjoy it." She giggles as the newlyweds step on to the balcony first. I can see them waving to the crowds as the photographer takes a photo of the couple from a perspective the world won't ever see. They see Rory and George standing on the red balcony, waving to the cheering crowd with smiles on her faces. But this perspective is just as beautiful.
It almost makes me cry.
After thirty seconds the King nods to us, giving us the signal to step on to the balcony as well. First the six bridesmaids and page boys step in front of the newlyweds and then Troy and me, and Catherine and William. After us comes the King.
And then the rest of the family follows.
My eyes glide over the crowds that are cheering and waving with flags of Great Britain. I had no idea that 2 billion people look like tiny little needles from up here. The crowds seem endless! The Abbey bells are ringing, there are so many heart shaped balloons flowing in the sky and overhead fighters are humming as they fly over our heads. It's crazy loud and somehow the best welcome I could have asked for from the British people. They celebrate this union. They accept her with open arms. It fills my heart with a sense of peace.
This is her destiny.
It can't be any other way.
I look at Rory and George, they are giggling and waving like the rest of us. I'm in awe of everything that happened today and that is going to happen. It's a well structured wedding but at the same time it's intimate.
I have no idea how that works when billions of people are staring at you.
And then the chants of a kiss start clearly reaching my ears. It's so loud! Two billion people demand a kiss.
How can you say no to that?
But to my surprise George kisses the back of Rory's right hand, mirroring the gesture that his grandfather performed on his wedding day to Princess Diana. Rory blushes and smirks at George as they have forgotten the billions of people watching them in this very moment. They blend out everything that surrounds them: the flying planes, the heart shaped balloons, the cheering crowd and the everlasting demands for a kiss. For this very public moment, they seem to be in their own bubble. They're bursting with love for one another.
My daughter looks at her husband before fondling his right cheek with her left hand. The paradescha sapphires on her engagement ring are glittering in the sun and underneath it is a gold wedding band. George lays his hand over hers and I'm sure the camera gets a stunning shot of his wedding ring as well. They're smiling all over as they press their foreheads against one another.
The press will think this moment is staged. The press will write they're fake because it looks like it's straight out of a fairytale movie. But it's not. This is Rory and George in their purest form.
Head over heels in love with each other.
And then they share their second kiss as newlyweds.
Their lips stay locked for six long seconds. The press will call it a passionate kiss. A kiss that's lasting too long to be called appropriate anymore. A kiss that doesn't fit into the Royal protocol.
But for Rory and George it's a way to show their gratitude to the waiting crowds. So, they kiss again.
Because three billion people deserve three billion kisses.
But George and Rory decide that three are enough for now.
The world has just witnessed the birth of a whole new Royal generation.
"One, two, three. Smile!" The photographer says as we take the 100th photo in the throne room at Buckingham Palace.
We all grin into the camera. It took Alexi Lubomirski three takes to position our large family properly. I felt like a chicken getting chased around but eventually, he found a setting that's going to work. He took a few photos of Rory, George and the king first before they took photos of the line of succession with the King and Queen of England, George, Rory, William, Catherine, Charlotte and Louis. It turned out stunning.
Then the couple took photos with all the page boys and bridesmaids before they got too bored or tired. After that it was time to take photos with both families and the page boys along with the bridesmaids.
Rory already took photos with Troy and me. George did the same with his parents. It's a photo marathon and the throne room will not be the last location for taking photos. After we're done here, Rory and George will walk down to gardens of Buckingham Palace where they will take a few photos at the lake that's surrounded by blossoming Lily of The Valley and English roses. The photos will be breathtaking and I'm sure George and Rory will share a few photos with the public. There has been a camera team from BBC following her and George's every step. The footage will be used for a documentary, which will be released a month after the wedding.
And then they can finally join the luncheon held by the King.
And now Rory is taking photos with us - the Bolton women. George already had his turn with the Wales and Sussex men and the King.
The king has left to host the luncheon for 600 guests. A nanny has taken care of the page boys and bridesmaids to keep them entertained. It feels nice to not worry about my you best sons but at the same time it's a bit weird.
However the silence is definitely welcomed.
"Okay, that's it. We're done here, Your Royal Highness." Alexi Lubomirski says before looking at images on the display of his camera. Catherine is looking over his shoulder with genuine interest.
"Those are some very nice photos." The Princess of Wales says with a smile on her lips. "I think you can go to the garden now."
Rory nods before walking over to George. "We'll see you guys at the luncheon." She says before grabbing George's hand. I watch the Duke and Duchess of Oxford walking out of the throne room with the photographer and a few royal staff members following them.
And suddenly we're alone.
It's a weird feeling.
"It feels strange, doesn't it?" Catherine asks me as I still stare at the open door.
"Yes." I admit before looking at her. She's wearing a beautiful bright pink fascinator that matches her Alexander McQueen dress.
"Don't worry about loosing her. I'm still very close to my family as well." She whispers to me. "George promised Rory that her family will continue being a part of her life. William made the same promise to me when I wed him."
I nod, "I hope so."
She smiles at me before embracing me. "I will take good care of her." She promises me. "We are now a family."
ROYAL WEDDING EVENING RECEPTION
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is giving a private Evening Reception at Buckingham Palace for Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Oxford, and their close friends and family.
The Departure
The couple travelled from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace in a silver blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero. This vehicle was originally manufactured in 1968, and has since been converted to electric power. Its license plate features today's date, which will, of course, be the date of their anniversary in the future.
The Bride
The Bride's evening dress is designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. It is a fitted ivory georgette gown and has an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline with a criss-crossed bodice and a sweeping train made out of silk.
The Duchess of Oxford is wearing the same shoes as for the wedding ceremony. They're from Givenchy made in silky satin with soles painted in baby blue.
The Duchess's hair has been styled for the Evening Reception by George Northwood.
I rest my head on my husband's shoulder as I watch our big children dancing to the orchestra on the dance floor in Buckingham Palace. Adaline's dancing with Wlad, Ana with Sasha and Lorelai with George. The Duchess of Oxford has changed from her stunning wedding gown that she wore to Westminster Abbey into a gown by British designer Alexander McQueen. An off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline gives this stunning ivory georgette gown an elegant, feminine flair. Details like the criss-crossed bodice and sweeping train make it unforgettable and classy. This dress is fitted and stunning. It's so different from her other dress.
She looks beautiful in both wedding gowns.
"Can you believe those are our children?" I whisper to my husband as I watch our children dancing. Della is dancing with Wlad, Ana with Sasha and Rory with George. Just an hour ago my daughter delivered a groundbreaking speech in which she thanked the Royal Family for their support and the warm welcome. It was the first speech of a Royal bride to be broadcasted on television ever.
My daughter wrote history today more than once.
My husband smiles at me before kissing my head. "I think we did a good job as parents so far."
I lift my head off of his shoulder and look at me. "We still have to see how the three little ones turn out."
He chuckles, "Those boys will be easy compared to all the worry I had with our girls."
He obviously has no idea what's still ahead of us. "You think raising those three girls was hard? Wait until our three boys reach puberty. Then you're going to have some serious fun."
He sighs, "Somehow, I cannot wait for them to grow up into fine men. I can't wait to see how their lives are going to unravel, who they marry and how they find their happiness. And I'm so grateful to have this experience with you, my love."
I lift my head off of his shoulder and look at him. "A million times more."
"A bloody million times more, my love."
I kiss him softly now that the cameras have stopped rolling and we have a moment to ourselves. It's late in the night and there will be fireworks to finish the night soon. Before we all start gathering outside, I decide it's time to go to the loo once more. "I'll be right back." I tell him before rising from my chair and walking out of one of the many ball rooms where the Queen used to hold her state banquets. I can't believe I am in the same room where so many historical figures where before me.
I walk out of the room and down the wide hallway that has a deep red carpet and more of the floral arrangements that already filled the Abbey. It smells beautifully, especially along with the burning Jo Malone candles. It's a maze on the second floor of the Buckingham Palace. I pass several rooms before suddenly, right in front of the staircase that leads down to the loos, my son's deep voice.
I stop and peak inside. Charlotte is with him. She's dressed in a stunning Elie Saab dress in a champagne colour. It's sparkling from the many crystals and delicate lace. She looks beautiful, something my son definitely has noticed as well.
"Char,"
"Don't Char me. You are too late, Nate!" She hisses at him.
"Let me explain-"
She points at him with her forefinger, "You waited all this time to make your move. You have no right to be jealous of Christian!"
"He's a bastard who's trying to get into your panties!"
"That's none of your business!"
"I'm just looking out for you. Ever since you started dating you're choosing one prick after another-"
"Stop!" She says to him, "I don't need you to hold my hand! I am a grown up. I decide whom I fuck with and whom not! You bloody broke his nose, Nate! His nose!"
I frown. He did? I didn't notice a fight.
"You don't want to know what he said to his friends about you."
"No, I do. Tell me, what made you snap like that?"
"Charlotte,"
"Tell me!"
"He wanted to fuck you just for the sake of fucking the third in line! He said he wanted to fuck you to know if the rumours were true."
"What rumours?"
"That you're a femme fatale. You play with men. You eat them alive. Char, you need to stop."
"You don't tell me what to do! You don't-"
"Charlotte,"
"No, Nate. I'm done. Leave me alone." She turns on her heel but my son grabs her wrist before pulling her back, right into his arms.
He presses his forehead against hers and for a moment the whole world stands still. There's the party of the century going on down the hallway but for those two... the world has stopped turning.
I feel goosebumps on my arms and legs.
I swear, they look just like Troy and me.
"You can feel it, too. I know you can, Char... I know you can." He whispers with closed eyes. "It's there... it always has been there."
"Nate,"
He opens his eyes and stares into her blue eyes. "Tell me, Char. Say the word and I will leave you alone. " He promises her.
I can see how her lower lip starts trembling within the green drawing room. "I can't."
"Charlotte, I am putting my cards down. I am in love with you. I have been in love with you for a few years now but I never said a word because I know you were figuring yourself out and having fun with one prick after another. But this has to end now. Choose me or loose me. I can't do this anymore. I can't wait for you for another eight years. If you don't want me-"
Charlotte seals her lips over his, shutting him up. "Is that enough for you now?!" She hisses at him.
"No." He answers with the same boyish smirk on his lips as his father sometimes does. "I waited eight years for that kiss, Char."
I turn around as their lips lock again. Finally Nate found the courage to make the first step and confess his feelings for her. It was about time.
"Mom," I wince at my daughter's voice.
I turn around and see Ana walking over to me in a fuchsia coloured dress by Vivienne Westwood. Her long blonde hair is open in big voluminous waves and her green eyes are sparkling. "Sh! Nate and Char are in there." I whisper as she reaches me.
"Finally. It was about time those two get together." She grins before looking into the green drawing room. "Oh, Nate's really going for it!" She says with a chuckle and I pull her back.
"Give then some privacy!"
"Why? They won't have any once the press catches them together."
"But until then we should keep our mouths shut."
She nods, "Okay. What are you doing here anyway?"
"I was on my way to the loo when I spotted them."
"I see... and of course you had to spy on them. On Rory's wedding day." She narrows her big green eyes at me.
I blush and shrug, "You guys are my children. I care about your happiness."
"Yeah, well maybe your next project should be Jo now."
I sigh, "What's wrong with her love life?" It never stops. Does it?
"I was just joking with you. She's perfectly fine."
"Really?" I ask her with a raised eyebrow.
Ana shrugs, "She's not like Rory or Nate. It's going to take her some time to find the right man... but when she does, he'll sweep her off her feet." She promises me.
I don't even want to know. I just witnessed another daughter of mine getting married and from what it looks like the next wedding is basically around the corner as well. I need a break. "Anytime soon?"
Ana shakes her head, "I don't think so."
"Good, that gives me a moment to breathe."
She giggles before embracing me. "You're the best mother we all could have wished for."
Sealed with a kiss! Prince George marries his childhood love Lorelai Bolton!
Prince George has married his childhood love in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey. It was a sunny day, the bells of the abbey were ringing and the hats were as colourful and bright as it gets. Over 1,500 guests witnessed the ceremony in the abbey while over 6 billion were glued to their screens and televisions at home. The groom wore, just like his father, the Colonel of the Irish Guards uniform. The bride stunned the world when she climbed out of the Rolls Royce and revealed her custom made wedding dress by Virginie Viard, the creative director of Chanel. Chanel, among with Alexander McQueen were one of the hottest tips as a designer for the dress. Lorelai chose an exquisite dress with long sheer silk sleeves, a narrow bodice, a six meter train and an even longer veil that featured the couple's joined Royal Coat of Arms as well the the Coat Of Arms from the rest of Wales Family, including the King. It was a classic ivory coloured masterpiece from the front that featured all 53 commonwealth flowers in remembrance of the Duchess of Sussex's veil that she wore to her wedding to Prince Harry. The back of dress had a deep v-cut that exposed her back. While royal experts call that revealing was a total no-go, what really shocked the royal world was the bride's flower bouquet. Because there were no myrtle or forget-me-nots. She chose bright pink peonies that blended into the flower decoration that was inside and outside the abbey.
With her choice of the bouquet, Lorelai broke a hundred year old tradition. Royal experts were shocked.
But the love of this young couple filled the whole cathedral. George and Lorelai held hands, kept eye contact and smiles through the ceremony. The air was sizzling with passion and love. It was the most beautiful wedding to watch, to see these two soulmates unite and promise their everlasting love. All the rumours, all the hatred - they vanished when George looked at his wife.
The couple shared their first kiss in front of Westminster Abbey before making the famous balcony appearance where they shared another three kisses. This was also the first time that cameras allowed inside the luncheon that was hosted by His Majesty the King and the dinner that was hosted by the Prince of Wales. This way we got a pretty good glimpse of how Royals celebrate weddings. They dined in the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace, which is the largest room in the palace and usually used for state banquets. The guests got entertained by British singers like Adele, Ellie Goulding, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, Joss Stone, Zayn Malik, Leona Lewis and Tom Walker as well as artists from Cirque du Solei. In addition, each commonwealth country was represented with a performance. The food that was served was from excellent sources and the menu was designed by Ella Woodward, known as Deliciously Ella, as well as Royal Chef Mark Flanagan. The Duchess of Oxford has been seen eating the vegan options while The Duke of Oxford sticked to seafood. The couple's first dance as husband and wife was to Sir Elton John's Can you feel the love tonight in a circle of Jo Malone candles in the fragrance peony and blush suede. But as this wasn't magical enough, the song was sung by Lorelai's parents, Troy and Gabriella, live as a special surprise. It was the first time that we got the pleasure to hear the Bolton couple singing - and we definitely want more of that!
The traditional father-daughter dance of Lorelai with her father was danced to Céline Dion's My Heart Will Go On. The singer took a break from her retirement especially for this outstanding performance. After cutting the wedding cake that was inspired by Shakespeare's Midnight's Summer Dream and had the same shape as the wedding cake of the Prince and Princess of Wales, every guest got a slice of the 8-tiered white cake that was decorated with colourful flowers like pink peonies, white roses, myrtle as well as forget-me-nots and all flowers of the 53 Commonwealth Countries just like on the Duchess's wedding dress. On top of the cake, that was made by the Women's Institute, sat a replica of the Royal coats of Army of the Duke and Duchess of Oxford. The filling changed from tyre to tyre: blueberry pralines cream on top, followed by chocolate biscuit cherry, passion fruit curd, lemon buttercream, raspberry almond cream, blackberry white chocolate cream, salted caramel and elderflower pistachio cream at the bottom layer. In addition to that every guest got to taste the most expensive chocolate puddings in the world! The lavish gold dessert, that was inspired by the famous Faberge egg, is made with four different kinds of Belgian chocolate and other pricey ingredients like champagne jelly, caviar, gold leaf and a two-carat diamond. The eggs were all handmade by chef Marc Guibert and his team in Cumbria. Each egg costs around 35,000 .
At midnight the celebration officially ended with a bang. The sparkling fireworks were seen lightning up the sky even beyond the gates of Buckingham Palace. The after party was filled with performances form A-List singers and Djs like Jennifer Lopez, Calvin Harris, Marshmello, Zedd, Kygo, Justin Timberlake, Rita Ora and Ariana Grande. The newlyweds left the party at around three in the morning while the guests continued the celebrations until the morning.
The costs for this lavish wedding is estimated to be at around 200 million pounds. Considering the wedding was paid for by the Bolton Family, which is another break in royal traditions as the royal family has always paid for the wedding before, it is clear that while the Boltons may not be blue blooded they definitely have what it takes to be on eye-level with the royals.
His Majesty The King has given Prince George the great honour to not only confer one but two Dukedoms, the Dukedom of Norfolk and Oxfordshire. His titles will be Duke of Oxford, Earl of Rosslyn and Baron Chichester of Belfast.
Prince George thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Oxford, and Ms. Lorelai Bolton on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Oxford, Countess of Rosslyn and Baroness Chichester of Belfast.
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford are now off on their honeymoon. Kensington Palace hasn't announced any new engagements for the couple but it is very likely that we will see them again pretty soon as their Royal Highnesses are known for their dedicated work.
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford on the honeymoon!
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford have been spotted in Mauritius! While Kensington Palace hasn't confirmed the destination of the newlyweds, several tourists have claimed to have seen the couple strolling through the botanical garden where they saw water lilies that were planted for George's great-great-great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria. The couple was also seen trying local food such as sweet sour pickled fruit with chilli at a local market. The Duchess of Oxford was heard talking in the French-based Mauritian Creole while the Duke stuck to simple French.
Mauritius is known as the island of the loved ones, so the newlyweds were surrounded by many couples in love. Some people tweeted that they saw the couple dancing a sensual salsa at a beach bar, enjoying the evening like everyone else.
A tourist group even spotted them kayaking down the Grand River South East, where the two of them enjoyed the nature. They saw lots of monkeys and birds as well as the famous waterfall.
Another tourist group was lucky enough to see the couple go watch dolphins and even swim with them! The Duke and Duchess of Oxford showed off their stunning figures - her with long lean muscles and him with some serious abs! One lucky tourist even snapped a few photos of them. They even took selfies with other people in the boat but asked them to post them on social media in a week. It was one of the rare moments when we got to see the Duchess's natural beauty! Lorelai was glowing with the typical newlyweds glow that her husband had as well.
Along with other brave tourists they jumped into the Indian Ocean and swam with a group of twenty dolphins in their natural habitant. One big male dolphin ignored all the other tourists and swam over to the Duchess, clearly as fascinated by her as she was.
We asked a marine biologist if this behaviour was natural and he gave quite a shocking answer!
According to him, dolphins, especially the alpha dolphin, which is the biggest of the group, only finds interested in a woman if she is pregnant! That's right - you heard it here first!
Pregnant!
The biologist said that dolphins can actually sense pregnant women as they are able to hear both beating heartbeats so naturally they are curious to find out what it is and usually stick around the pregnant woman for most of the time.
So, the bump-watch has officially begun!
Of course we have to wait until Kensington Palace confirms the happy news but if a dolphin can hear it we're pretty confident to say that the Duchess is already pregnant!
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF OXFORD'S WEDDING OUTFITS TO GO ON DISPLAY
Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Oxford are very grateful for all the well wishes they have received after their wedding.
The wedding outfits of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will go on display at Buckingham Palace 2047, Windsor Castle in 2048 and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in 2049 respectively in a special exhibition 'A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Oxford.'
The exhibition is being organised by The Royal Collection Trust, and will feature The Duchess's dress, shoes and jewellery, and an identical frockcoat to the one worn by The Duke of Oxford on their wedding day, which took place on 9 August 2047 at Westminster Abbey, London.
The display will also feature Her Royal Highness's tiara and evening gown, as well as the outfits of the page boys and bridesmaids. In addition, the maid of honour outfit of Josephine Ophelia Elise Bolton.
The exhibition will have audio guides with explanation for the wedding dress and the evening dress by the designers, Virginie Viard for Chanel and Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The audio guide will also feature the Duchess of Oxford. Her Royal Highness will explain the wedding planning process, including the choice of the wedding cake and the tiara.
Royal Collection Trust is a charity, responsible for the care of the Royal Collection and manages the public opening of the official residences of His Majesty The King – Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. For further information on visiting the exhibition please visit their website.
The Design
The Duchess of Oxford's wedding dress was created by French designer Virginie Viard, Artistic Director at the historic French fashion house Chanel, and the design is true to the heritage of the house. The focus of the long sleeved dress is the floral lace made out of the state flowers of all 53 commonwealth countries that crawls from the six meters train to the cinched waistline. The sheer silk on the back falls open in waves to symbolise modernity. The iconic C from the house of Chanel is stitched on the last silk covered button, which is embraced by two peonies, symbolising the Duchess's parents. The peonies get joined by a row of seven forget-me-nots which circle the cinched waist until at the front, where the joined Royal Coat Of Arms of the Duke and Duchess of Oxford grow out of it. The 53 commonwealth national flowers then grow out of the Royal coat of arms on a wide organza skirt until the very edge of the train. The neckline of the dress is kept modern with a boat cut in sheer silk that keeps the sweetheart neckline from the silk narrow bodice underneath visible.
Inspirations for the dress were Grace of Monaco, the Princess of Wales, Princess Eugiene and the Duchess of Sussex.
Her Royal Highness wished to have combined tradition and modernity, the new and the old, as well as the union of two families.
A selection of flora distinctive from every member state of the Commonwealth is listed below:
AFRICA:
Botswana - Ear of Sorghum and Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Cameroon - Red Stinkwood (Prunus africana)
Gambia - White Variety Orchid
Ghana - Caladium (Caladium)
Kenya - The Tropical Orchid
Lesotho - Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphylla)
Malawi - Lotus (Nymphea lotus)
Mauritius - Trochetia Boutoniana
Mozambique - Maroon Bell Bean (Markhamia zanzibarica)
Namibia - Welwitschia (Welwitschia mirabilis)
Nigeria - Yellow Trumpet (Costus spectabilis)
Rwanda - Torch Lily (Kniphofia uvaria)
Seychelles - Tropicbird orchid (Angraecum eburnum)
Sierra Leone - Scadoxus (Scadoxus cinnabarinus)
South Africa - Protea (Protea cynaroides)
Swaziland - Fire Heath (Erica cerinthoides)
Uganda - Desert rose (Adenium obesum)
United Republic of Tanzania - African violet (Saintpaulia)
Zambia - Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea)
ASIA:
Bangladesh - White Water Lily (Sada shapla)
Brunei Darussalam - Simpor (Dillenia suffruticosa)
India - Indian Lotus (Nelumbo nucifers gaertn)
Malaysia - Bunga Raya Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa sinensis)
Pakistan - Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Singapore - Vanda miss Joaquim Orchid (Miss Joaquim)
Sri Lanka - Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea nouchali)
CARIBBEAN AMERICAS:
Antigua and Barbuda - Agave (Agave karatto)
Bahamas - Yellow Elder (Tecoma stans)
Barbados - The pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)
Belize - The Black Orchid (Encyclia cochleata)
Canada - Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)
Dominica - Carib Wood (Sabinea carinalis)
Grenada - Bougainvillea (Nyctaginaceae)
Guyana - Victoria Regia Water Lily (Victoria amazonica)
Jamaica - Lignum Vitae (Guiacum officinale)
Saint Lucia - The rose and the marguerite
St Kitts and Nevis - Poinciana (Delonix regia )
St Vincent & the Grenadines - Soufriere Tree (Spachea perforatais)
Trinidad & Tobago - Chaconia (Warszewiczia coccinea
EUROPE:
Cyprus - Cyclamen Cyprium (Cyclamen cyprium)
Malta - Maltese centaury (Cheirolophus crassifolius)
UNITED KINGDOM:
England - Rose
Wales - Daffodil (Narcissus)
Northern Ireland - Flax flower
Scotland - Thistle
PACIFIC:
Australia - Golden wattles (Acacia pycnantha)
Fiji - Tagimaucia (Medinilla waterhousei)
Kiribati - Bidens Kiribatiensis
Nauru - Calophyllum
New Zealand - Kowhai (Sophora microphylla)
Papua - Sepik Blue Orchid (Dendrobium lasianthera)
Samoa - Teuila (Alpinia purpurata)
Solomon Islands - Hibiscus (Hibiscus)
Tonga - Heilala (Garcinia sessilis)
Tuvalu - Plumeria (Plumeria frangipans)
Vanuatu - Anthurium (Anthurium)
The Fabric
The ivory wedding gown has been made out of silk and organza. The long sleeves were made out of sheer silk and the skirt out of organza with floral lace. The lace was handmade by Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace. The dressmakers used the Carrickmacross lace-making technique, which originated in Ireland in the 1820s. Hand-cut lace flowers were created individually and added onto ivory silk. The technique used by the Royal School Of Needlework gives the lace a three dimensioned look that's similar to the work found on the veil. In addition no flower, apart from seven forget-me-nots around the cinched waist, is the same.
The Veil
Her Royal Highness expressed the wish of having all Royal Coats Of Arms with her on her journey through the ceremony. The veil is six and a half meters long and made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza. The Royal Coats Of Arms are connected by Each piece was worked flat, in three dimensions to create a unique and delicate design. The workers spent hundreds of hours meticulously sewing and washing their hands every thirty minutes to keep the tulle and threads pristine. The floral application consists of English roses, Lily of the Valley, Hyacinth, Forget-Me-Nots, Astilbe, Astrantia, Myrtle and peonies that embrace the Duke of Oxford's Royal Coat Of Arms as well as the Duchess of Oxford's Royal Coat Of Arms and the Coat Of Arms of his Majesty the King, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis of Wales.
Jewellery
The veil was held in place by the Fife tiara, lent to The Duchess by The King. This tiara was made circa 1887 and was based off a design by Oscar Massin. It is almost exactly like his tiara for the Exposition Universelle of 1878 in Paris, the only difference being the shape of some of the diamonds. The pear shaped diamonds in the middle are hanging so that they move freely. There are nearly 200 carats of diamonds set in gold and silver. The last time this piece was publicly seen was in 1895. The Queen didn't wear it during her reign.
The tiara counted as 'something borrowed'.
The Duchess also wore a rose gold necklace with a half moon pendant that's covered in paradescha sapphires. It had been made in the name of Her Royal Highness's father, Troy Christopher Johnathan Andrew Bolton and counted as the Duchess's 'something new'.
The Duchess's diamond stud earrings were gifted to her by her mother, Gabriella Maria Anne Bolton. They were the Duchess's 'something old' as they were worn by Her Royal Highness's mother on her wedding day, 33 years ago.
The flowers
A replica of Her Royal Highness's bridal bouquet, made from artificial flowers, has been created for the exhibition.
The Duchess of Oxford has chosen to follow a family tradition by carrying a bouquet of pink peonies.
The evening gown
The Duchess's evening gown was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Mrs. Burton has come back from her retirement to design this dress for Her Royal Highness. An off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline gives this ivory georgette gown an elegant, feminine flair that fitted the Duchess's vision. Details like the criss-crossed bodice and sweeping train combine modernity with tradition.
Mrs. Burton took inspiration from the beauty and elegance of Westminster Abbey.
The Duke of Oxford's outfit
The Duke of Sussex's wedding outfit was the frockcoat uniform of the Household Cavalry (the 'Blues and Royals'), specially commissioned for the occasion and made by tailors at Dege Skinner on Savile Row. The uniform's single-breasted blue doeskin jacket has figured braiding of Regimental pattern on the stand-up collar and sleeves.
It is ranked to Major with large gold embroidered crowns on the epaulettes. The trousers, officially called 'overalls', are made from a blue and black wool barathea and are fastened by a leather strap and buckle underneath the boot.
The Duke has loaned an identical uniform to go on display.
Josephine Ophelia Elise Bolton's outfit
Miss Bolton wore a tailored ivory silk dress also by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. It shares the same 16 buttons covered in garza silk and organza, that were fastened by delicate Rouleau loops on the back of the short sleeved dress as seen on the dress of the Duchess of Oxford.
The bridesmaids page boys
The bridesmaids wore ivory ballerina length dresses that were fashioned from the same fabric as Miss Josephine Bolton's maid of honour dress. The box-pleated skirts finish with English Cluny lace at the tail end of the skirts. The dresses have the traditional puff sleeves and the necklines are also trimmed with he English Cluny lace. The buttons of the miniature dresses mirror the Duchess of Oxford's dress for the ceremony and the dresses are finished off with a pale pink silk sash which has their names and the date of the wedding hand-embroidered into the sash. They were wearing ivory coloured satin shoes with Swarovski crystal buckles. Each bridesmaid had a hair wreath made of lily-of-the-valley, forget-me-nots, astilbe and pink peonies sitting on top of their heads.
The page boys wore an uniform based on a Foot Guards officer uniform, in a red fabric that matched the Duke of Oxford's uniform.
The wedding cake
A replica of the Duke and Duchess's wedding cake created by Leicestershire-based cake designer Fiona Cairns as well as the Women's institute will also be on display. The wedding cake was inspired by Shakespeare's Midnight's Summer Dream and had the same shape as the wedding cake of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The sugar free white cake had 8 tiers and was decorated with colourful flowers like pink peonies, white roses, myrtle as well as forget-me-nots and all flowers of the 53 Commonwealth Countries just like seen on the Duchess's wedding dress. On top of the cake, that was made by the Women's Institute, sat a replica of the Royal Coats Of Army of the Duke and Duchess of Oxford. The filling changed from tyre to tyre: blueberry pralines cream on top, followed by chocolate biscuit cherry, passion fruit curd, lemon buttercream, raspberry almond cream, blackberry white chocolate cream, salted caramel and elderflower pistachio cream at the bottom layer.
The menu
The menu and wine card will also be on display. The cards, just like the wedding invitations, have been produced by Barnard Westwood. The company has held a Royal Warrant for Printing Bookbinding by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen since 1985. In January 2012, it became one of the privileged few to be awarded a second Royal Warrant for Printing by His Majesty The King, then known as the Prince of Wales. The cards were die-stamped in gold and then burnished. The text on the cards were also die-stamped. The process of die-stamping is an embossed printing technique, meaning the finished print has a subtle raised texture. To create this raised image, a piece of card was trimmed by hand around the area to be printed. This is known as a 'force'. This pushes that specific area of the paper up into the engraved die so the ink can be applied.
As a final finishing touch, the printed cards were bevelled and gilded in gold along the edges. The bevelled and gilded edge allows the gold border to be viewed when looking straight down at the cards as opposed to just being visible from the sides.
The personalised cards feature, just like the invitations, The Three Feather Badge of His Majesty The King. The names of each guests on top of the cards were added later in calligraphy writing by The Duke and Duchess of Oxford. Their Royal Highnesses wished to contribute to their wedding as much as possible.
The menu was designed by Ella Mills, known as Deliciously Ella. The main menu was vegan but had a seafood and meat option for guests who preferred eating seafood such as lobster and meat such as lamb for the main course. The seafood and meat options were designed and created by Royal Chef Mark Flanagan. All of the ingredients for the wedding reception were sourced from Royal Warrant-holding companies.
All the ingredients for the canapés have been carefully sourced from Royal Warrant holding companies using UK-based ingredients. These include:
To begin with, guests were served a selection of savoury canapés, including:
The vegan options, designed and made by Ella Mills and her team, included the following:
Guests were also served a selection of bowl food, including:
Sweet canapés were also served, including:
The wine card featured an exclusive collection of the Royal Family as well as wine bottles from the Bolton vineyards in Bordeaux, France. Pol Roger Brut Réserve Champagne as well as non-alcoholic, sugar free drinks were offered at the luncheon and reception. The reception also included the cutting of the wedding cake.
Thank You Cards
After the Royal Wedding, Kensington Palace sent out thank you cards from the Duke and Duchess to anyone who sent a wedding card congratulating the couple. The cards are set to arrive in an envelope featuring the Kensington Palace crest and included a black-and-white photo of the couple on their wedding day, shot by photographer Alexi Lubomirski.
On the back of the black and white photograph of the pair smiling, the card reads: "The Duke and Duchess of Oxford have been overwhelmed by all the incredibly kind cards and letters they have received on the occasion of their wedding, and are so touched that you took the trouble to write as you did. It really was most thoughtful of you and greatly appreciated by Their Royal Highnesses who send you their very best wishes."
The cards, which were over 12 million in total, were all signed personally by The Duke and Duchess of Oxford.
Important items for the Duke and Duchess of Oxford
In addition, the exhibition will feature two letters that the Duke and Duchess wrote for one another and were given each on the morning of their wedding.
The exhibition will also feature the Duke and Duchess's shoes that were worn during the ceremony and the evening reception. On the soles of the shoes they each have written thoughtful words with a gold sharpie that resonated with them on the morning of the wedding. A photograph of the freshly written words will be placed next to the shoes, that were designed by Givenchy, as most of the writing has rubbed off. The soles of the ivory silk heels were prior to the writing painted in a pale blue as this counted for the Duchess of Oxford's 'something blue'.
Their Royal Highnesses are immensely grateful for all the well wishes they have received upon their wedding. For this occasion, Their Royal Highnesses have decide to put preciously unseen photographs of their engagement shoot and of their wedding on display as well.
DOCUMENTARY ON THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF OXFORD'S WEDDING
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford are thrilled to announce a new documentary that will be called: A Royal Wedding: Behind the scenes of the wedding of the century.
Part one of the documentary will air on August 15th 2049 at 8:00pm on BBC.
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford have been followed by the BBC's team throughout the wedding planning process, including the dress fittings of Her Royal Highness as well as the cake tastings for their wedding cake. The documentary will show unseen footage including the engagement photo shoot at Frogmore House as well as exclusive footage that was shot on the wedding day itself.
The documentary will also show interviews with the Duke and Duchess of Oxford, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis of Wales and his Majesty the King; Mr. and Mrs. Bolton, Dr. Adaline Bolton, Princess Dr. Anastasia Romanov, Josephine Bolton, Nathanial Bolton, Diana Bolton, Victoria Bolton and Carol and James Middleton.
The BBC team has shot a footage of over 1000 hours, starting from the day of the engagement of Prince George to Miss Lorelai Bolton to their wedding day. Therefore the documentary will be split into four parts. Part one will cover the day of the engagement, their official engagement party until their first engagement tour through Northern Ireland. Part two will cover the designing process of the Duchess's wedding dresses as well as the second engagement tour through Wales. Part three will cover the wedding cake tasting and menu arranging as well as the finale two engagement tours through Scotland and England. Part four will be fully dedicated to the wedding day of Their Royal Highnesses, including the interviews with the Duke and Duchess's Family members.
Their Royal Highnesses are thrilled to share the footage with the public and hope they enjoy reliving this very special and magical time of their lives as much as them.
Rory and George are sending me photos almost daily of their honeymoon. They have been married for two weeks now and the British people are getting worried and slightly confused about the big absence of the Duke and Duchess of Oxford. They have no idea that they will be gone for another six weeks. No Royal couple has ever taken a honeymoon that lasted two months but Rory and George do things their way.
Maybe that's why the press already calls them the Rock'n'Roll couple.
It was actually George's idea to recreate the trip that they had made after the state funeral of the Queen. Back then, they were gone for a month before returning to Oxford. Now, they are combining pleasure with charity. They always loved to give back and help wherever help was needed. So, they decided to pay Mauritius, Cape Town, Bali and India a visit while also doing charity work in each destination. Rory even convinced George to do a yoga and meditation training in India with her.
As for right now they are really enjoying their honeymoon, knowing neither the Kensington Palace nor our family would spill the tea on where they are or when they will come back.
But the press has been starting to follow us more closely now again. They started pressuring us and bombarding us with questions. I thought the global interest in us would decrease after the wedding but I was reminded that now the Brits want another celebration.
The celebration of the arrival of a new heir to the throne.
The baby bump watch has already begun on the day of the wedding. Despite Rory's fit form, some crazy people online insist they saw a tiny baby bump - which is absolutely ridiculous. Rory is not pregnant and from what they told me, they don't want to start trying until they have ended serving the Royal Airforce Medical Service. And that could be in a year, or if Rory does get pregnant by accident, then they would have to end their time at the Royal Airforce Medical Service earlier. But I shouldn't worry about that too much. They'll have kids when they're ready.
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF OXFORD HAVE RETURNED TO CRAIGOWAN LODGE FROM THEIR HONEYMOON
Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Oxford have returned from their honeymoon on Mauritius, Cape Town, Bali and India. As previously announced, the Duke and Duchess of Oxford will live at Craigowan Lodge on Balmoral Castle's grounds as Their Royal Highnesses will serve the Royal Airforce Medical Service in Scotland.
On their eight week trip the Duke and Duchess of Oxford have worked for various charity organisations like WaterAid, Golden Arrow Foundation, The Big Issue, The John Fawcett Foundation (BaliEye), Yayasan Kemanusiaan Ibu Pertiwi (YKIP), Yayasan Senyum Bali (Smile Foundation), Bali Sea Turtle Society, YUVA and Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
In addition, the Duke and Duchess of Oxford participated in a 200 hour long yoga and meditation training at the AyurYoga Eco-ashram on the bank of River Kabini, in Mysore District, Karntaka, India.
The Royal Highnesses would like to thank everyone they met and engaged in deep conversations.
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford are delighted to release some photos that were taken during their honeymoon.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF OXFORD: COAT OF ARMS
A Coat of Arms has been created for The Duchess of Oxford. The design of the Arms was agreed and approved by His Majesty The King and Mr. Thomas Woodcock (Garter King of Arms and Senior Herald in England), who is based at the College of Arms in London.
Her Royal Highness worked closely with the College of Arms throughout the design process to create a Coat of Arms that was both personal and representative.
The blue background of the shield represents all seas that border the United Kingdom, to the south the English Channel, which separates it from continental Europe, to the east by the North Sea, to the west by the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean; while the golden lion is the national animal of the United Kingdom, the Duchess's home country. The golden lion on the shield is joined by a unicorn that's Scotland's national animal and a red dragon which is Wales' national animal.
Beneath the shield on the grass sits a collection of seven golden forget-me-nots that represent the Duchess's seven siblings, and two pink peonies, which represent the Duchess's parents. The flowers are joined by the red tudor rose which is England's national flower, a purple thistle that's Scotland's national flower, a yellow daffodil as Wales' national flower and a blue flax flower which is the national flower of Northern Ireland.
In addition there are four green shamrocks on the grass field that represent the Prince and Princess of Wales and their other two children Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The four shamrocks are embraced by a lilac delphinium, which is His Majesty's favourite flower, and lily of the valley, the Queen and the Princess of Wales' favourite flowers.
It is customary for Supporters of the shield to be assigned to Members of the Royal Family, and for wives of Members of the Royal Family to have one of their husband's Supporters and one relating to themselves. The Supporter relating to The Duchess of Oxford is a blue, green and purple coloured hummingbird, the Eupetomena macroura, with wings elevated as if flying and an open beak, which with the quill represents the power of communication. The hummingbird is the Duchess's favourite bird. Hummingbirds can only be found in North and South America. The Duchess's parents are both from North America. The hummingbird is a symbol of the vigour of their people. These birds have also been a symbol of energy and work in various cultures. They show that when a group is able to work as a team they will be able to accomplish great things. Early drawings show that the immense respect for the Hummingbird even though it is small and delicate. There even have been etchings of it in caves and on art. There are also totems of the Hummingbird that were believed to be carved and then displayed in the area to protect the tribe of Indians from various dangers. This message has always resonated with the Duchess of Oxford.
A Coronet has also been assigned to The Duchess of Oxford. It is the Coronet laid down by a Royal Warrant of 1917 for the sons and daughters of the Heir Apparent. It is composed of two crosses patée, four fleurs-de-lys and two strawberry leaves.
The arms of a married woman are shown with those of her husband and the technical term is that they are impaled, meaning placed side by side in the same shield.
Mr. Thomas Woodcock, Garter King of Arms said: "The Duchess of Oxford took a great interest in the design. Good heraldic design is nearly always simple and the Arms of The Duchess of Oxford stand well beside the historic beauty of the quartered British Royal Arms. Heraldry as a means of identification has flourished in Europe for almost nine hundred years and is associated with both individual people and great corporate bodies such as Cities, Universities and for instance the Livery Companies in the City of London."
Is the Duchess of Oxford pregnant?
Ever since the Duke and Duchess of Oxford came back from their eight week long honeymoon on Mauritius, Bali, Cape Town and India, the people couldn't help but stare at the Duchess's bump on every single outing. After rumours have swirled around that the Duchess was swimming with the alpha dolphin through the Indian Ocean, people couldn't keep their mouth shuts.
Some even claim that the Duchess only drank water on her wedding day! So could she already been pregnant when she wedded Prince George?
Kensington Palace hasn't made any comment on the rumours yet and we will have to wait for the official announcement to know for sure but the signs are pretty clear. The Duke and Duchess of Oxford have reportedly saved five tyres of their wedding cake for christening of their future children.
George and Lorelai have big plans for their future children already!
A little over eight weeks after the wedding and we're finally coming together for a family dinner at home. Autumn has come over England, so the maple trees in our backyard have turned into a stunning red colour. It's raining and windy most of the time but I love every season.
The boys have returned to Le Rosey, where they were joined by their cousins, Isabella and Caroline. So tonight it'll be just the adults.
Life is slowly getting back to normal. Well, to the new normal after my youngest daughter has officially become British Royalty. The little ones have returned to Le Rosey, where they will be joined by Caroline and Isabella in a few months. After long discussions I think Wlad convinced Della to send them there. Simply because they stick to their kind there. Plus, Le Rosey knows what it's like to have famous kids and even blue blooded kids there. After all, it's where Rory met George. There's no bullying.
Josephine will graduate from Harvard in a few months and then she will join Bolton's Enterprises, so she won't be coming to our dinner tonight. Liam is doing an excellent job there so we're slowly giving him more of our work. Which leaves us more time to focus on the Bolton Foundation.
I can't wait to see Rory again. I haven't seen her since the wedding and I'm dying to know all about her honeymoon. George is coming to the dinner as well, but not Charlotte. I don't know why but it seems like Nate wants to keep his relationship to Charlotte a secret for a little longer. The press hasn't caught them yet. Maybe because he has stopped sleeping at the Kensington House and instead moved in with Della and Wlad. Well, sort of moved in as they're living on the same grounds but not under the same roof. Della and Wlad have given them their guesthouse. It offers them the privacy they so badly need and cherish right now.
I've set up the dining table with crystal glasses and or best china. I lean against the round arch that divides the dining room from the kitchen and watch my husband being in his element. He insisted on cooking tonight's dinner all by himself, but he did allow me to make the salad. He made two lasagnas, creamy pesto chicken and pasta for the main course. However, the desert was made by me. I made Cannoli with various fillings and Dulce De Leche Panna Cotta with homemade raspberry jam.
My husband looks through the glass door of one of the two Miele ovens and nods.
"Looking good?" I ask him with a smile on my lips.
"Looking perfect." He says with a smile on his lips.
Suddenly, we hear how the double front doors of our home opens.
"And just in time." I say before turning on my heel. I walk down the long hallway until I reach the wide foyer with a round marble table that has a vase with pink peonies. Della, Wlad, Ana, Sasha and Nate are all getting out of their coats and shoes.
Zeus is greeting every one of them like he hasn't seen them in a lifetime.
"Still raining?" I ask them.
"Yes. Gotten worse over the last minutes." Sasha says before hanging up his coat.
"How are you guys doing?" I ask them before I start embracing every single of my child and their husbands.
"Good." Ana answers. As always she's dressed the most elegantly with a Chanel dress in a deep red and black tights.
"No Charlotte?" I ask my oldest son who is dressed in black jeans and a blue Oxford shirt.
Nate shoots a look at Della, "You told her?!" He hisses.
"I didn't tell her anything!" Della says back, holding up her hands. She's wearing a simple white blouse with dark washed jeans. Her navy eyes look at her husband. "Did you?"
Wladimir shakes his head. Just like Sasha he's wearing a grey sweater with jeans.
"Mom and I caught you guys on Rory's wedding." Ana tells Nate while blushing.
Nate's navy eyes widen before he stares at me, "Mom!"
"Look, I didn't do it on purpose! I was on my way to the loo..." I shrug.
"If it makes you feel better, I had no idea." Sasha days with his bright green eyes. "But it was about time if you ask me!"
"Amen!" Ana and Wlad say out of one mouth.
"Guys!" Nate shakes his head before walking past me and down the hallway. "I can't wait to start eating."
"Oh you and Char will be our top dinner conversation!" I yell after him.
He just waves his hand at me before disappearing in the hallway.
Della and Ana giggle.
"Are Rory and George already here?" Ana asks me.
"No, not yet. Your Dad cooked today." I tell them as we walk down the long marbled hallway, following the smell of amazing Italian food.
"Lasagna?" Della asks.
"Yes and pesto chicken with pasta."
"Sounds really good." Wlad says.
"But you made the dessert, didn't you?" Sasha asks me.
"Of course."
"I can't wait for dessert!" My blonde daughter grins at me as we reach the kitchen.
Troy places the lasagna on cork plates. It's still sizzling.
"Oh that looks good!" Della says as her navy eyes stare at lasagna.
"It's a vegetarian lasagna. For Rory." Troy explains.
"Oh, she'll be happy to share that with us." Ana says and waves her hand. "Oh maybe we get this for ourselves as she and George are late."
"Give her a break. They're probably getting the roads cleared for the Duke and Duchess of Oxford right now." Sasha says.
"No, they're flying here with the helicopter."
"They already moved to Craigowan Lodge?" Della asks surprised.
"You don't keep up with Royal news?" Ana asks her sister.
Adaline shrugs, "I never cared about Royals. Not when you and Sasha got titles and I certainly won't start now that Rory has a title. Whatever is important she'll tell us. The rest is just show. An entertainment for the fans."
Ana's bright green eyes turn dark, "Never say that in public."
"Don't worry. That's what Wlad is for. He will keep me from hurting your reputations." She rolls her navy eyes.
"Just for that?" Wlad asks her with his light grey eyes.
"No, not just for that but you know... mainly." She sticks out her tongue and chuckles as Wlad embraces her with one arm before pulling her closer to him.
"Anyway, who wants to eat?" Troy asks before picking up the lasagna and walking into the dining room. Our children follow him like bees.
There're two bottles of white wine standing in the middle of the walnut dining table along with a pitcher filled with water. The pesto chicken and the pasta is already on big serving plates. Troy puts the lasagna on the spot that I've left free for him.
"I won't wait for Rory and George." Della announces as she takes a seat between Wladimir and Ana. "Because this smells just too good."
"And we don't want t to get cold." Nate agreed with her.
"Who's up for wine?" I ask as I uncork the first bottle. Della, Ana, Sasha and Wlad all nod. I fill up their glasses. "You as well?"
Nate shakes his head. "I'm the driver."
"You guys came in one car?" Troy asks them.
"Yes and it was as cosy as it sounds like." Sasha says with a smile on his lips. "But if Nate and Char are living on Della and Wlad's grounds than we have to take advantage of it."
"I won't be the driver forever!" Nate says to Sasha.
"Well at least until you've proposed to her."
I tilt the wine bottle forwards unintentionally, causing white wine from our vineyards in France to drop on the dining table. I just survived one royal wedding!
"Sasha, you're giving Mom a heart attack!"
"Y-you're-"
"No, Mom!" Nate rolls his eyes at me. "I'm not going to propose to Charlotte. At least not now."
I gulp and sit down in my chair.
Troy fills my glass with white wine up until the rim. "Drink."
Ana and Della chuckle as I drink half of the glass at once.
"One Royal wedding pet year please." I think out loud.
"As I said-"
"I've heard what you said!" I interrupt my son. "But I also know your heart speaks a totally different language."
Nate keeps his mouth shut because he knows I'm right.
Suddenly, the sound of a helicopter coming closer fills our eyes.
Rory and George.
Della starts filling up her plate with lasagna and pesto chicken, totally used to the sound.
"I thought we would all wait." Sasha tells her.
"And I thought we agreed on not letting the food cool down." She says back before handing Nate the lasagna.
"She's right." Nate says. "We did agree with that."
Ana rolls her bright green eyes at them, "You guys are unbelievable."
"No, we're just hungry." Adaline says to her younger sister.
Wlad starts filling his plate with lasagna next.
"Wladimir!" Ana cries out in shock.
"She has a point." He says with a shrug before handing the fish to Sasha.
I start filling my plate with salad and pesto chicken. "I agree. Fill up your plates." I say before the sound suddenly stops. "They'll be here any moment now anyway."
Troy shrugs before filling his plate with pasta and pesto chicken as well.
"Sorry, we're late!" I hear my youngest daughter's voice before she appears in the dining room. She looks radiant in her light washed jeans and deep pink sweater that matches her engagement ring.
George appears next to her, "Yeah, we had a doctor's appointment."
"Anything serious?" I ask them.
"Sure. It was just a check up after the honeymoon." Rory says with a shrug before sitting down next to me. "Oh this looks good!"
"The lasagna is vegetarian." Troy says as George sits down next to Rory, filling the empty seat between her and Nate.
"Great because I'm hungry." Rory starts filling her plate immediately. "And I'm definitely trying the pesto with the pasta as well. You can have my chicken." She says to George who smirks.
"You guys look good." I tell them. "You looked relaxed and grounded."
"Believe it or not, it was India that transformed me." George says.
"Right you are now a yoga teacher." Ana says to him. "That program must've been tough."
"It was alright." George says before filling Rory's and his glass with water.
"No alcohol?" Nate asks them.
Rory shakes her head, "No, we have to work after dinner."
"Work? You're living on the Scottish highlands. There's no work there."
"Except for saving people's lives. Some people call being a doctor a job." Nate says to his sister.
"It's not a job it's a passion."
Rory giggles, "No, we're going on our first Royal tour in three weeks."
"You won't work as doctors anymore?" Della asks them shocked.
"See? Sometimes it is just a job." Nate winks at Della who waves her hand at him.
"Where's the tour going to be?"
"North, Middle and South America." George says with a fill mouth. Only here, with us - his second family - he can be his true self and eat with a full mouth or walk around with stains on his clothes. But outside these walls it's impossible. "Over a month."
"So you guys did stop working at the Royal Air Force." Della breathes out with obvious disappointment in her voice.
"They're still doctors." Wlad says to her.
"I had ballet lessons as a child but that doesn't mean I'm still a ballerina!" She hisses back at him.
"Anyways, back to the tour. When will it start?"
"October the 28th." Rory says before meeting Della's gaze. "Don't look at me like that! I'm embracing my new role."
Della shakes her head, "Whatever."
"Which countries will you visit?"
"Canada, Barbados, Costa Rica, Mexico, Chile, Cuba and The Cayman Islands."
"I hope we get to see hummingbirds in Costa Rica." Rory says with a grin on her lips. "We're planning to do a lot of charity help there."
"And then after Christmas we will visit Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga."
"Already?" I ask the couple shocked.
"We're the King's best weapon right now. We've raised the popularity of the Royal Family immensely. I can understand why he chose to send us away so quickly. But it's cool. I want to visit Australia again after winning the Australian Opens."
"Oh and before I forget. We brought gifts." George reminds his wife.
"Oh yes! We brought our wedding photos. The unofficial ones of course. They turned out great. They're in my bag in the foyer." Rory says with a smile on her lips.
FIRST WINTER TOUR OF THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF OXFORD
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford will go on their first official tour. Starting October 28th, Their Royal Highnesses will visit Canada, Barbados, Costa Rica, Mexico, Chile, Cuba and The Cayman Islands before flying back home in mid December.
More details will be announced in due course.
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford are very much looking forward to meeting as many new faces as possible.
Working Royals! The Duke and Duchess of Oxford are working non-stop after their return from their honeymoon!
The winter tour of the Duke and Duchess of Oxford was filled with images full of love! While everyone in Oxford will go on their first official tour. Starting November 1st, Their Royal Highnesses will visit Canada, Barbados, Costa Rica, Mexico, Child, Cuba and The Cayman Islands kept staring at the Duchess's stomach, hoping to see a glimpse of the possible Royal baby, the Duke and Duchess got their hands dirty. They planted trees and helped farmers on banana plantations but also did the typical social work like meeting kids at kindergarten and pupils at school. Their Royal Highnesses visited the University Of Toronto, University Of British Columbia and the famous McGill University. The Duke and Duchess held inspiring speeches and also spent some time with the students in private - without cameras. The students were gushing about them afterwards, saying how real and relatable they were.
Canada also hosted the first glamour event for the Duke and Duchess of Oxford. Their Royal Highnesses were invited to a charity gala where the Duchess dazzled in a blush pink sparkling Eli Saab dress. She looked phenomenal next to her husband, who went with a black tuxedo.
Before their departure from Canada, George and Rory held speeches in fluent French, thanking Canada for their warm welcome.
In Mexico the Royals were welcomed with a colourful culture and warm wishes. The couple visited Mayan Ruins and took a tour through Mexico City. Before leaving for Costa Rica, the couple went to a state banquet held by the president of Mexico. As in Canada, the Duchess amazed the press with her dress choice. Lorelai chose a cape dress in the colours of Mexico's flag - red, green and white - by Mexican designer Roberto Sanchez. The dress was sparkling with Swarovski stones at the boat cut neckline that reminded a lot of people of the Duchess's historic wedding dress.
In Costa Rica, the Royals showed off their casual side. They wore jeans and matching grey T-shirts as they watched the baby turtles hatch from their regs and walk into the ocean. The Duchess also held a speech to raise awareness of the rain forest and corals destruction. Then the couple visited rescue centres for parrots and hummingbirds. The couple even ever photographed with a lot of birds. One included Lorelai with a green hummingbird that looked quite similar to the one of her Royal Coat Of Arms.
In Chile the couple hiked up to a volcano, showcasing that brand Oxford is not just about clothes and sparkle, it's also very much about rising awareness of things that are close to the couple's heart.
The heartwarming images didn't stop in Cuba. Whether it was in a cigar factory or on the breathtaking beaches with turquoise coloured water, the Duke and Duchess of Oxford didn't hide their love. They were snapped laughing, sharing loving gazes, holding hands and even kissing. The couple clearly likes to redefine Royal protocol.
After their last destination, the dreamy Cayman Islands, the couple took a private flight back to Craigowan Lodge on Balmoral Castle's ground in Scotland, where the couple lives.
The next official engagement for the Duke and Duchess of Oxford is the yearly Christmas Morning walk with other Royal families in Norfolk.
I free the stems of the pink peonies from the thorns before putting them into a crystal vase. It's a nice early winter morning but that doesn't mean I give up on my pink peonies. Rory and George just came back from their first Royal tour to North, Middle and South America. While they enjoyed the warm tropical weather of the Caribbean during their last days of the tour, London has been hit with a blizzard.
The greenery and the houses have been coated in a thick layer of pear white snow. In fact, it hasn't stopped snowing in a week. The weather is so bad that we advised our employees to stay home and do home office or take the days off. I only left the house to go on a walk with Zeus and Troy as it was freezing.
I love it!
The boys will be home from Le Rosey in two months, right in time for Christmas. It'll be the first Christmas Eve that we're spending with the Middletons and the Wales Family in Hanover Street at Della's house as it's the biggest house. That way we can all sleep over there. And the next morning, the Royals, including the Duke and Duchess Of Oxford, will take the helicopters to Sandringham House to join the other Royals on the morning Christmas Day walk to St. Magdalene Church for the church service, while the rest of us will enjoy an amazing Christmas Day breakfast.
"Mom!"
I look over my shoulder and see my daughter standing in the doorway. She's wearing a beautiful white chiffon blouse underneath a light grey sweater with light washed jeans and moccasins. Her chestnut coloured hair is wavy and silky. She kept her makeup light with just mascara and a little blush. Rory never needed any makeup to look stunning. All of our daughters look stunning - they have that from their Daddy. Her earlobes are glitterings from the snowflake formed diamond earrings that match the season. She's wearing the rose gold trinity ring and the rose gold Maillon Panthére ring from Cartier on her right hand. The pear-shaped padparadscha sapphire along with the six pear-shaped padparadscha sapphires that embrace the twelve carat centre stone are sparking on her left ring finger. The gold Welsh wedding band is paired with the famous engagement ring that women all over the world now want to wear ever since they announced the engagement. Next to her is her husband, the future King of England, George. He is wearing beige slacks and a black cashmere sweater with brown leathered shoes. I love them together. Like every one of my married daughters they're glowing with love. Because they found their soulmate.
"Hey!" I say with a smile on my lips. "What a lovely surprise!" I get out of my gloves and place them on the white marbled kitchen island. I wrap my arms around my daughter before hugging George. "How are you?"
"Good." The dirty blonde man says with a smile on his lips.
"How was the tour?" I ask them, although I've seen the zillion photos, videos and articles of them online. The press called the tour a Royal success.
"Where's Daddy?"
"In his study. We're about to have lunch. Do you guys want to join us?"
"I'll get him." Rory says before walking out to the kitchen.
"No, we're just here for a quick stop. We have an engagement in a few hours." George says as he watches Rory leaving us alone. He has always looked out for her, even before they were officially dating.
"Where?"
His head swings back to me at my question. "The press wants to follow us around at the homeless shelter in Putney." George says with a shrug. "We agreed for five minutes of filming and then leave us alone for the remaining three hours we want to be there. And then in the evening we're going to the Royal Albert Hall."
"For the Bolschoi ballet? We've got tickets too. Della, Ana, Sasha and Wlad will be there as well. We got a box next to yours. Your parents are coming as well?"
George nods. "But not Grandpa."
"How about we head outside as well? It's such a beautiful day." I suggest.
George nods.
"I made a tiramisu. It's in the fridge." I tell George before getting out four plates and forks out of one of the many white hanging cupboards in our country styled kitchen. We walk into the dining room next door that has a huge walnut table with 20 light grey velvet chairs. Just like in our old dining room there's a row of transom windows that offer a view over our white backyard. Big snow flakes are falling from the sky and the fire is cracking in the white marbled fireplace with a matching mantelpiece. On it we've placed wedding photos of Ana and Sasha, Della and Wlad, Rory and George, and Troy and me. One day there will be framed photos of Jo and her husband, Nate and his wife - who will be Charlotte, I'm sure of it -, and Elias, Calloway and Gideon's wives. I love every single photo that's standing on the mantel piece. They're private photos, the public will never see those photos of Rory and George.
I place the plates and forks on the table just as my husband walks over to us with Rory by his side. Troy is dressed in dark blue jeans and a grey shirt. My husband may be in his mid fifties but he doesn't look like a day older than forty. He's still in shape as he still works out like he used to when he was younger. Zeus joins him on his morning runs that can easily last an hour or two. He still runs through Richmond park every morning, easily for 20 miles.
My daughter has inherited his hair and eye colour. "Oh, we're having tiramisu?" Her bright blue eyes widen.
I nod. "I know how much you love it."
"I do."
"Coffee or tea?" I ask George, Rory and my husband.
All of them shake their heads.
"Rory said they've got some news." My husband says.
"I figured." I say with a smile on my lips before sitting down on the chair. I place tiramisu on each plate before sliding the plates, along with the forks, over to them. "Okay, what's the news?"
"You're going to be grandparents-" George starts.
"No!" I breathe out shocked before looking at Rory. "You're pregnant?" I thought they didn't want any children in their first year of marriage. It's such a wonderful surprise!
"That's wonderful!" Troy says with a smile on his face before hugging his daughter and George.
Rory nods, "I'm ten weeks along."
I rise from my chair and embrace her. "Congratulations!" I whisper into her ear. "I'm so happy for you." I say before letting her go. Then I embrace George. "I can't wait to have another grandchild."
"Yeah, about that-"
"You're going to get three." Rory interrupts her husband.
"What?!" I ask them shocked.
"You're having triplets?" Troy asks.
Rory nods, "I think it's safe to say that those three will make Royal history."
"Are you still going on the planned tours to Australia and Asia?" Troy asks them as I embrace my youngest daughter again.
"Mom, let go of me!" Rory protests.
I kiss her cheek, "First Della with twins and now you with triplets..." I think out loud with tears in my eyes.
"Must be the Bolton genes." She jokes.
I chuckle, "I love you so much!"
She smiles at me, "I love you, too Mommy."
I gulp as my eyes well up, "So, the Royal tour is still on?"
"Yeah, we'll fly with two doctors and a mid wife. But they said it's pretty safe to travel if Rory's doing okay."
"Which I am. I'm feeling pretty good."
"No morning sickness?"
Rory shakes her head, "How was it carrying me, Jo and Nate?"
"I wasn't really sick as well. But my belly grew very fast and I had to eat every few hours. In the beginning it was easy because there was still space in my tummy but at the end I drank mostly fluids. Protein shakes and smoothies." I remember carrying the triplets like it was yesterday. "I'm sure the doctors told you that it would be safer to continue this pregnancy with twins instead of triplets."
George nods before taking Rory's hand. "But we're not doing it. As long as Rory is still fine we're going to continue with the royal engagements. But she's probably going on maternity leave a bit earlier than my Mom did."
"Yeah, we were thinking of maybe end of the sixth month or middle of the seventh. But for now... for now we're going by plan. That means Australia, New Zealand and Fiji in four weeks and Asia in eight."
"Honey, it's going to be tough to attend 93 engagements in three weeks. You'll be jet legged down under."
"I know. Which is why we extended the stay to a month. Four weeks for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. We're going to do the same amount but not as compressed. And if I started to feel tired, George is going to have to do some engagements by himself."
"When do you want to announce it?" Troy asks.
"The day we land in Sydney. Meghan and Harry did it that way and I liked their way of dealing with it."
"In four weeks you're going to be showing a lot already." I say with a smile on my lips. "I already looked like six months pregnant with Della when I was fourteen weeks along with the three of you."
Rory smirks, "I can't wait."
"But we won't tell the world about the triplets. We'll keep the announcement neutral." George explains.
"Yeah, the pregnancy is risky enough. Plus I think it'll be a great surprise to the nation. Especially if we get girls." Rory smiles before squeezing George's hand.
"You want to know the sex?"
"Sure. Getting three is surprise enough. Plus my parents knew the sexes as well when they were pregnant..."
"They did?" I ask them surprised. "I thought the royals don't find out until they gave birth. Or at least until they're on official maternity leave. I mean at least then the information doesn't accidentally slip off your tongue..."
Rory looks at George. "Maybe we should wait until I go on maternity leave."
George narrows his brown eyes at her, "Rory, knowing you, you will work until you go into labour. You're just like your Mom."
My youngest daughter chuckles, "That's true. How long did you work when you were pregnant with us?"
"Until I was 20 weeks along."
My youngest daughter purses her lips. She doesn't like that one bit. "No, I won't stay home from the 20th week onwards. I mean that means we only have time for our oversea trips. So the people here won't see anything of me. No, that's not an option." She sounds like a future Queen not my daughter. Duty always comes first.
"Well what did your doctors say?"
"Sophie-"
"Sophie?" Troy interrupts his daughter. "Della's Sophie? She's your doctor?"
Rory nods, "One of five actually. We have one for each baby and two for me." She rolls her bright blue eyes.
"Royal protocol." George informs us.
I nod although I find it a bit extreme.
"But I insisted on Sophie as she's specialised in multiples. Plus, if Della trusted her with my nieces than she's more than good enough for my three." She grins. "Anyways, she said that I could work and attend as many engagements as I wanted as long as I felt good. So, I'm definitely going to work for more than another 10 weeks."
"And if you're feeling exhausted you could always work from home and hold meetings there." Troy suggests.
Rory nods. "Yeah, that's how I'm going to do this. Take one day by another."
"But you're definitely going to have to move out of Craigowan Lodge now." Troy says. "You can't live in Craigowan Lodge anymore and work for the Royal Airforce Medical Service."
"No, sadly not."
"We're currently looking for a new home."
George nods. "We're currently still undecided between Frogmore House and York Cottage."
"What about York Cottage? That's in Norfolk. It's not as far away as Craigowan Lodge." I say with a shrug. "You'd be not to far away from London. You could keep your offices at Kensington Palace."
"We're definitely moving the offices to Clarence House. Kensington Palace has enough to do with my parents and siblings' engagement. It will be better if we split it up between Clarence House and Kensington Palace." George explains.
"Or maybe even Windsor Castle. We could base our offices there." Rory says to her husband. "This way we could live and have our offices in the same town."
"I'm actually for York Cottage but Rory likes Frogmore House in Windsor more." Frogmore House was closed for the public a month before their wedding, half a year ago. Clarence House hasn't officially announced what houses the king gifted George and Rory, so naturally the world started gossiping. From Bagshot Park to Adelaide Cottage, the list is endless. They have no idea that Rory and George own three houses: Craigowan Lodge, that was the former summer residence of George's grandma Lady Diana, York Cottage, which is on the grounds of Sandringham House, right between Amner Hall where George's parents tend to spend their weekend and Sandringham House where the Royals spend their Christmas, and then there's Frogmore House in Windsor. It's close to Frogmore Cottage, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex live with their kids. Rory and Meghan really get along well, so she would have lovely neighbours. Plus Windsor is a stone throw away from us.
"It just would be closer to you guys." She says with a shrug. "We'd be forty minutes away from you by car. Flying here would take less than half an hour."
"And Norfolk?"
"Two hours by car and about an hour by helicopter." George says.
"Have you visited both places again?"
Rory shakes her head. "Maybe this weekend. York Cottage is a ten minute drive from Amner Hall but George's parents are living here in Kensington Palace anyway. So we'd be alone in York Cottage."
"A bit distance from all the insane press would be good."
"But Windsor's closer. We'd be living next to Meghan and Harry."
"But they're not always home as well."
"But Windsor's closer to our parents. We could visit them any time of the day."
"So Frogmore House?"
Rory nods. "We need to renovate it before moving in anyway. Why not add a floor and a few rooms?"
Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it!
This is the longest chapter I've ever uploaded! Today is the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's 8th wedding anniversary so I thought it would be fitting to upload this chapter today. Be sure to check out heir wedding photos to get a better idea of how Rory and George's wedding was like.
I took the inspiration for the wedding list from the Cambridge wedding in 2011.
Sadly, A Million Times More is slowly coming to an end.
Jo's story, Someone's Someone is now online! Please check it out!
As always please review!
In gratitude,
Nicole