INNISFAIL - It was a royal wedding for the ages.
Dozens of royal watchers and royal enthusiasts gathered at the Innisfail and District Historical Village to celebrate the royal wedding of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, commonly known as Prince Harry, and Ms. Meghan Markle on May 19.
The Royal Wedding Tea took place in the Tea Room on the day of the wedding from 2 to 4 p.m.
“We’re only partway through the program but I think it’s been a wonderful success,” said Anna Lenters, board president of the Innisfail and District Historical Society and curator of the village. “We have a full house here today and people are chatting and sharing stories.
“They all look wonderful,” she added. “We are so pleased with the turnout and everyone’s enthusiasm.”
About 50 guests came out to mark the special occasion. Marilyn Maldaner of Innisfail was one of them.
She like many royal fans woke up early Saturday morning to watch the royal nuptials at St. George’s Chapel in the town of Windsor.
“I got up at 1:30 a.m. and I watched the whole wedding,” said Maldaner. “I thought the wedding was beautiful.
“They looked so happy and everybody attending was happy,” she added, noting how pleased she was to take part in the Royal Wedding Tea.
“I think it’s great and I think they have a sellout here.”
Jane Olsen from Olds also came out to celebrate the special occasion with friends and other royal fans in Innisfail.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea. I’m happy to be here,” said Olsen.
Olsen wore a fascinator created at the Lady Bug Studio in Olds. Her fascinator was made of light blue tulle, ribbon and a peacock feather.
“I love it,” she said, noting another feature she enjoyed at the Royal Wedding Tea.
“(One of the best) parts is using the fine china. We don’t usually use it anymore,” said Olsen.
Lenters said with the success of the first Royal Wedding Tea event, a second royal event may soon follow.
“If they have a baby we’ll have to do it again,” Lenters concluded.
