Inviting Royalty: Guide To Asking The Queen To Your Wedding

While it is uncommon for the Queen to attend the wedding of anyone outside of her family, foreign dignitaries, or close friends, there have been instances where she has surprised couples by accepting invitations. In one such instance, the Queen and Prince Philip surprised a couple in Manchester by attending their wedding after receiving a lighthearted invitation from the couple. The couple, who were initially informed that they would be sharing their venue with an important VIP, were stunned when the Queen and Prince Philip made a detour from their original schedule to wish them well.

How to invite the Queen to your wedding: The format of the invitation

The format of the invitation is crucial when inviting the Queen to your wedding. While there is no guarantee that Her Majesty will accept your invitation, following the proper etiquette and format can increase your chances of a royal appearance at your wedding. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate this process:

Addressing the Invitation:

Address the envelope to "Her Majesty, The Queen" and consider including "c/o Master of the Household, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA". This will ensure your invitation reaches the correct channel for consideration.

Formal Language and Tone:

Use a formal and respectful tone throughout the invitation. Begin with a formal salutation such as "Your Majesty," followed by a respectful request for her presence at the wedding. For example, you could write, "We cordially invite you to join us at the marriage of [bride's name] and [groom's name] on [date] at [time]."

Providing Details:

Clearly state the date, time, and venue of the wedding. Include any relevant information such as the dress code or theme, especially if it has cultural or traditional significance. It is essential to provide accurate details to aid in the Queen's scheduling and preparation.

Format and Presentation:

Use high-quality paper and elegant typography for the invitation. Consider a classic font such as calligraphy or serif fonts. The presentation should be impeccable, with crisp folds, neat envelopes, and refined aesthetics.

Additional Information:

Include a separate card or note with additional details about the wedding, such as the schedule of events, the wedding party's names, and any cultural or traditional rituals that will be observed. This provides a more comprehensive overview of the day's proceedings.

Sending the Invitation:

Allow ample time for your invitation to reach the Palace and be processed. It is advisable to send the invitation at least several months in advance of your wedding date. Ensure your invitation is sent via a secure and trackable method to confirm its delivery to the Palace.

While inviting the Queen to your wedding may seem like a long shot, following these guidelines on the format and etiquette of the invitation will demonstrate your respect and attention to detail. Remember that even if the Queen is unable to attend, your invitation will be considered a memorable gesture.

What to expect if the Queen accepts your invitation

If the Queen accepts your invitation, you can expect to be pleasantly surprised and stunned, as it is highly unlikely that she will accept. Typically, the Queen would only accept an invitation to a wedding if the couple were a member of her family, a friend, or a foreign dignitary.

You can expect to be congratulated by the Queen, who will likely know both your names, and she may ask how you are feeling. The Queen's husband, Prince Philip, may also be in attendance and is likely to wish the couple well, perhaps asking about your honeymoon plans.

The Queen's presence at your wedding would be considered a great honour and a wonderful gift. She is not likely to stay for the entire duration of the wedding, but her appearance, even for a short while, will undoubtedly be a memorable moment for the couple and all the guests in attendance.

It is important to note that the Queen's attendance may also come with additional security measures and protocols that need to be followed, ensuring the safety and smooth flow of the event.

What to do if the Queen arrives at your wedding

It is highly unlikely that the Queen will attend your wedding, but if she does, here is what you should do:

Firstly, remain calm. It is understandable to be shocked and overwhelmed by the Queen's presence, but it is important to maintain a level of composure. Greet the Queen with a bow or a curtsy, as is customary when meeting the monarch. Address her with the appropriate title, such as "Your Majesty" or "Ma'am".

Secondly, ensure that you introduce yourself and your new spouse to the Queen. It is customary to introduce yourself by stating your first name and surname, and then your partner's name. The Queen is likely to be aware of your names, but it is polite to reintroduce yourself.

Thirdly, express your gratitude and honour in having the Queen at your wedding. You can say something along the lines of, "We are deeply honoured by your presence, Your Majesty." It is also a thoughtful gesture to thank the Queen for her well-wishes if she has congratulated you.

Throughout the interaction, be mindful of your etiquette. When speaking to the Queen, avoid placing your hands in your pockets or adopting a casual posture. Maintain eye contact and speak clearly and respectfully. It is also important to note that you should not attempt to initiate any physical contact, such as a handshake or a hug, unless the Queen offers her hand first.

Lastly, it is a thoughtful gesture to offer the Queen refreshments or a seat. This can be done by simply asking, "Would you like to join us for a moment, Your Majesty?" or "May I offer you some refreshment?" However, be mindful of the Queen's schedule and do not expect her to stay for an extended period.

What to say to the Queen at your wedding

It is highly unusual for the Queen to attend the wedding of someone who is not a member of her family, a friend, or a foreign dignitary. However, there was one instance where the Queen attended the wedding of a couple she did not know.

John and Frances Canning from Prestwich had booked Manchester Town Hall for their civil wedding. They were surprised when staff informed them that they would be sharing the venue with an "important VIP". When they found out the guest of honour was the Queen, they wrote a lighthearted letter to Buckingham Palace inviting her to their party. To their surprise, the Queen and Prince Philip made a detour from their original schedule to wish them well.

If the Queen were to accept an invitation to a wedding, it would be polite to prepare some words to say to her. Here are some suggestions:

• Welcome: It is customary to welcome the Queen to the wedding and thank her for coming. For example, "Your Majesty, we are honoured that you are here to share this special day with us. We are so grateful for your presence."
• Congratulate the couple: The Queen may wish to offer her congratulations to the newlyweds. She could say something like, "I want to congratulate the happy couple and wish them a long and happy life together."
• Enquire about the couple: The Queen could ask the newlyweds about their honeymoon plans, as she did with the Cannings. She could say, "I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon planned. Where will you be going?"
• Offer thanks: It would be a kind gesture for the Queen to thank the couple for inviting her. She could say, "Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your special day. It means a lot to be able to share this happiness with you."
• Best wishes: Finally, the Queen could offer her best wishes for the couple's future together. For example, "I wish you both all the best for a long and joyful future together."

How to get a letter from the Queen after inviting her to your wedding

It is possible to invite the Queen to your wedding, and while it is highly unlikely that she will attend, there have been instances of the Queen surprising couples by accepting invitations. If you would like to invite the Queen to your wedding, you can send a letter to Buckingham Palace. Here are some tips on how to increase your chances of receiving a letter from the Queen after your invitation:

• Timing and Location: The Queen's attendance at your wedding is more likely if she is already scheduled to be in the same location on the day of your wedding. Keep an eye on the royal family's official schedule and choose a wedding date and venue that aligns with the Queen's planned visits or engagements. This way, it becomes more feasible for her to make a quick stop at your wedding.
• The Invitation: When writing your invitation, it is essential to be respectful and polite. Address the Queen using the appropriate title and salutation, such as "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II." Include a brief and heartfelt message expressing your admiration and the honour you would feel if she were to attend your wedding. You can also mention any personal connections or reasons why her presence would be meaningful to you. Send the invitation well in advance, giving the Palace enough time to respond.
• Follow Royal Protocols: When addressing the envelope, ensure you follow the proper royal protocols for addressing royalty. The envelope should be addressed to "Her Majesty The Queen" and sent to Buckingham Palace. It is also a good idea to include your return address on the envelope.
• Be Prepared for Security Checks: If the Queen is considering attending your wedding, expect security checks and protocols to be implemented. These measures are standard for any royal visit and are necessary to ensure the safety of the Queen and those in attendance.
• A Gracious Response: Whether you receive a letter of acceptance or a polite decline, be sure to respond graciously. Thank the Queen for her time and consideration, and express your well-wishes. Your thoughtful response may increase the chances of receiving a letter from the Queen, even if she is unable to attend.
• Local Connections: While it is not a requirement, having connections to the local community or dignitaries can sometimes help facilitate a response. In the case of the Manchester couple, their wedding venue was in the same building where the Queen was having lunch, and they had support from the lord mayor and town hall staff.

While inviting the Queen to your wedding may seem like a long shot, following these steps can increase your chances of receiving a letter or response. Even if she is unable to attend, the gesture of inviting her and receiving a reply can make your wedding day even more memorable.

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