Junior Rasmussen
It's not every day that you get to meet the Queen, let alone have her at your wedding. But that's exactly what happened to one lucky couple in Manchester, England. John and Frances Canning were married at Manchester Town Hall when they received the surprise of a lifetime—the Queen herself dropped by to wish them well. The couple had initially sent a lighthearted invitation to the Queen, not expecting much in return. But to their amazement, she accepted and made a special detour to celebrate their big day. The newlyweds were thrilled to have the Queen as their surprise guest of honour, and the moment was described as phenomenal and like a dream.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Will the Queen come to your wedding if you invite her? | Possibly, but it is rare. |
| Who has the Queen attended the wedding of? | John and Frances Canning |
| Where did the Queen attend a wedding? | Manchester Town Hall |
| What did the Queen do at the wedding? | She congratulated the couple, posed for pictures, and chatted with them. |
| What did the Queen say about dancing? | "I always try to dance when this song comes on, because I am the Queen, and I like to dance." |
What You'll Learn
The Queen might actually show up
If you invite the Queen to your wedding, she might actually show up. While it is unlikely, it is not impossible. In 2014, Frances and John Canning were left amazed when the Queen appeared as a surprise guest of honour at their wedding at Manchester Town Hall. The couple had sent an invitation to the Queen, not expecting her to accept, but were surprised when they received a reply from the Palace thanking them for the invite. Little did they know, the Royal visitor would make a detour from her original schedule to turn up and wish them well.
The Queen's visit was part of her Diamond Jubilee tour of Manchester and Salford, and she was having lunch at Manchester Town Hall, which the couple had booked for their civil wedding. The couple only found out about the Queen's presence in the building a few weeks before their wedding when they received a phone call from the venue staff informing them that an 'important VIP' would be in attendance.
On the day of the wedding, the newlyweds were asked to wait in the corridor, and to their surprise, the Queen arrived and greeted them by name. She congratulated them and asked how they were feeling. Prince Philip also joined in, inquiring about their honeymoon plans in Italy. The couple's guests were equally astonished as the Queen, Prince Philip, and other dignitaries lined up to congratulate the happy couple.
The Queen's unexpected appearance at the wedding was described as "phenomenal" and "one of the most memorable moments" by John Canning. The couple considered it "one of the best presents you could wish for".
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She may send a letter declining the invitation
If you invite the Queen to your wedding, she may send a letter politely declining the invitation. This is what happened when John and Frances Canning, a couple from Prestwich, invited the Queen to their wedding at Manchester Town Hall. They received a reply from a lady-in-waiting at Buckingham Palace, who thanked them for the invitation but informed them that the Queen would not be able to attend.
The couple had initially booked Manchester Town Hall for their civil wedding and were later informed that they would be sharing the venue with an "important VIP". They decided to write a lighthearted letter to Buckingham Palace, inviting the Queen to join their celebration. Although the Queen was unable to attend, she did make a special effort to meet the couple and wish them well for their future.
In another instance, a couple invited Queen Elizabeth to their wedding as a joke, and they received a letter of declination.
It is important to note that only British citizens will receive a response from British royalty when sending wedding invitations.
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She could send her congratulations via a lady-in-waiting
If you invite the Queen to your wedding, she could send her congratulations via a lady-in-waiting. This is what happened when John and Frances Canning, a couple from Prestwich, invited the Queen to their wedding at Manchester Town Hall. They received a reply from a lady-in-waiting at Buckingham Palace, who thanked them for the invitation but unfortunately declined the invitation on behalf of the Queen, wishing them all the best for the future.
The couple were nonetheless delighted to receive a response and felt that it made their day special. Mr Canning said, "That made my day, because I thought 'She's read it'". The lady-in-waiting's response showed that the Queen was aware of their invitation and wished them well, even if she was unable to attend in person.
In another instance, a couple invited Queen Elizabeth to their wedding as a joke, and they received a response from a lady-in-waiting. The Queen was unable to attend the wedding, but the couple was pleased to have received a reply, which added a unique touch to their special day.
So, if you invite the Queen to your wedding, you may receive a response from a lady-in-waiting, conveying the Queen's congratulations and best wishes. This can be an exciting and memorable part of your wedding experience, even if the Queen herself is unable to attend.
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The bride and groom will be asked to wait while the Queen is on her way
The happy couple were overjoyed to receive a reply from the Palace, but they never expected the Queen herself to turn up and wish them well. They were further amazed when the Queen greeted them by name. The Queen had clearly been briefed, as she knew both their names and details about their honeymoon plans.
The Queen's unexpected arrival caused a stir among the wedding guests, who stared in amazement as the Queen, Prince Philip, and other dignitaries lined up to congratulate the newlyweds. The bride and groom were asked to wait, and the Queen's arrival was a well-kept secret, with the couple only finding out when she actually arrived.
The Queen's visit was a detour from her original schedule, and it was a memorable moment for the couple, who described it as "phenomenal" and "one of the best presents you could wish for". The bride and groom were asked to wait, and their patience was rewarded when the Queen arrived and made their day even more special.
The Queen's attendance at the wedding was a surprise to everyone, including the couple, who were left waiting with anticipation and excitement. The request for the bride and groom to wait was a necessary part of the protocol, ensuring that everything was ready for the Queen's arrival and that the couple had the opportunity to meet her without feeling rushed.
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The Queen might ask for your honeymoon plans
If you invite the Queen to your wedding, you may be wondering what you will talk about if she accepts. It is likely that the Queen will ask about your honeymoon plans, as she has done with previous couples whose weddings she has attended.
It is important to be prepared for this question, as it could catch you off guard if you are not expecting it. Discussing your honeymoon plans with the Queen can be a great opportunity to share your excitement for your upcoming trip and get her perspective on the destination. It is a good idea to have a clear idea of your itinerary and any specific activities or sights you plan to see so that you can answer her questions knowledgeably.
If you are not going on a traditional honeymoon, you can still share your post-wedding plans with the Queen. For example, if you are planning a staycation or a short trip close to home, you can highlight some of the activities you are looking forward to and why you chose that particular destination. It is always a good idea to have a few conversation topics prepared in advance to avoid any awkward silences.
Additionally, being well-prepared will ensure that you make a good impression on the Queen and leave a lasting, positive memory of your interaction. Her interest in your honeymoon plans showcases her thoughtfulness and desire to connect with her subjects on a personal level. Therefore, it is beneficial to be ready to engage in this conversation and share your experiences.
Overall, if you are fortunate enough to have the Queen attend your wedding, embrace the opportunity to discuss your honeymoon plans. It will not only make for a memorable interaction but also demonstrate your ability to adapt and engage in meaningful conversations with royalty.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is possible to invite the Queen to your wedding, the likelihood of her attending is slim. In one instance, a couple invited the Queen to their wedding at Manchester Town Hall, and she accepted. However, this is a rare occurrence.
To invite the Queen to your wedding, send a letter to Buckingham Palace. Include your names, wedding date, venue, and any other relevant details. Keep in mind that the Queen is unlikely to attend unless she has a prior engagement at the same venue.
If you receive a response from Buckingham Palace accepting your invitation, be prepared for a royal visit. Work with your venue and security teams to ensure the Queen's safety and comfort during her time at your wedding.
