Royalty is always fascinating, and especially so when it comes to weddings. There is much excitement and pomp surrounding a royal wedding, and it is an event that captures the attention of people from all over the world. However, have you ever wondered why royal weddings are often held on weekdays?
In this post, we will explore the reasons why royal weddings are usually held on weekdays, and the intriguing superstitions that may have influenced this tradition.
A Long History of Royalty and Weddings
The union of two ruling families has always been significant, with royal marriages cementing alliances and bringing great wealth and power to the families involved. Throughout history, this has led to extravagant and lavish weddings, and a tradition of holding them during weekdays.
One of the main reasons for traditional weddings during weekdays was the fact that this allowed for more preparation time and gave the wedding event more space in terms of media attention. This still holds true today, and especially so for royal weddings which are widely covered by the press. With a weekday wedding, the media has time to cover the wedding in depth, and the general public can also prepare to watch live coverage or read in-depth reports and features about the event.
Another reason why royal weddings often take place on weekdays is the fact that this enables the government to cordon off areas where the wedding will be taking place, ensuring security and safety. This can be essential, especially given the number of people who will be attending or watching the event. If the wedding is held on a weekday, it is easier to close off specific roads or areas, and for the local authority to manage the security arrangements.
Why Are Saturdays Considered Unlucky?
The choice of a weekday wedding date can also be linked historically to English folklore, which believed that Saturday was an unlucky day for weddings. Various legends and superstitions have been attributed to this belief, such as the idea that a couple who married on a Saturday would be cursed with a life full of bad luck. Others believed that it was because Saturday was the day on which the god Saturn ruled, thus making the day unsuitable for happy occasions such as weddings.
This belief has been so strong in England that, even today, many couples still avoid getting married on a Saturday. Instead, most common days for weddings are Fridays, Sundays, and weekdays.
Recent Examples of Weekday Royal Weddings
The most recent example of a royal weekday wedding was the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, which took place on a Saturday in May 2018. The wedding was one of the most watched and talked about events of the year, with an estimated 29 million people in the United States alone tuning in to watch the ceremony.
Another royal wedding that was held on a weekday was the marriage of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. The wedding took place on a Friday in October 2018, and saw many members of the Royal Family in attendance.
However, not all royal weddings have been held on weekdays. The marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton took place on a Friday in April 2011, and was another extravagant event, drawing huge crowds and media attention.
Conclusion
In conclusion, royal weddings have a long history of traditions that make them unique and fascinating events. While weekday weddings have become a common choice in recent history, this tradition has its roots in past superstitions and beliefs. Whatever the reason may be, it is clear that royal weddings are a wonderful celebration of love and unity, and continue to capture the imagination of people around the world.
FAQ
What day of the week did Prince Harry get married?
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, got married to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, on Saturday 19 May 2018. The royal wedding, which was watched by an estimated 1.9 billion people around the world, took place at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom. The decision to hold the ceremony on a Saturday was made to ensure that as many people as possible could attend and also had the added benefit of being able to celebrate the occasion with a long weekend.
The festivities for the wedding began early in the morning when the guests started arriving at the castle. The ceremony started at noon and lasted for approximately an hour and contained all the traditional elements of a royal wedding, from the procession to the exchanging of the vows. The wedding was followed by a carriage ride through the streets of Windsor, allowing the couple to greet the crowds who had gathered to wish them well.
The day was a historic one, as Meghan Markle became the first person of mixed race heritage to marry into the royal family of the United Kingdom. The wedding was also notable for the inclusion of personal touches, such as the selection of a gospel choir to perform during the ceremony and the bride’s decision to walk down the aisle alone for the first part of the procession.
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a joyous occasion that was celebrated across the globe. The choice to hold the ceremony on a Saturday ensured that as many people as possible could participate in the festivities and made for a memorable and historic day.
What was the biggest royal wedding of the year?
On April 29, 2011, the world was captivated by the fairytale royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The wedding was held at the historic Westminster Abbey in London, England, and was attended by royalty, heads of state, celebrities, and dignitaries from around the world. It was the biggest royal wedding of the year, and even one of the biggest royal weddings of all time.
The wedding ceremony was watched by an estimated two billion people worldwide, which makes it the most-watched event in history. The couple exchanged vows in front of their family, friends, and an enormous crowd of well-wishers who had gathered outside of the Abbey to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds. They were also watched by millions of people around the world who tuned in to watch the live broadcast of the ceremony.
The bride, Kate Middleton, stunned in a gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown designed by Sarah Burton. The dress was a timeless and classic style that featured long sleeves, intricate lace detailing, and a sweeping train. It was later displayed at Buckingham Palace for all to see.
Following the ceremony, the couple made their way to Buckingham Palace for the royal reception. The newlyweds shared their first kiss on the balcony of the palace in front of a cheering crowd, and this iconic moment quickly became a symbol of their love and devotion to each other.
The royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was not only a lavish and extravagant event, but it was also a significant moment in history. The couple’s love story captivated people around the world and inspired hope and happiness for many. It marked the beginning of a new era in the British monarchy and highlighted the continued relevance and importance of the royal family in modern society.
Which royal wedding had the most guests?
The royal wedding that had the most guests was that of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly, which was held at the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco in 1956. The wedding was considered as one of the most opulent celebrations of the 20th century, which was attended by royalty, politicians, celebrities, and other notable figures in the society.
The wedding lasted for two days, which began with a civil ceremony that was held in the Palace Throne Room and was followed by a religious ceremony at St. Nicholas Cathedral. Princess Grace Kelly was a popular Hollywood actress before she became a member of the Monaco royal family. Her wedding to Prince Rainier III captured the attention of the world as it was an extravagant affair that was attended by hundreds of guests.
A total of 600 guests attended the royal wedding, including more than 30 royals and 50 heads of state. Among the notable attendees were Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko of Japan, Queen Frederica of Greece, and Prince Bertil and Princess Lilian of Sweden. Hollywood stars were also present during the event, including Cary Grant, Gloria Swanson, and Ava Gardner.
The attending guests were transported to the cathedral in luxury cars and coaches, and the route was lined with 3,000 locals and tourists who wanted to witness the grand event. The wedding ceremony was broadcasted worldwide, and millions of viewers tuned in to watch a glimpse of the event.
The wedding reception was held at the Monte Carlo Casino, where the couple and their guests were entertained by world-renowned performers such as Maurice Chevalier and Josephine Baker. The wedding was considered as a celebration of glamour, wealth, and opulence that was usually depicted in Hollywood movies.
The royal wedding that had the most guests was that of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly in Monaco. The two-day extravagant celebration was attended by 600 guests, including royalty, politicians, celebrities, and other notable figures in the society. The wedding was a glimpse of glamour, luxury, and opulence that was usually depicted in Hollywood movies.