A former Wokingham schoolboy is getting married today.
Henry Charles Albert David attended Ludgrove school along with his bigger brother William Arthur Philip Louis before going on to Eton.
Today, he is better known and Prince Harry and will wed the retired actor Meghan Markle at a special ceremony to be held in Windsor at noon.
And the borough is joining together for a series of parties to celebrate its most famous schoolboy.
Holme Grange Craft Village will show the wedding and the FA Cup on a big screen, thanks to Beyond The Download and The Grange Chocolate Cafe.
The fun starts at 10am with Royal Breakfasts, an afternoon cream tea from 1pm and a pasty and a pint during the footie.
Holme Grange is hoping that people will come dressed as if they are going to a wedding and Thomas William Jewellery will clean rings for free while the wedding is on.
The Hilton St Anne’s Manor hotel in London Road, Wokingham is holding a day of celebration from 11.30am. It is erecting a stretch tent in its grounds so that people can enjoy the wedding come rain or shine.
Places cost £40 per person and include a glass of Pimms, afternoon tea and unlimited tea or coffee. They should be booked in advance.
Wokingham Cricket Club is holding a party to celebrate the Royal Wedding in the evening. Taking place at its Sadlers End base in Sindlesham, there will be a barbecue. Entry is £6.
During the day, its Oaks bar will be open for both the Royal Wedding and the FA Cup Final.
The Cantley House Hotel will be screening the Royal Wedding, from 10am. Entry is £20 and includes an afternoon tea and a Kir Royale.
The Berkshire Care Home, part of the brighterkind group, is inviting the public to its Royal Wedding Garden Party.
The event will take place between 2pm and 4pm and will give residents and the community an opportunity to watch the wedding in style.
Home manager Caroline Walker said: “We can’t wait to spend the day celebrating with our residents, family and community. A Royal wedding is such a special occasion and should be shared with everyone.
“The team and residents will be getting into the royal wedding spirit by wearing hats, fascinators and royal masks and enjoying a cream tea.
“You are invited to dress to impress should you wish to and light refreshments will be offered throughout the event.
“For more information, please call 0118 770 233.”
Residents of Twyford and the surrounding villages have two opportunities to watch Saturday’s Royal Wedding live on screen.
In addition to the showing at St Mary’s Church in Twyford, the wedding will also be shown live at Hare Hatch Sheeplands plant nursery.
Sheeplands “wedding watch” event begins at 11.30am and continues until 3pm. Entrance is free and includes children’s activities and the chance to buy wedding cake and a drink or a pre-booked High Tea.
Activities at St Mary’s begin at 11am and coverage of the wedding is followed by coverage of the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United.
There will also be children’s entertainment, music and the chance to buy refreshments.
Admission is £4 for adults and £1 for children with the proceeds going to local charities.
A number of street parties are also being planned by residents across the borough.
If you’re holding a street party, please send your pictures to [email protected] – we’ll include the best in Thursday’s Wokingham Paper
