Royal wedding bridesmaids and supporters

Prince William and Catherine Middleton's choice of attendants for their wedding day continue a long tradition of including royal relatives in their wedding party. Prince William has chosen his brother, Prince Harry, as his best-man (or supporter) and Catherine has chosen her sister Pippa as her Maid of honor.

Here's a look back at some royal wedding parties from the past.

Queen Victoria & Prince Albert
British Monarchy Flickr

Queen Victoria & Prince Albert - February 10, 1840

Supporters: Prince Albert's father, the Duke of Saxe Coburg Gotha and his brother, Prince Ernest, The Hereditary Prince

12 train bearers - all daughters of peers of the realm

Prince & Princess of Wales
Source: Wikipedia

Albert Edward, Prince of Wales & Princess Alexandra of Denmark - March 10, 1863

Supporters: His brother-in-law, Crown Prince of Prussia and his uncle Ernest, Duke of Coburg

Bridesmaids: Eight unmarried daughters of earls and countesses

Prince George, Duke of York, and Princess May of Teck July 6, 1893

Supporters: The Groom's father, The Prince of Wales and his uncle, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh.

Bridesmaids: Nine granddaughters and one great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria:

Princess Alexandra of Edinburgh, Princess Helena Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh, Princess Victoria and Princess Maud of Wales. Princess Alice of Battenberg, Princess Margaret of Connaught, Princess Beatrice of Edinburgh, Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg and Princess Patricia of Connaught

Princess Mary
Source: Wikipedia

Princess Mary & Viscount Lascelles - February 28, 1922

Eight bridesmaids, including Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon

Prince Albert, Duke of York & Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon - April 26, 1923

Supporter/Best man: The Prince of Wales

Lady Mary Cambridge, Lady May Cambridge, the Hon. Diamond Hardinge, Lady Mary Thynne, Lady Katherine Hamilton, Miss Elizabeth Cator, the Hon. Elizabeth  Elphinstone and the Hon. Cecilia Bowes Lyon




Princess Marina
Source: Wikipedia

 Prince George, Duke of Kent and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark November 29, 1934

Best man: The Prince of Wales

Eight bridesmaids: Princess Elizabeth of York, Princesses Irene, Eugenie and Katherine of Greece, Princess Juliana (later Queen) of the Netherlands, the Grand Duchess Kira of Russia, Lady Mary Cambridge and Lady Iris Mountbatten

Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester & Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott November 6, 1935

Best men/Supporters: The Prince of Wales and The Duke of York

Eight bridesmaids: Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. Lady Mary Cambridge, Miss Anne Hawkins, Miss Claire Phipps, Lady Elizabeth Scott, Lady Angela Scott and Miss Moyra Scott.

Princess Elizabeth & Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten - November 20, 1947

Supporter/Best man - Prince Philip's first cousin, the third Marquess of Milford Haven

Eight bridesmaids: HRH Princess Margaret, HRH Princess Alexandra of Kent, Lady Caroline Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Lady Mary Cambridge, Lady Elizabeth Lambart, The Hon. Pamela Mountbatten, The Hon Margaret Elphinstone, The Hon Diana Bowes-Lyon

Pages: Prince William of Gloucester and Prince Michael of Kent

Princess Margaret & Antony Armstrong Jones - May 6, 1960

Best man/Supporter: Dr. Roger W. Gilliatt. Originally Jeremy Fry but he was caught in a scandal. In 1952 he had been arrested in Hyde Park, and fined £2 after pleading "guilty to a minor offense."

Eight child bridesmaids, including Princess Anne



Princess Alexandra & Angus Ogilvy
Source: British Monarchy - Flickr

 Princess Alexandra & Angus Ogilvy - April 24, 1963

Supporter/Best man: Hon Peregrine Fairfax

2 pages and 5 Bridesmaids, including Elizabeth, Archduchess of Austria and Princess Anne

Princess Anne & Captain Mark Philips November 14, 1973

Supporter/Best man - Captain Eric Grounds

Bridesmaid: Lady Sarah Armstrong Jones. Page: Prince Edward. Princess Anne deliberately chose to have only two attendants because of her previous experience as a bridesmaid wrangling 'unruly children.'

Prince Charles & Lady Diana Spencer July 29, 1981

Supporters/Best men: Prince Andrew and Prince Edward

Bridesmaids: Lady Sarah Armstrong Jones, Catherine Cameron, India Hicks, Clementine Hambro, Sarah Jane Gaselee

Pages: Lord Nicholas Windsor & Edward van Cutsem

Prince Andrew & Sarah Ferguson - July 23, 1986

Supporter/Best man - Prince Edward

Bridesmaids - Lady Rosanagh Innes-Ker, Miss Laura Fellowes, Miss Zara Philips, Miss Alice Ferguson

Pages: Prince William, Peter Phillips, Andrew Ferguson, Seamus Makim

Prince Edward & Sophie Rhys Jones - June 19, 1999

Supporters/Best man: The Prince of Wales & The Duke of York

Bridesmaids: Camilla Hadden and Olivia Taylor

Pageboys: Harry Warburton and Felix Sowerbutts

Prince William & Catherine Middleton - April 29, 2011

Best man: Prince Harry
Maid of Honor: Pippa Middleton

Bridesmaids: The Lady Louise Windsor, The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Miss Eliza Lopes,

Pageboys: Master William (Billy) Lowther-Pinkerton, Master Tom Pettifer

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Boopity Boop supports Sentebale!

Boopity Boop! Writes Her First Poem is a new book written by actress Masiela Lusha, the US ambassador to the charity Sentebale.

In BOOPITY BOOP! Writes Her First Poem, the main character Boopy, is a spunky and colorful 6-year-old girl that is learning of her inner strengths and encouraging children to pursue their own passions. This book shows each child that major accomplishments are possible and that happiness awaits if they have the courage to dream.

Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry, following his gap year visit to Lesotho a mountainous landlocked country in southern Africa. Overwhelmed by the plight of the children he met, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, younger brother of King Letsie III of Lesotho, made a long-term commitment to the children of Lesotho through Sentebale. Sentebale means ‘forget me not’ in Sesotho and is named in memory of the late, Diana Princess of Wales and Queen ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso, the late mother of Prince Seeiso).

The focus of Sentebale is to make a life changing difference to Lesotho's orphans, vulnerable children and the forgotten victims of poverty and the HIV/Aids epidemic that ravages this kingdom. Every day in Lesotho, more than one hundred children have their lives shattered by the death of a parent. One quarter of the population of the Forgotten Kingdom, as Lesotho is aptly known, are children who face horrors that no child should ever face.

Lesotho is fighting for survival. Nearly one third of Lesotho's people are infected with HIV/AIDS - the third highest rate in the world. There are an estimated 400,000 orphans and vulnerable children in a country of 1.8 million. Life expectancy has plummeted to 34 years.

Published in 2010 by Little Black Dog Publishing, 25% of the wholesale proceeds of Boopity Boop! Writes Her First Poem will go directly to support Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso's charity.

Boopity Boop! Writes Her First Poem by Masiela Lusha not only supports an important cause it also supports childrens literacy. Order your copy through Amazon today!

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Why the Prince Harry kidnapping film intrigues me

Oh the horror!

Actually showing the potential reality of the situation!

A first for any movie dramatizing the royal family where artistic licence is the norm.

Channel 4 in the UK is set to broadcast a film called 'The Taking of Prince Harry.' The film dramatises the third in line to the throne being kidnapped by the Taliban, 'shot with an unloaded pistol and forced to appear in Al-Qaida and Taliban propaganda videos'.

Now people are shocked, and high ranking military leaders are concerned for what it would do for morale or lest it give any terrorists ideas. The powers that be at Channel 4 have not bowed to pressure to shelve the film. Good for them.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want Harry to be harmed or kidnapped. But this is the reality when he heads over to Afghanistan to fight with his boys. The potential is always there. Or is it? A film depicting Prince Harry being kidnapped is seen as distasteful.  Is it better to dramatize the kidnapping of some other soldier provided we don't know who he/she is?

In 2008, when we saw footage of Harry in Afghanistan he was depicted in his job as a forward air controller, looking macho in camouflage while firing a machine gun, and foot patrolling a deserted Afghan town, hugging his weapon.  Yes, the photos of him were impressive. He played his role well. Certainly we should be proud that he 'walked the talk' and no question he did something to earn the medal he was awarded. But there is no way he would ever come into harms way. Guarded from birth, no one would ever let that happen. Prince Harry is a fool to think that he can fight like any other soldier. He may be fed the same food, allowed to get dirty, exposed to the elements and wear the same gear. But that's where the similarities end. Unlike his fellow soldiers, he has people who are paid to take bullets for him.

Which is why this special sounds so intriguing. What would happen if he did get kidnapped? How much would the ransom note be? Would the government *gasp* negotiate? Who would wring their royal hands more, Charles or the Queen? How would the military deal with it? How far would they go to secure Prince Harry's release? If they put the same amount of effort into rescuing him than they do for other soldiers, then maybe this film isn't so realistic after all.

I wish I could watch the film. It seems like it shows the potential reality Harry could have faced while in Afghanistan. And it faces the reality should he return there.

Maybe it's time that Clarence House did the same.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Report for Sunday June 27, 2010 - Princes William and Harry, two brothers, two different destinies

In a recent joint trip to South Africa, Prince William and Prince Harry revealed their hopes and dreams for the future. Amongst Harry's: to be a ‘professional surfer’, ‘wildlife photographer’ and to live in Africa. William said that his ambition was to be 'happy, lucky, strong, caring, and a ‘successful pilot’. With their respective roles as future king and spare, which one of them has a greater chance of seeing their dreams become a reality?

Listen to the episode here

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada No 178 28 June 2010

Blogs mentioned

British Royal Wedding

From My Royal Collection

Tiaras - A History of Splendour by Geoffrey C. Munn

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday July 4, 2010 at 9:00PM EST (North America).

The topic will be: In honor of the Queen and Prince Philip's 24th royal tour of Canada, a look back at their royal visits to Canada.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Prince William and Prince Harry vs the vuvuzelas

During the England vs Algeria FIFA World Cup match in South Africa, the following conversation takes place through the buzzing of the ubiquitious blowing of vuvuzelas:

Spectator One: Did you hear that William and Harry are here today?

Spectator Two: (stops blowing his vuvuzela) WHAT?

Spectator One: WILLIAM AND HARRY ARE AT THE MATCH TODAY

Spectator Two: WHO?

Spectator One: PRINCES WILLIAM AND HARRY ARE HERE TODAY

Spectator Two: ARE YOU SURE? I DON'T SEE THEM

Spectator One: THEY'RE THE ONES NOT BLOWING VUVUZELAS



© Marilyn Braun 2010

The things Prince William and Prince Harry do for England

Think being royal is a glamorous job? Fabulous wealth, jewels, palaces, and minions catering to your every need?

Throw in an 8-ft python and that golden page in the history books doesn't seem so appealing anymore, does it?

Kate, take note.

The Royal Report for Sunday May 16, 2010 - A Celebration of Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy's love

On this episode I "celebrate" the love of Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy.

You can listen to my celebration here

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 173 17 May 2010

PEOPLE: THE ROYALS - THEIR LIVES, LOVES AND SECRETS - 2010 version

People - The Royals, Their Lives, Loves and Secrets 2006 version

Blogs mentioned

The Royal Representative

From my Royal Collection

Happy and Glorious: Six Reigns of Royal Photography

There will be no show next week due to the Victoria Day weekend. Tune in LIVE to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday May 30, 2010 9:00PM EST (North America)

The topic to be determined

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Report for Sunday August 30, 2009 - Are the younger royals taking their roles seriously?

On this episode Prince William drinks out of toilets, Princess Eugenie prefers ketchup bottles, Prince Harry likes wearing disguises and Princess Beatrice just wants people to call her Beatrice. Are the younger royals taking their roles seriously? Also on this episode, I called Party Pieces (several times) to find out if Kate works there.

You can listen to the show here.

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 141 31 August 2009

Blog post that inspired this episode

The Royal Representative - Who's taking the business of Monarchy seriously?

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday September 6, 2009 at 9:00PM EST.

The topic will be: It's September and still no engagement between Prince William and Kate Middleton. Is it time to *gasp* give up hope?

© Marilyn Braun 2009

The Royal Romance Report for Sunday July 5th, 2009

On the July edition of The Royal Romance Report, can Michael Jackson top Diana in the funeral stakes? Should Andrew and Fergie get back together?

You can listen to the episode here.

Publications mentioned

People Magazine – The Talent and Tragedy of Michael Jackson 1958 – 2009

My Story by Sarah, Duchess of York

Blogs mentioned

British Royal Wedding

The Royal Report will be on hiatus for the next 2 weeks. The show will return on Sunday July 26th, 2009 - topic to be determined. Please feel free to check out my show archives in the interim.

© Marilyn Braun 2009

Question: Title of Queen

Would Camilla attain the title if Charles ascends to the throne? Would Diana have attained this title if she were still Charles wife? Who would ascend to the throne following Charles death?

At the time of their wedding in 2005 there was a lot of controversy over what Camilla's title would be upon her marriage to Charles. Legally she is entitled to be called Princess of Wales but because the title is so associated with Diana, decided to take the title Duchess of Cornwall instead. When Charles becomes king the official line is that she will be known as H.R.H. The Princess Consort. Legally she would be Queen but Camilla reportedly does not want the title of Queen. This move might also be to placate members of the public who would be against her being known as Queen Camilla.

Had Diana lived, and still been married to Charles, she would have become Queen Diana in due course.

Next in line to the throne following Charles' death would be his elder son Prince William. Should something happen to William then the next in line would become monarch - Prince Harry.

© Marilyn Braun 2009

The Royal Report for Sunday June 7, 2009 - Can Prince William and Prince Harry carry on their mother's work?

Since their mother, Princess Diana died, both of her sons have vowed to continue her work. Can they live up to her legacy?

You can listen to the episode here

Note: The Royal Report is now available on iTunes!

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada No 131 8 June 2009

The Serpent and the Moon by Princess Michael of Kent

Websites mentioned

World of Royalty

Princess Michael of Kent

Prince of Wales

Causes mentioned

Centrepoint

Sentebale

Royal Marsden Hospital

The Diana Memorial Fund

Tune in LIVE via webcam to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday June 14th, 2009 9:00PM EST.

The topic will be: The Royal Romance Report - June edition

© Marilyn Braun 2009

Question: Prince William and Prince Harry - Peace Makers?

I was thinking about the recent (media) strife HRH William & HRH Harry have gotten in & how their family prefers them challenging their efforts in defense forces, & as a hypothetical was wondering how possible (if they wanted 2) either of the Princes "taking" U.S. president Barack Obama place in The Israeli–Palestinian peace talks?

No, it's unlikely that either Prince William or Prince Harry would be able to, as you say, 'take the place' of President Obama in these talks.

The main reason for this is that as they are members of the British royal family; they cannot do anything to make the monarch look partial to a particular side. The Queen has to be strictly neutral. By remaining so, the Queen provides a sense of stability and continuity in times of political and social changes. Members of the royal family support the Queen, which is the reason why you don't see any member of the family involved in politics.

In regards to Prince's William and Harry's involvement in the defense forces, they are following a long-standing tradition within the family. At one point, a military career for princes was seen as the best possible occupation for them. However, this training would not, in any way, make them qualified to involve themselves in these types of discussions. Also, with their recent actions in the media - landing helicopters in their girlfriend's backyard, or in Harry's case - wearing pink nail-polish and being photographed in a wig and a bra - it doesn't instill confidence in any abilities they might have given the opportunity. In my opinion I feel safer leaving these issues to the professionals.

© Marilyn Braun 2009

Related article

Royal Military Service

The Royal Romance Report: April edition Sunday April 19th, 2009

Is Kate Middleton having Prince William's baby? Could Astrid Harbord be the wind beneath Prince Harry's wings? Which minor royal said goodbye to Hello!? How many women does it take to make a harem?

You can listen to the episode here

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 125 20 April 2009

Blogs mentioned

British Royal Wedding

Recommended biblical movie mentioned

Monty Python's The Life of Brian

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday April 26th, 2009 9:00PM EST

The topic will be: Prince Philip recently surpassed the record for longest serving consort. On this episode a look back at royal consorts.

© Marilyn Braun 2009

Prince Harry made him do it

Believe it or not, there was a time when royalty set fashion trends. In those days, before television or the internet, people tended to be limited to movie stars or royalty for their fashion cues. Nowadays there are other options and you'd be hard pressed to find a fashionista amongst the current Windsor crew. However, some people still do take a fashion page from royalty, and admit to it. For instance, take Julius Hart, 18, who was arrested last September under a by-law in Riviera Beach, Florida, which prevents residents from exposing their underwear. In Mr Hart's case, four inches of boxer shorts. For this crime he spent one night in prison and was fined $150.

Dusting off the freedom of expression chestnut he defended his constitutional right to look sloppy by citing Prince Harry as an example of someone wearing slouchy jeans. Well, Mr Hart..if Prince Harry jumped off a bridge...

The Duke of Windsor and his bright checks must be rolling over in his grave.

© Marilyn Braun 2009

Harry vs Chelsy - Who will lose last?

I love a good game as much as the next person. UNO - count me in. Scrabble, ur..I'll grab my dictionary. Twister - let me do my warm-up stretches first. What I don't like are the kind of emotional games Chelsy and Harry are reportedly playing out since their breakup. He, inviting a pliant Chelsy look-a-like back to Clarence House for a nightcap. She, hanging with a rugged chap who can hunt crocodiles. He, wearing pink nail-polish. She, wearing..well who really cares whether she's wearing nail polish. Tit for tat. These are games high school kids play, not the sign of two people who are meant to be together.

Just divide your Facebook friends down the middle and be done with it.

© Marilyn Braun 2009

An Important Message From Prince William

After reports in previous months about the royals tightening their belts, you'd think they would walk-the-talk. Apparently talk is cheap in Prince William's case as he plans on whisking Kate Middleton away to a £40K ice palace in Klosters. While there he will wine and dine Kate at a five star Michelin rated restaurant, snuggling by the roaring fire in their exclusive chalet no doubt oblivious to the rising unemployment rate of his future subjects.

While good deeds and touching speeches may elicit sympathy, I tend to wonder if William and Harry are coasting on their mother's memory. For someone whose mother introduced him to the other side of life, he seems to have forgotten the lessons. The reality that most people do not live in opulent surroundings with expendable servants attending to their every whim. Maybe it's apt that Prince Charles recently named a baby giant tortoise after Prince William.

Right now both seem to be a little slow.

© Marilyn Braun 2009

The Royal Romance Report - Sunday February 15, 2009

On this episode I discussed Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship.I discussed the relationship status of other royal couples.

You can listen to the episode here.

Blog and websites mentioned

World of Royalty Blog
World of Royalty Website

Tune in to the next Royal Report on Sunday February 22, 2009 9:00PM EST (North America).

The topic will be: A recent article in the Times Online titled - Kate Middleton: Man-pleaser asks, is the princess-to-be only there to satisfy William's every whim? Is she or is the media just being mean?

© Marilyn Braun 2009

The Royal Report for Sunday February 8, 2009 - A Salute to Chelsy Davy

On this episode I saluted the former girlfriend of Prince Harry, Chelsy Davy. Healing, cathartic, deeply moving. Let the healing begin.



Publications mentioned on this episode

Hello Canada Weekly No. 115 February 9 2009

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday February 15, 2009. 9:00PM EST (North America).

The topic will be: The Royal Romance Report: February edition

© Marilyn Braun 2009

The Royal Report for Sunday February 1, 2009 - The Trouble with Prince Harry

On this episode I discussed Prince Harry's recent gaffe. It's a doozy! I also offered tips on what to do with your keys when you leave your car.



The video that started it all:

News of the World - Prince Harry's video that will spark outrage

Message Boards Visited

World of Royalty Message Board
The Unofficial Royal Family Forums
The Royal Forums
The Internet Forum/Royal Forum
Debatewise.com

Sites mentioned

British Royal Wedding

Blog articles mentioned

Royal Dontopedalogy

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on February 8th, 2009 9:00PM EST (North America). The topic will be: A Salute to Chelsy Davy.

© Marilyn Braun 2009

Update: The Royal Report episode The Trouble with Prince Harry moved to February 1, 2009

Note: I'm still not feeling well so I've postponed this episode to Sunday February 1, 2009. Same time, same place!

In the interim, enjoy these fantastic previous episodes of The Royal Report!



© Marilyn Braun 2009