Where to watch the royal wedding in Calgary
Stephen Hunt | CBC News | Posted: May 16, 2018 11:44 PM | Last Updated: May 18, 2018
A handy guide to celebrating as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot
It's not time for strawberries, cream and champagne at Wimbledon quite yet — but the British have given us all another reason to skip sleep Saturday morning.
Judging by the tabloids, there might be more drama at Harry and Meghan's royal wedding than centre court anyway.
For Calgarians who got bumped off their flights to London, fear not. You still can find a few good opportunities to wear your royal wedding hats.
Here's the short list for royal wedding viewing parties and other royal-themed events taking place in Calgary.
What: Britster. Featuring an appearance by British Consul General in Calgary Caroline Saunders, this royal wedding watch party includes full BBC media coverage of the event, with live commentary by royal fashion correspondent Katrina Olson-Mottahed and master of ceremonies Jimmy-Lee Vennard.
"It's really big in our world, a royal wedding. I mean, you don't get that many of them and that's huge," Saunders said.
Smoked salmon, cucumber sandwiches and English sparking wine will be served at the event. Guests can partake in a fascinator competition, and must wear wedding attire.
There will be a toast to the wedding kiss, a showcase of British brands, a silent auction (proceeds going to The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards), Oscar-style gift bags and an after-party reception.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Royale, 730 17th Ave. S.W.
How Much: Tickets from $85.
What: Reader Rock Garden will show highlights from the wedding Saturday afternoon, for everyone who couldn't manage to drag themselves out of bed at 5 a.m. to watch live. The highlights will be screened at Union Chapel, which features the original pews (built in 1908) — so dress for comfort but also look your best. There's a Dress to Impress contest, with the winner receiving a private tour of the garden.
The British Consulate's Saunders will hoof it over from Royale to deliver a suitably diplomatic address. Nearby, the Reader Garden Cafe will provide high tea, including scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, coffee and tea.
When: 2:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Reader Rock Gardens, 325 25th St. S.E.
How Much: $55.
What: After the wedding, The Dove's Nest is offering an afternoon luncheon with a very royal wedding-themed menu. That includes a Prince Harry roast beef sandwich, a Meghan Markle chicken salad (and scone) and a Queen Elizabeth quiche with a scone.
When: 11 a.m. onward.
Where: 106A-1600 90th Ave. S.W.
How much: Wedding high tea costs $34.95 or you can purchase à la carte menu items.
What: Royal wedding afternoon tea will be served through Aug. 15 at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, which does exude a certain regal air from its location on 9th Avenue S.W. in downtown Calgary.
You might not be able to view the wedding from the Rimrock Dining Room, but while you access YouTube highlights on your iPhones, you can snack on an array of menu items inspired by the newest royal couple, including a mini-BLT and apple tart with caramel glazing to pay homage to Meghan's American heritage.
For old-school royalists, there are cucumber sandwiches, scones and cream and preserves, as well as a new spin on an old, familiar favourite: a creamy Earl Grey macaroon.
Or go full royal wedding and indulge in a slice of lemon cake with elderflower, inspired by Harry and Meghan's actual wedding cake. It's topped with — I kid you not — edible gold.
Wash it down with a "Meghan" cocktail, a sparkling negroni, or a "Harry," a Ciroq Moscow mule mimosa.
Where: Rimrock Dining Room, Palliser Fairmont Hotel, 133 9th Ave. S.W.
When: Afternoons through Aug. 15. (No wedding viewing breakfast, though. That's been cancelled).
How much: $55 (includes a cocktail).
How to watch
You can tune into the royal wedding on CBC. Live coverage starts at 2 a.m. MT on Saturday on CBC TV and CBC News Network.
To stream live coverage, download the CBC TV app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
CBC Radio coverage kicks off at 4 a.m. MT.
Live wedding coverage will be streamed online:
CBCNews.ca: Live blog coverage starts at 2 a.m. MT, and will include live video of CBC TV's royal wedding special.
YouTube: Live coverage runs 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. MT. Follow the CBC News channel.
Facebook: Live coverage runs 4 a.m. to 6:15 a.m. MT. Then keep watching for a Q&A with Peter Mansbridge and continued coverage until 8 a.m. MT. Follow the Facebook pages, CBC News and The National.
Twitter: The CBC TV royal wedding special will stream on Twitter, as well, from 4 a.m. to 6:15 a.m. MT.
You also can follow ongoing coverage at cbc.ca/royalwedding.
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With files from the Calgary Eyeopener.