As royal wedding fever will fill the living rooms of many Illawarra homes this weekend, Greater Union Cinema in Shellharbour is also preparing to party.
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Dozens of fans eager to watch Prince Harry tie the knot with American actress Meghan Markle have snapped up the $10 seats for the four-hour viewing of the wedding live from St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Upgraded tickets receive a glass of bubbly (or other drink of choice) with a small popcorn or choc top.
On the Event Cinemas website it is encouraging guests to dress in style for the celebration, “come dressed in fun finery, think bridesmaids, wedding guests, why not wear your wedding dress again”.
Read More: Commoners who have married into royalty
More than three-quarters of Australians watched at least part of the nuptials of Harry's older brother William and Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011, according to a Roy Morgan poll.
And it looks like history will be repeated on Saturday night.
Shellharbour Councillor and proud monarchist Kellie Marsh will be attending a private party with “plenty of bubbles” to mark the occasion.
“I’ve been quite empowered by the amount of private parties that are happening across the city and NSW,” she said. “There’s nothing like young love.”
Ms Marsh said she found the new breed of royals “enlightening” and felt “blessed” to live in a democratic country under the guise of the Commonwealth.
“We’ve had a wonderful Queen and I just think with Prince Harry and Prince William it’s just enlightening to see the next generation coming through,” she said. “[Prince Harry] is a young man any mother would be proud of.”
Emily Regidor is planning an English-themed viewing party with her girlfriends including crowns, a spread of scones, cake and royal wedding drinking games with wine in teacups.
The 24-year-old said the fact that former Suits star Markle is becoming a royal is just as interesting as Harry's progression from the "party person" of the family.
"I grew up with Harry being the rebel so I was always going to be interested in who he ended up marrying, and it worked out that I was interested in her too," Ms Regidor told AAP.
"We've seen her on our TV screens and all that and now we've seen her real life transition into this other role."
Read More: Harry likely to don uniform on wedding day
Jane Massam is hosting a party with Pimm's, cucumber sandwiches and Yorkshire puddings for her English husband, friends and children - including her eight-year-old son Harry, who was named after the prince.
The 42-year-old spent eight years living her Australian "rite of passage" in London and feels an affinity with the younger royals after watching them mature and start families of their own.
"I think there's a lot of affection for the monarchy, it's just a nice event, a nice celebration to sit and watch," she said.
"It's more of an entertainment thing and it's a little bit out of the ordinary as well.
"Meghan Markle is not that ordinary but she's a commoner and when she gets married, she becomes a royal, so there's something a bit magical about that."
The royal occasion is to kick off at 8pm Saturday.
How will you be celebrating the nuptials of Harry and Meghan? Comment below …
- with AAP
Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
