Royal weddings are known for their meticulous planning and grandeur, with every detail carefully thought out. However, some of the traditions followed by the British royal family can be quite peculiar to the rest of us.
One such tradition is the serving of fruitcake as the wedding cake. Despite evolving tastes, the royals have maintained this custom for centuries. Even modern couples like Prince Harry and Meghan had to include a fruitcake alongside their chosen lemon and elderflower cake. This tradition harks back to Queen Victoria’s era and has been a staple at royal weddings, known for its dense structure and elaborate decorations.
Another unique aspect of royal weddings is the absence of adult bridal parties. Instead of best men and bridesmaids, royal weddings feature children as pageboys and flower girls. This choice symbolizes innocence, purity, and fertility, wishing the newlyweds luck as they embark on their marital journey. Exceptions to this rule do exist, such as Kate Middleton choosing her sister Pippa as her maid of honor.
Interestingly, while wedding rings are a common symbol of marriage for most men, this is not the case for royal men. Members of the British royal family, like Prince Philip and Prince William, do not wear wedding rings as a tradition that traces back to British military customs during the World Wars. This choice is seen as a way to preserve heritage and tradition within the royal family.
Each decision made by the royals, whether it’s the choice of cake or the absence of wedding rings, holds symbolic significance beyond mere tradition. These choices reflect status, duty, and identity within the institution, making even the smallest deviation from tradition noteworthy.
Despite these longstanding customs, younger royals like William and Harry have introduced subtle changes to align with modern values while still honoring tradition in other aspects. This blend of old and new reflects the evolving nature of royal weddings and the institution as a whole.
As times change, so do traditions, and the British royal family continues to navigate the delicate balance between preserving heritage and embracing modernity in their wedding ceremonies.
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