Culture
Key Difference Between The British Royal Family Weddings
While in the past a British royal wedding would happen once a decade, we’ve been fortunate enough to see two of them in the same decade due to the brothers, William and Harry. Interestingly, the two ceremonies and their run-up have shown some very interesting similarities and contrasts in how they were prepared, occurred and developed. These are events of national pride for the British, so all the stops come out when one occurs, which again has been generational for the most part. So having two in the same short time span has provided detail attention folks a smorgasbord of comparisons to work with, as well as what some of the thinking might have been in the preparations.
The Rings
For both sons of Princess Diana who have grown up in the media since an early age thanks to the popularity of their late mother, the rings chosen for their engagements were extra special. Both came from Princess Diana’s ring collection, tying their marriage and another generation to her history and past in doing so. William’s ring given to Kate Middleton produced an oval blue setting in a 12-carat ring with a perimeter of small diamonds as the accent. Harry’s ring to Meghan Markle was a modification of his mother’s ring, including two diamonds from Diana as well as new stone Harry added with an attachment to Botswana. This new stone significance noted where the couple first really attached to each other.
The Wives
Kate Middleton, hands down, is a true-blood Briton by family, lineage, name and practice. There couldn’t have been a better fit for William with regards to British aristocracy expectations, and she was a night and day difference as a partner versus the antics that happened a generation before with his uncle, Andrew. The British high society circles were no stranger to Kate; her family traveled through all the right schools and reputations due to their established wealth and connections. It was inevitable that the two would cross paths. The surprise was that they developed a relationship and connected.
Meghan Markle provided Harry a self-established wife of renown and success through her own means by acting. Already famous and rising her own entertainment star, Markle was quite adept at managing the paparazzi and acting world and stood her own in any business environment, particularly given how successful she was already. Harry found a match that married him on even terms, irrespective British norms and social rules.
Crowd Engagement
During the wedding ceremonies the wives-to-be are expected to engage with the crowd and onlookers but with a reserved perspective. Kate Middleton practiced the age-hold British practice of the stiff back, at attention sitting in the carriage, waving with a stiff hand and smiling for the cameras. Megan Markle handled the cameras and audience just fine, being a veteran in front of the camera, but she added a bit of personality, making some of her waves a bit more genuine and connected with specific onlookers she would see, particularly children.
The Father-in-Law
Prince Charles has had a long, troubled history with British weddings given his fiasco with Princess Diana and then partnering up with Camilla Parker afterwards. For years there was a lot of enmity thrown in his direction for how he was perceived to have treated Diana. However, in practice, he has been close with both his sons, and Charles was clearly present at both weddings in full military dress and uniform for his elder son, and a business suit for the younger son. Camilla was at Charles’ side for both events.
The Walk Down the Aisle
In standard British décor, Kate Middleton was walked down the aisle with her father. The classic look was traditional, historical and followed all the expected customs of British aristocracy. The classic long wedding dress train was in full display as well. Megan Markle, on the other hand, ended up walking down the aisle by herself. Her father was unable to make the even at the last moment due to sickness. To make up for the awkward exposure in front of everyone, it was Prince Charles himself who met Markle halfway down the aisle and walked her the rest of the way to Harry. In some small respects, Charles may have been trying to make up for his past doing so.
Dressed for the Wedding Reception
Megan Markle was very clearly not going to be normal British aristocracy right from the start, that was well known. The differences started to appear right after the wedding ceremony, as her choice of reception dress was very notable. Utilizing a design by Stella McCartney, Markle was dressed to the nines with a gown that hung off her neck and showed her shoulders and upper back. She was a look, and Harry was beaming. Kate Middleton, on the other hand, opted for an Alexander McQueen design with a long gown and white fur coif on the top as a mini-jacket.
The Wedding Kiss
As a symbolic end to the official wedding ceremony, the audiences around Buckingham Palace are always gifted with the proud husband kissing his new wife for the crowd. Both princes honored the Britons as such. William was in his bright red military suit and kissed the new Duchess of Cambridge on the balcony overlooking the crowds. Harry chose his uniform as a stark black style, and kissed the new Duchess of Sussex right outside of St. George’s Chapel after the ceremony ended. The crowds loved it both times.
Royal Audience Members
Kate Middleton’s parents attended both weddings, as did much of the British aristocracy and upper titled members. The first was obvious, for the wedding of their daughter, and the second was out of decorum being part of the royal family now by extension. In both cases Micheal and Carole Middleton were dressed to the nines in dashing formal wear, but Michael had made a point to wear a tophat to his daughter’s wedding when outside, and both parents were beaming during that event.
The Wedding Dress Tiaras
No wedding dress is complete without the veil and the tiara to keep it in place. Believe it or not, the veil is a historical tie back to ancient times and dress. While the west might be very separated from the Middle East, the veil is clearly a historical connection back to ancient times carried through to modernity via custom and tradition. Kate Middleton’s tiara was designed by Cartier and came from Queen Elizabeth. Meghan Markle’s tiara was also provided by the Queen, but her’s was a Bandeau design. Markle added a change and had a sapphire placed in the middle for her specific look.
Interesting Guests: The Beckhams
Soccer star David Beckham and his celebrity-singer wife Victoria (formerly Posh Spice) were in full attire at both weddings. For the first one David made a point to wear his medal while at the second it was absent. Victoria Beckham was in sleek dresses for both affairs. In making a social point during the second wedding, the couple donated their suit and dress to charity after the event to help a specific non-profit with the proceeds that would sure come from the clothes and their recent history.
The Wedding Cake
One of the big differences between the events that everyone noticed as the wedding cake style. For William and Kate’s wedding, their cake was a stacked design with a towering white set of flowering sprigs on the top. Harry and Meghan’s cake, on the other hand was broken up and displayed on multiple tiers with white roses and flowers everywhere. These cakes were common with each other in that they were extremely expensive. William and Kate’s cake cost a total of $160,000 while the same for Harry and Meghan ran a cool $75,000.
The Wedding Bouquets
From a distance, both brides’ bouquets seemed to be almost the same, but up close the differences are noticeable. Kate Middleton’s bouquet was designed independently and provided to her. Meghan Markle’s bouquet, on the other hand, included flowers chosen by Harry specifically, making hers far more personal for the event. Both bouquets were designed by professional florists and finished for the weddings with intricate details included.
The Entourage
For Kate Middleton, her wedding entourage would be none other than her sister Pippa, which was almost put into some jeopardy with some issues in the run-up to the wedding. Fortunately, it all blew over despite what some of the paparazzi were hoping for otherwise. Pippa became Kate’s maid of honor with two small wedding girls. Meghan Markle opted for four wedding girls, no maid of honor, and two page boys. A good number of Meghan’s friend attended, but none were picked for the maid of honor role. They may have all breathed a sigh of relief from the stress.
The Grooms Themselves
William was a standout in his red military uniform with a blue sash. His official rank, Colonel, was in full display, and the red symbolized the Irish Guards. This was significant since no royal family member had married with a red uniform since 1973. Prince Harry chose a very dark blue military uniform indicative of his membership in the Blues and Royals, his rank of Major was displayed, but officially he is also a Captain General in the Royal Marines. Both carry their military service beyond honorific titles; William spent years as a helicopter pilot and Harry saw action in Afghanistan.
The Mothers of the Bridges
Both mothers were subtle and muted dresses and outfits to focus the attention on their daughters being married. Carole Middleton was in a pale blue matching outfit designed by Catherine Walker. It matched her complexion perfectly as she seemed more smiles than Kate was. Doria Ragland, Meghan’s mother, showed up in an Oscar de la Rente outfit, attending solo after flying in from Los Angeles to attend. She too beamed for her daughter and the big day.
The Wedding Dress Train
Kate Middleton’s dress included a solid material long train that was reminiscent of that which Princess Diana had during her wedding. Meghan Markle’s train was extensively long as well, but hers was a sheer style that was transparent and see through to some extent, making it unique and different.
Wedding Reception Locations
The first son’s wedding reception was held at Buckingham Palace, following tradition and custom. Since the second’s son wedding did not require so much rigidity, Harry and Meghan’s reception was held at St. George’s Hall located in Windsor Castle. Notably absent was a face that had been close to Harry in prior years. Chelsy Davy attended the wedding of William and Kate but had just separated from Harry at the time. However, she did not attend the first reception and was not invited to the second one for Harry and Meghan.
The Cost of a Royal Wedding
Again, the royal weddings are major national event for the British, which also means the government hosts the cost of the weddings as well. The money comes back with tremendous revenues in broadcasting licensing and tourism, so it’s not a loss in the long run, but up front there is a serious cash flow going out the door. William and Kate’s wedding totaled $34 million. Some seven years later, Harry and Meghan’s wedding ran far more even with fewer guests, totaling a whopping $55 million.
The Queen
Queen Elizabeth II was very much enjoying the affairs and the weddings and dressed up for the occasion. In her first grandson’s wedding she wore a muted light lemon cream style outfit that was very formal and traditional. In her second grandson’s wedding, however, the Queen decided to go to town and chose a lime green outfit with a purple feather accent on the hat and her blouse. Many felt the Queen was trying something different for a change and getting over her stuffy ways for a moment.
Pippa’s Approach
For the first wedding, the eyes were all on Kate and her sister as both of them were part of the wedding train, Pippa being the maid of honor. However, for the second wedding Pippa got to be part of the formal audience instead, with less stress, and clearly enjoying herself a lot more. For the formal role, she was in a plain off-white, sleek gown so that the focus of attention was on her sister. When not managing her’s sister’s wedding train, Pippa found herself managing the two wedding girls for good measure. For the second wedding, Pippa wore a light green floral arrangement and matching hat, enjoying a Spring event in the sun. There were no children to manage and definitely no worries associated with where to stand in the right place anymore.
The Bridal Earrings
Kate Middleton’s royal earrings hung as a tear drop design that was quite noticeable. Meghan Markle chose as tighter ensemble, with her earrings worn without any dangle and far more conservative in look.
The Crowds
There was no question that William and Kate’s wedding brought out half the country. It was the crowning achievement of the royal family after years of bad press and scandal that just wouldn’t seem to go away. With a new generation led by William, the country pulled out the stoppers and had a huge bash celebrating the first prince’s wedding for their future king and queen.
Harry and Meghan’s wedding brought out a smaller crowd, but one that was still substantial around Windsor castle. The location of St. George’s Chapel limited the bigger crowds from forming as it was far more off the beaten path than Buckingham Palace. Unlike downtown London, where most of the 2,000 or so people congregated for the first wedding with flags down the main avenue, Windsor Castle did not accommodate such entrances as well. Given both crowd control, distance and security needs, the second wedding naturally made the crowds smaller, although quite a few dedicated fans still showed up and made themselves present and known in adulation of the marrying couple.
Prince Phillip
Last but not least, Prince Phillip was in attendance for both of his grandsons’ weddings. For William’s wedding Prince Phillip was in full military attire, showing off his own red Grenadier Guards uniform in full decoration. For Harry’s wedding, however, Prince Phillip was far less militaristic, wearing a dark Oxford tuxedo instead. Recent health issues likely contributed to Prince Phillip going for less of a production in his wedding attire, as time was taking a toll on the man seven years later.
Ten years ago, George Cullinan stumbled upon a curious bird on his farm in Victoria’s Mallee region. The bird, which he found lifeless in a water trough, had yellow legs and a yellow beak that sparked his curiosity. Wanting to learn more, Cullinan reached out to his friend and conservationist, Greg Ogle. What he discovered was remarkable—the bird was a plains-wanderer, one of Australia’s rarest species, with a dwindling population of just 250 to 1,000.
Cullinan, who passed away at the age of 98 just three weeks ago, left behind a lasting legacy. His conservation efforts are now helping protect this critically endangered bird, whose habitat has significantly shrunk over the years. Once widespread across parts of Australia, the plains-wanderer is now mostly found in limited areas of Victoria, South Australia, and southern New South Wales.
The plains-wanderer is an ancient species that evolved over 100 million years ago. Its unique status makes it a top priority for conservation, according to the Zoological Society of London. With its distinctive call that resembles a cow’s moo, this small bird is now fighting for survival due to habitat loss.
Working closely with Trust for Nature and the Birchip Landcare Group, Cullinan took significant steps to help the plains-wanderer thrive on his property. By installing song meters equipped with microphones, Cullinan’s team was able to capture 110 distinct calls of the rare bird within just three weeks—clear evidence that more than one bird inhabited his land.
To ensure the long-term survival of the species, Cullinan established a 91-hectare conservation covenant on his 2,000-hectare farm in 2024. This protected area, featuring a shallow lake and ancient box trees estimated to be 500 years old, provides the perfect conditions for the plains-wanderer. Known as the “Goldilocks” bird, the plains-wanderer requires ground cover that is not too dense but not too sparse—conditions met by Cullinan’s property.
David Dore, Trust for Nature’s manager, emphasized that Cullinan’s land offered a “supermarket” of plants, such as spear grasses and lilies, where the plains-wanderer can find food throughout the year. Dore praised Cullinan’s quiet but monumental contribution to conservation, calling the farmer’s work an act of environmental activism that will leave a lasting impact.
Cullinan’s dedication to preserving the bird’s habitat was recognized at his graveside service last month. Brian Lea, a member of the Birchip Landcare Group, reflected on Cullinan’s enduring contribution. “His last gift to the birds is something that will keep him in people’s memories for a long time,” Lea said.
Cullinan’s conservation work ensures that the plains-wanderer will have a safe haven on his farm for generations to come, preserving the habitat of one of Australia’s most critically endangered species.
For the first time in nearly four decades, the Guam kingfisher, known locally as sihek, has returned to the wild. Six of these vibrant birds were released on September 23, marking a historic milestone in conservation efforts.
The sihek, which once flourished in Guam’s forests, had been declared extinct in the wild since 1986 due to the introduction of the invasive brown tree snake. This predator decimated the island’s bird population, including the sihek, by preying on their eggs. Fortunately, conservationists launched a captive breeding program, which kept the species from disappearing entirely.
The six birds were released on Palmyra Atoll, a predator-free island located about 3,700 miles east of Guam. This release is part of a long-term project aimed at establishing a breeding population on the atoll as a first step toward eventually reintroducing the sihek back to its native habitat in Guam.
The road to this moment began earlier in the year, with the hatching of the first sihek chick of the season at Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas. Given that only 45 breeding females remain worldwide, each successful hatch is a critical victory for the species. Specialists from various institutions, including the Zoological Society of London and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, worked tirelessly to care for the chicks and prepare them for life in the wild.
After being flown to Palmyra Atoll in late August, the birds spent time acclimating before their release. Each sihek is equipped with a small radio tracker to monitor their movement, habitat use, and eventual breeding behavior. Researchers will be closely watching the birds in the coming months as they adapt to their new environment and hopefully establish territories for breeding.
The return of the sihek to the wild has been the culmination of decades of collaborative effort between organizations like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Guam’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources, The Nature Conservancy, and several zoos. Their goal is to build a sustainable breeding population that can one day thrive in Guam’s forests once the brown tree snake threat is under control.
Although the release is a reason for optimism, conservationists remain cautious. With only a few dozen sihek left, the species faces significant risks, from disease to natural disasters. However, the successful reintroduction of extinct-in-the-wild species, such as the red wolf and California condor, proves that with dedication and proper resources, these efforts can succeed.
As Donal Smith, a researcher with the Zoological Society of London, pointed out, maintaining endangered species in captivity is no small feat. “Reintroduction programs like this require years of preparation and coordination. It’s essential that conservation efforts continue to receive the support they need to prevent more species from being lost.”
The sihek’s release offers a glimmer of hope in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. If all goes well, these birds will one day fly free in the forests of Guam once again.
In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Upemba National Park is witnessing a remarkable transformation. Once dubbed the “triangle of death” due to rebel activity, this vast wilderness is slowly reclaiming its status as a thriving wildlife haven, thanks to the unwavering dedication of its rangers and conservationists.
The park’s tumultuous history began in 1998 when Bakata Katanga rebels sought refuge within its borders, leading to widespread poaching and devastation of wildlife populations. Elephants, lions, and zebras, once abundant, were pushed to the brink of local extinction. Even the park’s rangers, left unpaid during the Congo wars, resorted to poaching for survival.
However, recent years have seen a dramatic turnaround. Under the leadership of site manager Christine Lain, Upemba has secured crucial funding and revitalized its demoralized ranger force. The results are encouraging: elephant numbers have risen to about 210, while the zebra population – unique to this part of DRC – has rebounded from a mere 35 to an estimated 200.
Despite these successes, challenges persist. Poaching remains a threat, and the park faces potential disruption from nearby mining activities and oil exploration. To counter these pressures, park management is focusing on expanding the ranger force and conducting comprehensive biodiversity surveys to strengthen the case for Upemba’s protection.
The park’s recovery is not without human cost. Rangers like Sylvain Musimi continue to face danger from militant groups, with two rangers losing their lives this year alone. Yet, their commitment to Upemba’s restoration remains unshaken.
As Upemba National Park continues its journey from a conflict-ridden zone to a beacon of conservation, it stands as a testament to the resilience of nature and the dedication of those who protect it. The park’s story offers hope that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, conservation efforts can yield remarkable results.
In a heartening tale of compassion amidst conflict, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (DIU) has facilitated the rescue and relocation of two owlets from the embattled Kharkiv region to Kyiv Zoo. This rescue operation, carried out on August 1, 2024, highlights the Ukrainian military’s commitment to preserving life in all its forms, even in the midst of war.
The young owls, now named Arei and Magura, were discovered by members of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade during a mission near Lyptsi village. Found in dire conditions within a war-damaged structure, the birds were immediately taken into care by the soldiers.
Following their initial rescue, the owlets were brought to the attention of Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of DIU. Given the owl’s symbolic significance to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, Budanov made the decision to provide them a new home at Kyiv Zoo, where they will reside in a specially prepared aviary.
DIU representative Andrii Yusov emphasized that this rescue exemplifies the Ukrainian forces’ dedication to protecting not just human lives, but also those of animals caught in the crossfire. The decision to house the owls at Kyiv Zoo was motivated by a desire to share this positive story with the public, particularly allowing Ukrainian children to interact with these native birds.
Kyiv Zoo’s CEO, Kyrylo Trantin, expressed gratitude for the military’s efforts and assured that the zoo would provide comprehensive care for Arei and Magura, including rehabilitation and adaptation support. This rescue serves as a poignant reminder of the zoo’s ongoing efforts to safeguard animals during wartime.
This heartwarming incident stands as a testament to the Ukrainian people’s resilience and compassion, showcasing their ability to nurture life and hope even in the face of adversity.
Visitors to Copenhagen who participate in environmentally-friendly activities, like litter picking or using public transport, can earn free food, cultural experiences, and tours as part of a new pilot program.
The CopenPay trial, running from July 15 to August 11, turns eco-friendly actions into rewards, according to Visit Copenhagen, also known as Wonderful Copenhagen.
For instance, visitors who bring plastic waste to the National Gallery of Denmark can join a workshop to create art from the materials. Those who cycle or take public transport to the city’s famous heating plant can ski down the artificial slope on the building’s roof.
“CopenPay rewards actions like cycling, participating in cleanup efforts, or volunteering at urban farms with access to a variety of experiences in Copenhagen,” said Wonderful Copenhagen in a statement. “This includes free guided museum tours, kayak rentals, and even a vegetarian lunch made from local crops.”
Copenhagen is known for its beautiful architecture, excellent food, and clean, green environment. It’s also a great place for cycling, with 237 miles of bike lanes and 62% of citizens commuting by bicycle, according to the tourism board.
“With CopenPay, we’re helping people enjoy more of what Copenhagen has to offer while reducing their environmental impact,” said Mikkel Aarø Hansen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen. “It’s about creating enjoyable and environmentally responsible experiences.”
Tourists can earn rewards by showing a public transport ticket, but the system is mostly based on trust. An online map shows over 20 participating venues. If successful, the pilot project could become a year-round program.
This initiative comes at a time of growing concern over the environmental and social impacts of tourism, which have led to protests in Barcelona, the Canary Islands, and Mallorca.
“We need to change tourism from being an environmental burden to a force for positive change,” said Hansen. “An important step is changing how we move around, what we consume, and how we interact with locals.”
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