Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding invitation [Photo]
The Lord Chamberlain, heading up Buckingham Palace's efforts to mail invites and track RSVPs, is "commanded" by Queen Elizabeth II to invite a lucky bunch to Westminster Abbey on April 29.
The 11 a.m. ceremony, on what has been named a public holiday in Britain, reveals some dress code protocol for the occasion -- official military uniforms can be donned, as can a "morning coat" or lounge suit.
We hope heads of state, close pals of the couple and (please?) a celebrity or two take heed. What do you think of the royal wedding invite? Tell us in the comments section below.
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-- Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly
Photos: The official wedding invitation, top, for Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton, left. Credits: John Stillwell / EPA, top; Getty Images, left.
I wouldn't expect anything less.I only wish my mail drop was getting one.I would love to attend.
Posted by: Beverly | Feb 20, 2011 at 06:14 PM
It seems quite time for the monarchy to be put to rest.
Posted by: Anonymous | Feb 20, 2011 at 10:13 PM
i think they look fantastic together,hope they have a long and happy marriage.
Posted by: lin | Feb 20, 2011 at 10:41 PM
How lovely, simple and elegant....should have been this little Geordie girl producing them :(
Posted by: janette noble | Feb 21, 2011 at 12:54 AM
Bravo!
Posted by: steven katona | Feb 21, 2011 at 08:47 AM
What is a "lounge suit?"
Posted by: Patricia | Feb 21, 2011 at 10:36 AM
That word is spelled "protocol", not protocal.
Posted by: regina123 | Feb 21, 2011 at 02:39 PM
@regina123 -- Christie D'Zurilla here from MOG. Thx for catching the typo. Fixed now.
//cdz
Posted by: cdz from the ministry | Feb 21, 2011 at 04:41 PM
I agree that it's time to put the monarchy to rest. Such things are rubbish in a well established democracy.
Posted by: anonymous | Feb 21, 2011 at 08:36 PM
England without the monarchy = England without any tourist industry. People only go there for the history and culture. Certainly not for the beaches or the ski resorts. ;-)
Posted by: Patricia | Feb 21, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Congratulations again! Kate is so beautiful and William is so lucky! He knows how to choose.
Posted by: Seerina | Feb 22, 2011 at 01:17 AM
What does the EIIR at the top of the invitation stand for?? Elizabeth the 2nd and ____________?
Posted by: Shirley | Feb 22, 2011 at 03:37 AM
I think the lounge suit is like my leisure suit---been lookin for a reason to bust it out.
Posted by: bruce | Feb 22, 2011 at 04:13 AM
Does anyone if the royal wedding will be aired on US Television?
Posted by: Sabrina | Feb 22, 2011 at 11:55 AM
The "R" is for Regina. It's Latin for Queen.
Posted by: Kathy | Feb 22, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Thanks, Bruce. It's funny about you saying you were looking for a reason to bust out your leisure suit. I remember my dear deceased father having a couple of leisure suits back in the 70's and that old style was the first thing I thought of.
Posted by: Patricia | Feb 23, 2011 at 03:27 PM
Is there a place to purchase a copy of the invitation for my granddaughter to have framed for her room. Do they sell these as souviners?
Posted by: Marie | Feb 26, 2011 at 10:23 AM
The invitations are elegant; however, I think they are incorrect per Crane. A formal wedding invitation does not include dress, If it is included, it should be on the reception invitation. The time dictates the attire. Maybe they have different etiquette rules in Great Britain?
Posted by: Billy | Mar 01, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Another item to note, is I thought there were never to be any abbreviations on a formal invitation?
Posted by: Billy | Mar 01, 2011 at 12:11 PM
I think the invitations are beautiful..wish I had one....
Posted by: Evelyn Freeman | Mar 03, 2011 at 01:12 PM
I THINK THEY ARE RIGHT FOR EACH OTHER, MAY THEIR MARRIAGE BE A HAPPY AND A LONG ONE.
SHIRLEY
Posted by: SHIRLEY | Mar 05, 2011 at 01:43 PM
I am happy and expecting the BIG DAY in GHANA. GOD Bless the QUEEN and all THE ROYALS including the PRINCESS TO BE KATIE, AMEN
Posted by: Elizabeth S | Mar 08, 2011 at 02:50 AM
I believe this Royal Marriage with be a lasting one. Kate is not imature as was Princess Diana when she married Prince Charles.
Congratulations to a lovely couple
Posted by: Mrs. Phyllis S. Hamblet | Mar 23, 2011 at 02:05 PM
The Prince is wearing a lounge suit in his engagement photograph.
Posted by: Cheryl Perkins | Mar 24, 2011 at 03:32 AM
i love his wedding ..
muaaaaaaaaaah
Posted by: suenydie lianbergh | Apr 07, 2011 at 07:10 PM