With its gold insignia of Queen Elizabeth II, in whose name the invitation is sent, black lettering and gilded edge, this 8”x6” stiff white card simply worded the Lord Chamberlain has been “commanded by the Queen” to invite the holder to the marriage at Westminster Abbey at 11.00 a.m. on April 29, 2011 arrived in 1,900 mailboxes from kings to charity leaders, to close family and university friends, old schoolmates and prime ministers around the world.
Regarding a dress code, it is not specified for female guests, although ladies will be required to wear a hat for the wedding service. Gentlemen are asked to wear a military uniform, a morning coat (a cutaway in the USA) or a lounge suit (business suit in the USA).
Of the guests invited, 600 of the 1,900 guests also have been invited by the Queen to a reception and “wedding breakfast” that she is hosting at Buckingham Palace immediately after the ceremony in Westminster Abbey. Later, on the evening of April 29th, around 300 of those 600 guests are invited to a dinner hosted by William’s father, Prince Charles, at Buckingham Palace.
Interest and speculation surrounding the style and design of the wedding invitation was of interest to many brides, however for those familiar with royal protocol, it dictates for a state occasion the invitation is sent by the Lord Chamberlain commanded by the Queen in the standard white paper stock used for all invitation mailed on the Queen’s behalf. What no one has seen is the invitation sent by William’s father Prince Charles to the dinner and dance later that evening at Buckingham Palace.
