Peter Phillips to marry Autumn Kelly next year
Richard Kay is reporting a conversation he had with Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips about his recently announced wedding to Canadian Autumn Kelly.
Autumn Kelly and Peter Phillips
Peter stated they will marry in Britain “probably” next year.
The Royal Bank of Scotland sponsorship manager, who is 30 in November, announced the engagement in July. He said, “Autumn and I have not had to endure the pressure William and Kate put up with, what with photographers dogging their every step. We have been left alone and touch wood, I hope it stays that way.”
“Confirming he will marry in Britain ‘probably’ next year, he joked that six weeks before their marriage announcement, a rumour went round that he and Autumn, 31, were already engaged. ‘My father thought we’d announced it without telling him. I told him we hadn’t. We weren’t quite ready.’ ”
Well, “Britain” includes Scotland as well as England, so could imply a Scottish wedding. Royal Anecdotes’ guess, though, is that St. George’s, Windsor remains the favourite venue.
In case St. George, Windsor doesn’t suit, I think a wedding at the church at Balmoral would be idally apropos and lovely! Just a suggestion.
By Gigi on October 17th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
*Sigh* Another typo. I meant to type “ideally.”
By Gigi on October 17th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Gigi, let’s throw caution to the wind and have an outdoor wedding on the grounds of Princess Anne’s estate, Gatcombe Park!
By Arthur on October 18th, 2007 at 12:24 am
Wow, given the doubtful reliability of English weather, even in summer, that might be a real gamble, Arthur! I think Balmoral or Windsor would be lovely since both are like fairy tale castles. Gatcombe Park is just an estate in the country. On the other hand, it is cold in Scotland year ’round! It seems Windsor might be the best bet.
By Gigi on October 18th, 2007 at 2:07 am
You’re so right, Gigi, I wasn’t thinking about the weather. A major oversight when considering an outdoor event! I must have been channeling Paris Hilton when I wrote that comment!
I wonder if we will see a rare, public appearance from Lady Louise Windsor as a flower girl?
By Arthur on October 18th, 2007 at 4:19 am
They seem to make a great couple and I am sure they will be able to overcome their religious and Right of Succession problems to have a good day wherever the chose for the ceremony. I wish them all the best in their life together and I think it is splendid to have a Canadian in the Royal Family. How is it being seen in Canada?
By Royalist on October 18th, 2007 at 7:59 am
My time for a typo I didn’t mean ‘seen’ I meant ‘regarded’. Still can’t do a smiley!
By Royalist on October 18th, 2007 at 8:03 am
Royalist, we have two Canadian correspondents to my knowledge : Mapleleaf and ClassyCanuck. Maybe they can answer your question.
By John on October 18th, 2007 at 8:47 am
I think it is wonderful that by royal engagement standards they are taking their time to walk down the aisle. That said I think their wedding maybe modeled on the Wessex wedding really more of a family affair. I ‘m also betting St George’s will be the venue.
By Trudie on October 18th, 2007 at 11:09 am
Do you think a Catholic priest will be present at the ceremony?
By Carol on October 18th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
They are certainly a very attractive couple and it will be lovely to be able to count on a Royal wedding in 2008! The Queen and Prince Philip have seven grandchildren (Prince William, Prince Harry, Peter and Zara Phillips, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and Lady Louise) so I am happily looking forward to the weddings of these Royal cousins, some in the next few years! Royalist, I agree with you that it will be very nice to have a Canadian join the Royal Family. I went to college with two lovely girls from Canada, sisters, and from them I derived a very positive view of Canada and Canadians.
By Gigi on October 18th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Yes, Gigi, there seems to be a clutch of marriageable Royal youngsters right now. Anyone partial to a Royal wedding or three will be in 7th heaven over the next few years.
By John on October 18th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
I can’t wait!
There is no pageantry like a Royal wedding, except, of course, a Coronation, and I have no wish to see a Coronation within the next quarter century.
By Gigi on October 18th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I suppose there’s no hope for them getting a title upon marriage. I always thought it was strange for the Queen’s first grandson to have no style or title. One presumes it was Princess Anne’s choice upon her marriage not be created Duchess or Countess of something or other.
By Dan on October 18th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
I find it annoying, to be honest, Dan. It was the expressed wish of Princess Anne that her children be given no title (none for Mark Phillips either.) Of course Anne had her title and still has it–she is Princess Royal. I noticed she chose to retain that lofty title for herself. It was thought that she felt it would be better for them to be raised normally, out of the limelight and that a lack of title would facilitate that. I don’t know that a title has harmed Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice or Princess Eugenie, however. My own feeling is that the grandchildren of a reigning monarch ought to be titled. My opinion was not sought, however.
By Gigi on October 18th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Gigi now that Peter and Zara are of age I’m sure that upon marriage HM will offer a title if they choose to accept it. I read once that Anne’s refusal of titles for her children greatly upset the Queen but time will tell.
By Trudie on October 18th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
I hope you are right, Trudie. I hope the Queen offers them a title and I hope they accept it.
By Gigi on October 18th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
Carol, I think it would be wonderful to have an Ecumenical Wedding. Anglican Archbishop of Cantebury, Rowan Williams, and Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, Cormac Murphy Cardinal O’Connor, could preside over the ceremony and give proper respect to the religious beliefs of both bride and groom. If John’s suspcion is correct and “higher ups” at the Palace peruse Royal Anecdotes, we might have just given them a terrific idea for the wedding ceremony. Who needs to hire a Wedding Planner when you can just read Royal Anecdotes!
By Arthur on October 19th, 2007 at 12:25 am
Arthur, you are too kind.
All titles derive from the Queen, so she can do what she likes, especially within her family. I suspect the most traditional view will prevail, though.
By John on October 19th, 2007 at 8:21 am
I like your idea, Arthur. An Ecumenical Wedding would be very nice.
By Carol on October 19th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
I think it’s preposterous that we live in a country where the royal family cannot marry Catholics without losing their right to the throne.
I don’t think Autumn should either be asked or should offer to do it. It’s hardly likely that Peter Phillips will inherit the throne and it makes a mockery of anyone’s faith. I think they should be allowed to marry whom they like.
By Jane O'Mahoney on May 17th, 2008 at 7:17 am