Any Royal weddings on the same day as the the Royal wedding?

A POLL for RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live by Amarách Research shows that one in three people in Ireland (34%) will watch the wedding of England’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on TV on Saturday, May 19th. 

Will you be tuning in? Or, will you be sharing your wedding date with Royal couple? If you're a Meath couple tying the knot do let us know at news@meathchronicle.ie

Irish celebrities Brian O’Driscoll and Amy Huberman, as well as Bono and Ali Hewson and tennis ace Rory McIlroy will squeeze in among foreign dignitaries, religious figures, politicians – oh, and friends and family! – in the 800-capacity St George’s Chapel for the royal event which is estimated will cost £24m. sterling, Meagan’s custom-made wedding dress alone expected to cost just under £400,000.

If you’re not an A-lister but are one of every three people here who plan on viewing the event, then you could no better than an afternoon at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa to partake of The Royal Tea – a new afternoon menu fit for a Queen!

Nestled in the heart of the Royal County, and once home to the legendary High Kings of Ireland, guests can dine like royalty in the luxurious surrounds of Dunboyne Castle in celebration of the upcoming nuptials of Harry and Meghan throughout the month of May.

Elisabet Diaz, the hotel’s general manager, says guests are cordially invited to indulge in a carefully crafted menu filled with some of the Royal Family’s favourite delicacies

“The team of chefs at Dunboyne have designed the delectable Royal Tea menu to bring regal flavours to the fore using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients,” she says.

Begin your royal sitting by sampling an array of savoury sandwiches such as the classic cucumber with lightly spiced cream cheese and delightful honey baked ham, brie and cranberry. Once you’ve whetted your appetite, bite into a freshly baked scone, served traditionally with strawberry preserves and cream.

For dessert, a selection of sweet treats is served such as Gin & Tonic Panna Cotta – the much-loved tipple is infused into the classic, creamy delicacy, playing homage to Queen Elizabeth’s favourite aperitif. A firm favourite of Prince William, The Royal Biscuit Cake is the perfect treat to satisfy the chocoholic in you. A light ‘White Chocolate and Raspberry Mousse’ is next up on the lavish menu, followed by ‘Shortbread Crowns’, a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit.

Complete your Royal Tea by sipping on a glass of bubbly, or enjoy a warming cup of tea from fine china, while relaxing in the elegant 18th century Drawing Room of Dunboyne Castle, surrounded by high ceilings and ornate chandeliers or get comfortable in the light-filled Terrace Lounge with al fresco dining for the first summer days.

The castle’s Royal Tea can be enjoyed seven days a week from the now until Sunday May 27th inclusive and is €40 for two or €54 for two to include a glass of Prosecco each.

Ms Diaz says there has been talk recently among the ‘ladies who lunch’ about Meghan Markle and the upcoming wedding. “Her influence on the fashion world is already evident. We knew that launching this Royal Afternoon Tea would cause a lot of interest and we are excited to welcome Meath’s most stylish in to enjoy this limited edition menu for this very special month.”

Reservations can be made through sales@dunboynecastle.com or by calling 01 801 3500