Queen Victoria and Meghan Markle to Princess Beatrice’s marriage to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi – 5 wedding traditions the British royal family continue to follow

Aug 7 , 2020

Keeping up traditions – Princess Beatrice and real estate developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi leaving the royal Chapel of All Saints at Windsor after their wedding on July 17. Photo: EPA-EFE

A sprig of myrtle, a Welsh gold ring, a boozy fruitcake these are a few of the royal’s favourite things – for a wedding

Princess Beatrice’s wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on July 17 was certainly more private than her younger sister Eugenie’s celebration the year before. While the public was given a handful of information regarding what transpired at the royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor on that fateful day, there are some family traditions that Queen Elizabeth’s second eldest granddaughter surely subscribed to.

A wedding band is made with Welsh Gold

While it has been reported that Princess Bea broke this tradition with her art deco and Victorian-style ring, it’s custom for the British royals to mark their marriage with bands made with Welsh gold. The precious metal comes from a nugget from Clogau St David’s gold mine and was a tradition started by the queen mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, for her ceremony in 1923.

Guests will typically enjoy a fruitcake at the reception

Since fruitcakes are doused in rum or brandy, the alcohol keeps it from spoiling quickly. This unique trait allowed the royal-assigned baker to work on elaborate designs for longer periods. Later on, the longevity of the fruitcake made it possible for the royal couple to auction off the pieces of the cake to raise money for their respective charitable organisations. Princess Diana’s now 39-year-old wedding cake was available in 2018 and still completely edible.

The bride’s bouquet contains a sprig of myrtle