Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding date is annoying people for two big reasons
FA President Prince William might have to choose between his little brother's wedding and the FA Cup final.
The date for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's much-anticipated royal wedding was announced on Friday afternoon (15 December) – but people are unhappy for two big reasons.
The couple announced their engagement on 27 November, and it was previously confirmed that they would have a spring wedding and that it would take place at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Kensington Palace said in a statement on Friday: "His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle will marry on 19th May 2018. Today's announcement follows earlier confirmation of the month of the wedding and its location at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle."
The news that the wedding will be held on 19 May has upset many people because it is a Saturday, meaning we are even less likely to get a bank holiday for the event. Downing Street had previously said it had "no plans" to call a bank holiday for the day of the wedding, but now the prospect of a day off seems completely off the cards.
When asked why the wedding was being held on a Saturday, a Kensington Palace spokesperson told Sky News: "They felt it would give the public the greatest opportunity to watch, come out, support and get involved."
People did not react kindly to the news:
No extra bank holiday pic.twitter.com/gkRBWOpfJZ
— Luke Murphy (@Murphy_boy69) December 15, 2017
Wait, so the ONLY reason to care at all about another fucking Royal Wedding (or anything the Royal Family decide to do) isn't going to happen? Surely the people are entitled to a Bank Holiday for having to deal with all this guff for the next 5 months!
— Bradley Porter (@mrbonturcode) December 15, 2017
You know what May really needs @KensingtonRoyal?Another bank holiday. Monday May 21st looking distinctly optional. ð¾ð°ð¥ð Harry & Meghan, on behalf of a hungover, football-loving nation, please could you put in a good word over Christmas? Thankyou!
— Victoria Fritz (@VFritzNews) December 15, 2017
People were also upset when they realised the wedding will clash with the day of the FA Cup final. This is particularly inconvenient because Prince William, older brother of the groom, is FA president and normally presents the trophy and medals at the close of the competition. People were also concerned about the TV schedule.
According to Sky, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said they will factor the timing of the game into the wedding planning. The FA said they are all "delighted" for Harry and Meghan, adding in a statement: "With millions coming together to watch both events at home and around the world, it will be a day to celebrate."
Some football fans became possessive about the fact the FA Cup final should be shown on BBC1, or prepared to fight over the TV depending on timings.
Sports writer Si Lloyd said: "The FA Cup final clashes with the Royal Wedding. I don't understand why the FA's president can't use his influence and get it rescheduled. There's plenty of other days his brother can get married." Others were equally rankled:
Be an absolute disgrace if the FA Cup Final is shunted from BBC One to BBC 2 because of the Royal wedding.
— Alex Richards (@AA_Richards) December 15, 2017
You don't get married on FA Cup final day, every bloke knows that! Not sure William will be happy.
— phil dampier (@phildampier) December 15, 2017
With the FA Cup final on the same day as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wedding let's hope the BBC push any Royal Wedding coverage to BBC2 or the red button given the Cup final was in the diary 1st
— Mark Davey (@daveymark15) December 15, 2017
The Royal Wedding going head-to-head with the FA Cup final on 19th May 2018... ð https://t.co/l5LTdrEZUR
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 15, 2017
The FA Cup final clashes with the Royal Wedding. I don't understand why the FA's president can't use his influence and get it rescheduled. There's plenty of other days his brother can get married.
— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) December 15, 2017