Thursday, April 21, 2011

In Case there was Any Doubt

Her Majesty The Queen gave formal consent to Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s marriage today. Under the Great Seal of the Realm, The Queen signed a notice of approval which proclaimed, in transcribed calligraphy, consent to the union of "Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, K.G. and Our Trusty and Well-beloved Catherine Elizabeth Middleton". 
Formality: The document features a white lily for Miss Middleton and a Welsh leek to represent William
Tied to the bottom of the approval by gold braiding is a large red wax Great Seal of the Realm. William had to ask his grandmother's consent to marry because of a law dating from the 18th century. Under the Royal Marriages Act 1772, all descendants of George II must obtain the sovereign's agreement before they wed, otherwise the marriage is invalid.

Pomp and ceremony: A close up of the image of the wax seal on the document
Signed, sealed, delivered: The Queen's Instrument of Consent gives official permission for Prince William to marry Kate Middleton
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