It's not strawberries and cream and champagne at Wimbledon time quite yet — but the British have given us all another reason to skip sleep Saturday morning, and judging by the tabloids, there might be more drama at Harry and Meghan's royal wedding than centre court anyway.
For Calgarians who got bumped off their flights to London, fear not. You can still find a few good opportunities to wear your royal wedding hats.
Here's the short list for royal wedding viewing parties and other royal-themed events taking place in Calgary.
What: Britster. Featuring an appearance by British Consul General in Calgary Caroline Saunders, this royal wedding watch party includes full BBC media coverage of the event, with live commentary by royal fashion correspondent Katrina Olson-Mottahed and master of ceremonies Jimmy-Lee Vennard.
There will be a toast to the wedding kiss, a showcase of British brands, a silent auction (proceeds going to The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards), Oscar-style gift bags and an after-party reception.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Royale, 730 17th Avenue S.W.
How Much: Tickets from $85
What: Reader Rock Garden will show highlights from the wedding Saturday afternoon, for everyone who couldn't manage to drag themselves out of bed at 5 a.m. to watch live. They'll be screened at Union Chapel, which features the original pews (built in 1908) — so dress for comfort as well to impress (there's a Dress to Impress contest, with the winner receiving a private tour of the garden).
The British Consulate's Saunders will hoof it over from Royale to deliver a suitably diplomatic address. Nearby, the Reader Garden Cafe will provide high tea, including scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, coffee and tea.
When: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Reader Rock Gardens, 325 25th Street S.E.
How Much: $55
What: After the wedding, The Dove's Nest is offering an afternoon luncheon with a very royal wedding themed menu. That includes a Prince Harry roast beef sandwich, a Meghan Markle chicken salad (and scone), and a Queen Elizabeth quiche with a scone.
When: 11 a.m. onward
Where: 106A - 1600 90th Avenue S.W.
How much: Wedding high tea: $34.95 or à la carte menu items
What: Royal Wedding Afternoon Tea will be served through August 15 at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, which does exude a certain regal air from its perch along 9th Avenue in downtown Calgary.
You might not be able to view the wedding from the Rimrock Dining Room, but while you access YouTube highlights on your iPhones, snack on an array of menu items inspired by the newest royal couple, including a mini-BLT and apple tart with caramel glazing to pay homage to Meghan's American heritage.
For old-school royalists, there are cucumber sandwiches, scones and cream and preserves, as well as a new spin on an old familiar favourite: a creamy Earl Grey macaron. Or else go full royal wedding and indulge in a slice of lemon cake with elderflower, inspired by Harry and Meghan's actual wedding cake. It's topped with — I kid you not — edible gold. Wash it down with a "Meghan" cocktail — a sparkling negroni — or a "Harry", a Ciroq moscow mule mimosa. I feel peckish.
Where: Rimrock Dining Room, Palliser Fairmont Hotel, 133 9th Avenue S.W.
When: Afternoons, through August 15 (no wedding viewing breakfast, though. That's been cancelled).
How much: $55 (includes a cocktail)