Royals Visit Memphis for Wedding

Caroline Graham Swann

Darlings, my goodness, how the world is such a small place for Prince William! Three weeks of a non-stop royal tour in Australia and only back in merry ole England for a few days, his bags are packed once again for a grand wedding in Memphis, Tennessee. Prince William must have the stamina of a stallion, and could win a gold medal for globe trotting.

This trip was not an official visit, but one filled with celebration and fun. And fun it is when Prince William, Prince Harry, and Guy Pelly get together. Since the three became friends while William was attending university in Scotland, much mischief and a jolly good time is had by all. Remember the Las Vegas story? Well, Prince Harry and Guy Pelly were counting on the lure of “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, but to Prince Harry’s luck fell to the misfortune of the tabloids catching him frolicking about in his birthday suit!

Guy Pelly is a London nightclub owner, which is evidently a perfect fit for his fame of being the life of the party and constant laughter that he creates with friends. Now as the cream of the crop and an available bachelor, he just happened to meet the Queen of the Memphis Carnival, Elizabeth Wilson. “Lizzy” is the granddaughter of Kemmons Wilson, the founder of Holiday Inns: the typical union of an American Heiress and British Blue Blood continues.

The rehearsal dinner was held in a famous Memphis barbeque restaurant (very casual). Prince William and Prince Harry were dressed in sport shirts with the sleeves rolled up, ready to eat the delicious sticky ribs. William could not get enough of the well-known delight of Memphis barbeque, and Harry ‘s favorite was an appetizer of sausage and cheese.

Lizzy, the bride (the very rich bride, at that) chose the elite Memphis Polo and Hunt Club as the location for the posh wedding. It was a very private ceremony.

Kate did not attend, as she wanted the focus to be on the bride and the extra security would also take many schillings out of the Queen’s treasure chest. One can imagine she was probably happy to stay home, take off her shoes, and rest from the stressful three week official visit to Australia.

The royals even paid a visit to Graceland to honor the King of American Rock and Roll. Their visit to Memphis for the wedding of a long-time friend was charming and one the people of Memphis will likely always remember.