Cheers to the Royal Wedding!

Tuesday 27 February 2018

Islanders will be able to toast Prince Harry and his new bride Meghan Markle into the early hours on the weekend of their wedding, as licensed premises are to be allowed to stay open late - if the States agree.

Pubs will be allowed to continue serving celebrating customers for an extra couple of hours, with final servings delayed from 23:00 until 01:00 on the evenings of Friday 18 and Saturday 19 May 2018. A 20-minute 'drinking up' time will be permitted on both dates, bringing final closure to 01:20.

The move – approved by the Assistant Minister in the Economic Development Department, Constable Steve Pallett – will bring Jersey in line with the UK, who will also be permitted to sip champagne or  say ‘cheers’ with pints in taverns until late. It now needs to go to the States Assembly for final approval. 

If approved, it wouldn't be the first time premises will have been allowed to stay open late. Extensions were permitted to mark the Millennium celebrations, the 2011 Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, and the Queen's 90th birthday in June 2016.

Pictured: Whether with champagne or pint of local ale, islanders will be able to celebrate the Royal Wedding in local pubs in May.

The Royal prince and Ms Markle, an American actress, are due to tie the knot in the traditional surroundings of St George’s Chapel, a 15^th Century building located in the grounds of Windsor Castle, on Saturday 19 May.

Following their engagement, which was announced by Clarence House in November, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, commented: “We are very excited for Harry and Meghan. It’s been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together.”

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh also expressed their delight for the couple to whom they wished “every happiness."

The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle. pic.twitter.com/zdaHR4mcY6

— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 27, 2017

Following the announcement, the Bailiff, Sir William Bailhache, shared well wishes to the couple on behalf of the island: “The Lieutenant-Governor, Bailiff, States and people of Jersey join together to send Your Royal Highness and Miss Meghan Markle their warmest congratulations on the special occasion of your engagement,’ the message reads.

“The people of Jersey offer you their most loyal good wishes for every future happiness together and hope that the Island may one day be honoured by a visit from you both.”