FA cup final is the most important sporting event in English sports calendars that even Royal family members may not like to miss. I distantly remember how we used to look forward watching this match on TV, as it was the only football match showed live on BBC way back in mid-sixties. Royal family members, the Queen and Prince Phillip would come back early from overseas tours to attend the match at iconic Wembley stadium and to present the cup to the winning team. Now that live matches are shown practically every day, charm, romance and importance has somewhat diminished but not for the fanatic supporters of the two teams involved.
So the date chosen by Prince Harry and Megan for their wedding, Saturday, 19th May 2018 which coincides with FA cup final is somewhat an own goal, especially as his elder brother Prince William is President of FA who would normally present the cup to the winning Captain. Was it oversight or a calculated move to get maximum exposure, as wedding may take place in the morning and early afternoon while the match will not kick-off until early evening which means public will be able to watch both events live on TV except supporters who are lucky enough to attend the match at the Wembley stadium?
As the marriage date is not declared as public holiday, the couple had to choose a week-end to enable public to watch it live or line the streets in Windsor to catch a glimpse of the couple who are bound to take a ride in an open-top car or even a royal carriage through the streets of Windsor. In any case this day will be a memorable occasion for everyone, for one reason or another.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
