Shabby Motley, the popular cafe and yarn shop at 356 Queen St. E., opened its doors at 5 a.m. Saturday for patrons to enjoy the live broadcast of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Approximately 20 people, some wearing dresses and hats of which the Royal Family would approve, enjoyed sipping tea, coffee, Mimosa cocktails (one part champagne and one part orange juice) and desserts as they watched the couple exchange their vows at Windsor Castle.
There was a bit of a personal connection to the Royal Wedding for the Sault’s Malia Kirk.
“I’ve been fascinated with England and the Royals. I actually wrote a letter to the Queen and got a reply,” said Malia, 13, speaking to SooToday at Saturday’s local celebration.
“That was five years ago. I congratulated her on the birth of her great-grandson Prince George and also told her I like to play the violin and like to ski.”
“It was so cool to get that personal connection.”
“She replied thank you for the congratulations and thought it was cool that I play the violin and like to ski, and she sent me some information about her early life. It would be cool to meet her,” Malia said.
“It’s nice to enjoy this celebration. Meghan seems like a really nice person, and her Mom too.”
“I thought it would be an interesting thing to watch…I like that Harry has red hair,” said Malia’s brother Graham, 11, who bears a resemblance to the Prince when he was a young lad.
Malia, Graham and brother David were accompanied by their mother Rowena Kirk.
“It’s an historic moment. I think it says something about the value of marriage. I remember watching Princess Diana get married and that was a big deal. I think, for me, a generation later to witness this wedding with my children is something really special. We like the monarchy. There’s something special about them. I think a lot of us in Canada still look to them, they’re kind of iconic,” Rowena said.
“We host an annual Jane Austen tea and book club and it just seemed fitting to celebrate the Royal Wedding…I like looking at the hats the women wear. Harry and Meghan seem like a good match and I wish them the best of luck,” said Ashleigh Sauve, Shabby Motley owner/operator.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued the following statement on Harry and Meghan’s wedding:
“Today, Canadians joined in celebration as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
“To celebrate their union, Canada will donate $50,000 to Jumpstart a Canadian charity dedicated to making play and sports more accessible to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Since 2005, Jumpstart has helped more than 1.6 million children of all abilities get out on the field and be part of a team.
“Sophie and I congratulate the newlyweds on behalf of the Government of Canada. We wish Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a lifetime of happiness, and all the best as they start this new chapter together. We look forward to welcoming them on a future visit to Canada.”