JUNE | TRENDING
Royal
prepping
History was made on 19 May, and
Access got an exclusive insight into
the mammoth preparations
O
n 27 November 2017, Clarence House
announced that Prince Harry would
marry Meghan Markle. And, while
the rest of the country looked forward to
enjoying a Pimms or two, the announcement
was serious business for the events industry.
Production wise, the expectations pre-
event were vast, with more than 5,000 UK
and international media and support staff
accredited across Windsor for the day.
With heightened interest from across the
pond, 46 US broadcast affi liates stepped into
action and two purpose built international
media compounds were constructed along
the Long Walk and Home Park.
Julia White, visitor manager, Royal
Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead told
Access that many of the 220 volunteers
called into action for the 2012 Olympic
Games were once more deployed.
“They did a great job at the 2012 rowing
event in Dorney Lake, and off ered team
support and stewarding services for the
wedding, acting as the friendly face of
security being easily identifi able in bright
red attire.”
The grand eff orts of the volunteers was
in part down to their training in safety and
counter terrorism. Sport Event Solutions
had helped prepare a roster of suppliers
including global natural and built asset
design and consultancy fi rm Arcadis for the
vast media infrastructure. Pinnacle Crew
20
were also involved.
The day was particularly busy for Paul
Roach, town manager, Windsor, whose
responsibilities kicked in the moment the
royal carriage hit the highway, overseeing
the stewarding, and making sure the route is
clear, with suitable barriers and screens for
the public to view the special occasion.
He told Access: “Making sure the Long
Walk was fi t for the occasion was vital. In
our largest viewing area we placed nine
Fonix LED screens, which created a relaxed
picnic atmosphere. The Long Walk featured
around 60 caterers, numerous toiles, welfare
facilities, and some 1,200 stewards, manning
critical crossing points and routes.
“Windsor is a historic town with very
narrow roads and streets, along which we
positioned numerous media and camera
points, all while maintaining business as
usual in the town centre.”
He adds that the town’s Wi-Fi and mobile
signal strength was boosted on the day to
cater for the media and visitor demands.
The happy couple, meanwhile, invited
2,640 people into the grounds of Windsor
Castle to watch their arrival. Wedding
guests were also situated at the chapel to
watch the carriage procession as it departed
from the castle.
This group included 1,200 members of the
public, nominated to attend by nine regional
Lord Lieutenant offi ces. The couple asked
that the people were chosen are from a broad
range of backgrounds and ages, including
young people who have served their
communities. 200 people were selected from
a range of charities and organisations which
the couple have a close association with.
“With the eyes of the world on Windsor,
this was an amazing chance to promote
the destination for tourism and events. Our
fi rst meeting took place in December 2017,
and back then there were very few details
of the arrangements. We met on a monthly
basis with stakeholders including the Royal
Boroughs and councils and then more
frequently closer to the event,” White adds.
While the world focused on that Givenchy
dress and stars including Elton John, Access
proudly nods to the organisations behind
the pomp and circumstance.