The risk of rain may be the main concern for thousands of Brits hoping to celebrate Friday’s royal wedding with street parties, but for the 1500 expected to gather at the British Embassy in Kuwait sandstorms are the only fear.
Dundee expat Paul Dryden is helping to organise a huge knees-up in the Gulf state, after ordering a massive shipment of goodies from The Courier’s royal wedding collection.
They may be separated from the nuptials by 3000 miles, but that will not stop British nationals in Kuwait from enjoying a celebration fit for a king, amid temperatures of more than 40C.
Paul works at the embassy and is looking forward to the big day as much as if he had an invitation to the main event.
“Within British embassies the royal wedding is just as special as it is back home in the UK,” the 41-year-old told The Courier. “The backdrop may be a bit different but we are planning a really traditional street party it will be a fantastic celebration.”
Paul, head of the visa section at the embassy, said 1500 British nationals were expected at the party.
“Expats are coming from all over Kuwait, including some of the oil fields,” the former Dundee High pupil continued. “It promises to be a major event.
“We are starting the party at 6.30pm when, hopefully, it may be a little bit cooler and, this being Kuwait, fully expect the celebrations to last well into the wee small hours.
“The whole thing is self-funding,” Paul continued. “No taxpayers’ money is being used and profits will be donated to charities supported by the prince and his new bride.”
Helping to get the party going with a swing will be more than £1000 worth of items from The Courier’s royal wedding collection.
“We have got all manner of commemorative items, including spoons and tea towels,” Paul said. “I don’t suppose many orders have been shipped as far as this one but we just could not miss out.
“There has been a lot of coverage of the wedding here so I can only imagine what it has been like back home.
“The local Kuwaiti press have been very interested in it and there has been a lot of speculation about what Kate Middleton will be wearing and suchlike.”
While Brits may worry about rain, Paul’s has a different concern.
“It is guaranteed to be T-shirt weather but I suppose there could be a sandstorm,” he said. “Whatever happens, it is sure to be a fantastic party and everybody here would just like to wish the happy couple all the best for the future.”To browse our royal wedding collection, visit www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk