FOLLOWING in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, who attended the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, A-level student, Jayne Monaghan will be among the guests at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this weekend.
But speaking to the Impartial Reporter on Tuesday this week, the Enniskillen Royal Grammar School (ERGS) student revealed she was yet to purchase her outfit for the wedding of the year.
“I found out in March that I was selected to go,” she explained, “It feels like I have known for so long that I felt I had plenty of time to sort things out, and now all of a sudden I have no time left!” she said.
Jayne is one of a number of local students who have been extended an invitation to the wedding, courtesy of Lord Brookeborough, on behalf of the Royal couple.
Despite having an A-level exam next week, she is ditching the study books for a few days and seizing the opportunity to be among the 2,500 people in the grounds of Windsor Castle, along with her mum, Sandra.
Revealing that her father, Keith, and grandfather had travelled to London to be a part of the atmosphere when Prince Charles and Diana got married, Jayne says her family are full of pride to know she has been selected as a guest.
“When I first found out I told my parents but managed to keep it from everyone else with great difficulty!” says the teenager from Tempo.
“My grandad is a really big fan of the Royals so when I told him he wanted to let everyone know! I had to tell him: ‘Grandad no! You can’t!’.
“I think he is really proud that his granddaughter has been chosen to go.”
Jayne was selected by the senior leadership team at ERGS to attended the wedding, in recognition of her work in the community.
A member of the local Youth Council and the Northern Ireland Council for Children, Jayne’s community work includes liaising with the local district council as well as working with members of the Northern Ireland Assembly to safeguard children’s rights.
She plans to study politics at university next year.
Recalling how headmistress, Elizabeth Armstrong broke the news to her that she would be a guest at the wedding, Jayne says she didn’t believe it at first.
“She asked me if I liked weddings or followed the Royal family. I thought it seemed like a very strange reason to be called into the headmistress’ office!
“When I realised what she meant I was so thankful and shocked.
“I went home and asked my mum if she wanted to go to a wedding and she said no! But when she heard it was the Royal wedding her face changed dramatically!
“Mum is following the build up to the wedding religiously! She is very excited about it. And she is very organised and has her whole outfit bought.
“I’m sure I will manage to find something to wear! I am just looking forward to being a part of such a huge occasion.
“I think I will be completely in awe of being there,” adds Jayne.