The comparisons have already started between Catherine "Waity Katie" Middleton and Lady Di. But nearly 30 years ago, Auckland had its own adorable royal bride with the poise and an immaculate white gown fitting of a princess.
Joanna Hindley "wed" Ross Winsborough, both aged 5, in a fake ceremony to
mark the union of Diana Spencer and the Prince of Wales on July 29, 1981.
The celebration took place at Mairangi Bay Motel on Auckland's North Shore where the young bride and groom were staying with their families.
They were part of a group of 11 families that emigrated from the UK just a few weeks beforehand to work on the naval dockyards at Devonport.
After the mock wedding and a street party, the British mums retired to the motel's lounge where they watched the telecast of the wedding and toasted the occasion. When the men returned from the docks, they continued with the celebrations.
"I think we were all homesick," said Ross' mother Christine Winsborough, who was one of the "paparazzi" (pictured back row, second from left).
Other snappers circling the couple were, from top left, Jean Hindley, Sally Earl and Anne Bentley, and middle, Corrine Clegg, Jacqueline Triscott and Karen Selmen.
Christine can't recall any protests from young Ross to acting the role of Prince Charles - although now she is sure he would say his mother made him do it.
He now works for an electrical supplies wholesaler in Auckland.
The Herald on Sunday could not find out what Joanna was up to.
All the immigrants in the photograph remained in the country, despite being on short-term contracts.
Christine said they would have a special reunion in the middle of next year - not to celebrate another royal wedding, but to toast 30 years in New Zealand.
frances.morton@hos.co.nz
