Rotorua's elderly get into spirit as royal wedding approaches

Some of Rotorua's elderly are getting in to the royal spirit with the wedding of the year hitting our television screens tonight.

Prince Harry will today marry former American actress Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

There is a guest list of about 600 people and an expected international audience of more than a billion.

Glenbrae Arvida Retirement and Care manager Maria Jay said residents had been inviting themselves to the wedding, which would be screened for them at the weekend.

She said the lead up to the wedding would be screened, accompanied with drinks and nibbles, and people could watch it again on Sunday because of the time zone difference.

"We will have some royalists who will stay up and watch, but many will catch up on Sunday."

The village has also put up photos and a display of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

"We've got the happy couple everywhere."

Jay said many of the residents had become more interested as the wedding got closer.

"It's a bit of fun and something different for them. It keeps them involved in events happening around the world which is really important at any age."

The village's activities co-ordinator Tania Rolfe said she had tried to make a Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for display, with SaveMart lending them the bridal dress for Markle.

Over the last few days she has also been cutting out the count-down stories from the New Zealand Herald and displaying them on the wall.

"It gives them a bit of a read on what is happening over there as each day gets closer for them."

Rolfe said the residents were also having a happy hour yesterdayafternoon with drinks and chippies to celebrate.

Glenbrae Arvida Retirement and Care resident Audrey Olesen said it would be interesting to see Markle's dress, as well as the bridesmaids and flower girls.

She said she always took an interest in the royal family.

Audrey Olesen and Keith Olesen's 68th wedding anniversary card. Photo/Stephen Parker

Olesen and her late husband Keith were married for 69 years, and she had a few tips for the soon-to-be newlyweds.

"I think you've got to take time to talk things over, and we had a happy marriage and family.

"We always went away every year for a holiday."

Other Rotorua retirement homes, including Makoha Rest Home and Hospital, Lara Lodge Care Home and Bupa Redwood Retirement Village and Care Home, said they would be screening the wedding.