Community Corner

A Royal (Pajama) Party

A group of Grayslake ladies have big plans to watch the royal wedding of William and Kate in their tiaras...and their pajamas.

Fancy hats are welcomed. Tiaras are optional. Flannel PJs are appropriate.

As coverage of the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton begins bright and early at 3 a.m. Friday, a group of friends in Grayslake will be watching closely.

Nancy "Nano" Engdahl of Grayslake is hosting the royal pajama party for a few close friends who are excited to see the wedding as it airs live.

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"I did this same thing when Lady Di got married," said Engdahl. "I felt I had to do the same thing now."

She said she wanted to host a royal wedding watching party for two reasons - tradition and fun.

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"I'm a sentimental fool," Engdahl said. "I'm really not a royal watcher although I do think Kate will be a great addition to the royal family. Maybe she'll help them lighten up a little!"

Engdahl said that the idea of a 4 a.m wedding party for a ceremony half a world away is just a great excuse to have fun.

"With this economy the way it is, I'm looking for anything fun," she said. "Really, any excuse to have fun."

She found some friends who were "crazy enough" to get up in the middle of the night. 

"I invited about 10 but have a feeling maybe only four will actually show up," Engdahl said with a laugh.

Cheryl Whiteside of Grayslake will definitely be there, proudly sporting a boa and a tiara.

"It's a really true fairy tale and I can't imagine what it would be like to be in Kate's shoes," Whiteside said. "I think it is fascinating."

She said the whole life of a royal seems exciting, although she believes it would be difficult to deal with all of the pressure. But there are lots of upsides. "Think of all her jewels," Whiteside said. "Any time she ever goes out, some butler is going to come with all the royal jewels for her to select."

Whiteside said she has been watching a lot of the TV coverage of the royal wedding preparations. "I'm anxious to see Kate's dress and how she wears her hair and which tiara she wears," Whiteside said.

She is excited to watch the royals with friends.

"I am looking forward to being with people who are as enthusiastic about it as I am and as Nano is," Whiteside said.

Engdahl said her party menu includes mimosas, coffee, tea, and little cucumber sandwiches.

"I plan to get fancy and break out the one wedding gift I never used, from 23 years ago, a tea service," Engdahl said with a laugh. "I'll also get out my grandma's tea cups. I'll be up brewing the coffee and the tea at 3 a.m. We'll see who shows up!"


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