Early-morning royal celebrations could extend to bars

What's a wedding with a toast to the happy couple?

Under current liquor laws in Ontario, that won't be possible (at least publically) for the April 29 nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton. But that may change.

Despite the fact the wedding begins at 6 a.m., there is a movement afoot to see if bar hours can be adjusted for royal revellers who want more than bacon and eggs for breakfast.

"Let me take a look at it," Attorney General Chris Bentley told reporters when asked about the idea.

It's certainly not an unusual idea. Bar hours were adjusted for last year's World Cup and even St. Patrick's Day earns exemptions from the liquor laws, which deem the first glass can't be poured before 11 a.m.

The City of Toronto can go it alone on the bar hours if it wants and given that liquor laws are being relaxed all around, it's a pretty good bet that there will be some public toasting with your toast

Harper set for wedding

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, apparently confident that he won't be in the midst of a spring election campaign, has formally accepted his invitation to the royal wedding.

He and his wife Laureen will be in London for the wedding, a few months ahead of William and Kate returning the favour by visiting Canada.

There has been speculation that Harper was putting off his acceptance for fear his Conservative government might be pulled into election mode following delivery of the federal budget on March 22.

It's debatable whether the Opposition has the taste for a campaign right now. Latest polls have the Conservatives around 40 per cent popularity, versus about 26 for the Liberals.

Mint can put a prince in your pocket

If you can’t get close to royalty  in the flesh, as least you’ll be able to carry them around in your pocket.

The Royal Canadian Mint is issuing three silver coins featuring the images of Princes Charles, William and Harry. There’s also a William-Kate Middleton coin in the works, but there’s no word on its release.

The William and Harry coins will be released March 15 and Charles in September. There is already a series of special coins in the works for Queen Elizabeth, who celebrates her 60 years on the British throne next year.

  The Mint is issuing 10,000 coins for each of the new prince releases,    with a face value of $15 and a princely retail price of $109.95. The coins were designed by Canadian artist Laurie McGaw.

Solo trip for Prince William

Speaking of Prince William, he will be leaving his fiance at home next week when he visits New Zealand, which has suffered through a deadly earthquake.

The palace says that because he will be representing the Queen, it would be prudent to leave Kate at home.

The prince is due to arrive on March 19 and spend two days in Queensland townships before visiting regions of north-west Victoria on March 21.

Prime Minister John Key said the visit would help New Zealanders face "its darkest hours''.

 

Comments

[Ronglimeng]

I can't understand the need to be drinking at 06:00 ? I can see that members of the lower classes might want to go to a bar at that time to witness a sports event together, but isn't a Royal Wedding supposed to be a classy event?