Locals celebrate the Royal Wedding at the Sanguinetti House

Just one day before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle say “I do”.

The excitement of the Royal Wedding has come to the Desert Southwest.

The Sanguinetti House Museum & Gardens hosted locals for wedding tea in the buildings oldest room. The set-up was perfect for a royal. White gloves, fancy hats, and of course – tea. The room was filled with locals who were joined by a guest who knows the royal traditions well.

Judy Watkinson is an England native, but has lived in Yuma for the past 25 years. She was the guest speaker for the tea event.

“My grandmother grew up literally seeing the Royal Family all the time. She was at Queen Victoria’s funeral and she’s seen all the coronations in the early years,” Watkinson said.

For the house’s director, Yanna Kruse, history is celebrated no matter the location.

“We celebrate history whether it’s in Yuma Arizona or England,” Kruse added.

Watkinson said that the hype for the Royal Wedding is bigger than ever before.

“I think both Americans and Brits are just enjoying the occasion. I have never seen American media, even with Kate and Will, take as much notice of a wedding as this one, partly because of Meghan Markle,” she said.

Sanguinetti was the perfect location for locals to honor the Prince and Duchess-to-be.

“It’s particularly appropriate for us to be celebrating because we have absolutely enchanted weddings here at the museum,” said Kruse.

As for Watkinson, while she can’t be there in person, she will be watching the wedding from over five thousand miles away.

“I’ll be up early watching it on Saturday morning. My husband thinks I’m mad but I think I’ll be up at 2 o’clock in the morning. I like to watch it live,” she added.