PlanetWildlife is promoting experiential group and tailor-made safari itineraries aimed at increasing public awareness and support. Apart from the black rhino of Africa, some of the most threatened creatures on the planet include the Asiatic Lion of India, the Chinese Panda bear (now bred largely in controlled environments), and the spectacular Blue Whale, most commonly seen in the waters off Sri Lanka.

Priced at £1,327 per person, the eight-day tailor-made Kenyan Safari and Explore Kenya (for small groups) reasonably priced from £1,555 per person, allow wildlife lovers to get close to and observe lion, elephant and, in the case of the latter itinerary, the threatened black rhino which can be spotted in the Nakuru National Park. Statistics from South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs indicate that 170 rhino have been poached since January this year…. Last year a total of 252 animals were poached in the Kruger Park, up from 146 in 2010.

In Asia, particular concern is directed towards the Asiatic Lion which are thought to number just over 300 and are to be found in their natural habitat only in Northern India’s Gir Forest National Park. PlanetWildlife offers an extensive 15-day Royals in the Jungle itinerary priced from £1,897 per person which departs from Mumbai to Gujarat and takes in Velavadar National Park, Gir National Park, and Kanha National Park, where elusive Indian leopards can also be spotted.

PlanetWildlife’s seven-day Images of China itinerary offers numerous opportunities to observe the Giant Panda at close quarters. The nation’s most famous native mammal thrives in over 60 designated reserves in South-West and Central China, mainly Sichuan province. Although numbers have gradually increased over the last few years due to raised global awareness – with current estimates of around 1,600 pandas in the wild – the Giant Panda is still listed as an Endangered Species. The Images of China programme, priced from £1,893 per person, commences in Sichuan’s capital, Chengdu, and includes visits to the Bifengxia Panda Reserve, and the Dapingyu and Foping Nature Reserves where both the endangered Giant Panda and Golden Monkey species are protected.

Sri Lanka’s second largest wildlife destination is the Yala National Park, home to a variety of animals and birds including elephants and leopards – sections of Yala are home to some of the greatest concentrations of leopard and in the world and therefore offers the best chance of viewing them in proximity. However, it is the spectacular Blue Whale (and Spinner Dolphins) that many wildlife enthusiasts come to Sri Lanka to see and PlanetWildlife’s nine-day Blue Whale and Leopard Experience planetwildlife priced from £1,738 schedules days on the ocean at Weligama where Blue Whales – and sometimes the Sperm Whale – can be observed closely.

For other endangered species itinerary ideas, call 0845 519 4948 for a copy of the new PlanetWildlife brochure containing in all over 300 exciting safari itineraries available at no cost online and in print on request. The brochure comprises over 200 colourful pages packed with itinerary suggestions and travel ideas designed to appeal to a broad global audience of nature lovers and adventure travellers. PlanetWildlife itineraries are mostly all-inclusive from point of departure but do not include international flights and are classed as Basic, Moderate, High or Advanced in terms of levels of fitness and activity demanded and/or required by travellers.

PlanetWildlife is committed to responsible tourism, and in particular: minimising negative environmental impact; contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural heritages and embracing diversity; providing rewarding experiences for visitors through meaningful interaction with local communities to the economic benefit of those communities; and promoting a greater understanding and respect for local cultural, social and environmental issues. It is part of PlanetWildlife’s corporate policy to fund selected awareness drives and wildlife conservation programmes.

• For further information, please visit planetwildlife.com or contact a PlanetWildlife office  for over 300 creative itineraries in 26 countries around the world catering to a wide range of interests and budgets.

The Dress

At the moment all we know is there are three British contenders for designing the bridal gown, Bruce Oldfield, Sarah Burton and Jasper Conran. Unlike William’s mother Princess Diana, who announced her dress designer weeks in advance of the day, Kate is keeping it a closely guarded secret.  We also know that Victoria Beckham, has been approached as a possible designer for some of the honeymoon outfits, Kate really admires her pieces and once again, a British designer would be in keeping with the patriotic theme.
 
The Shoes

A girl can never have enough and obviously, Kate agrees; a royal insider has revealed that Kate has commissioned four pairs just for the wedding day!  The royal tradition is to wear ivory silk but whatever Kate chooses it has to be demure and a bride getting married in a Cathedral has to wear a closed shoe, these things will have to be taken into consideration.  The designers hotly tipped to make the shoes are, Aruna Seth and Georgina Goodman.

 
The Hair

Bad hair day?! This will never happen to Kate….
It has been revealed that her locks are to be teased into submission by a senior stylist, James Pryce of Chelsea’s Richard Ward Salon.  Richard Ward himself will be styling the hair of Mother of the bride Carole and Kate’s sister Pippa who will be Maid of Honour, up to six stylists from the salon will be on hand to help with the creations.
At the moment James Pryce charges £50.00 for styling and £88.00 for a cut and blow-dry but prices are rumoured to be rising after the 29th April.

richardward.com
 

Clarence House confirmed that the Miss Catherine Middleton, accompanied by her immediate family, will spend the night before the wedding at London’s Historic and luxurious Goring Hotel.  Situated in prestigious Belgravia, The Goring is regarded as one of the most quintessentially English addresses in the heart of London.  Founded over a century ago and still run by 4th generation Goring family members, the 71 room hotel takes pride in highest levels of personal service and is sure to make the ideal pre-wedding base for Kate.

Royal spokesman has said, “Both Prince William and Miss Middleton have taken a great deal of interest and care in choosing the music for their Service”.  Two choirs, one orchestra and two fanfare teams will perform the music at the Wedding Service of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29th. These are:

•    The Choir of Westminster Abbey
•    The Chapel Royal Choir
•    The London Chamber Orchestra
•    The Fanfare Team from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force
•    The State Trumpeters of The Household Cavalry

For the first time in history, when Prince William marries Catherine Middleton next month, the Royal Wedding ceremony will be recorded and immediately released digitally by Decca Records.

Of course, every princess must have her carriage and so it is without any surprise that the 1902 State Landau, specifically built for King Edward VII in 1902 and intended to be used at his Coronation, will carry the Bride and Bridegroom on their way back from the service at Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.

The Reception and The Cake

The Royal Wedding reception will be held at Buckingham Palace and hosted by Her Majesty The Queen.  Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton have chosen Leicestershire-based cake designer Fiona Cairns to create their wedding cake.

In addition, the couple has also asked McVitie’s Cake Company to create a chocolate biscuit cake for the reception at Buckingham Palace. The chocolate biscuit cake will be made from a Royal Family recipe and was specially requested by Prince William.

Watching the Procession

Whether you are in London, the suburbs or the highlands of Scotland, you will need to know times and routes for the royal procession which go past some of London’s most famous landmarks.  Fortunately, with all the technology now available, it is easy to find out all necessary information to get you to the church on time!

To make sure that you get to (or at least near) The Royal Wedding, Google has come up with a 3D Route Map taking in the procession route from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and back again.  If all the crowds don’t appeal, you can view it at home from the comfort of your armchair.
googlelivesearch.com

For those who want to soak up the atmosphere, Hyde Park in London will be showing the wedding live on three giant screens.  The screening areas will be open from 7 am and there will be food and drink stands available for everyone.  For more information visit royalparks.gov.uk

If you are not able to actually get to the wedding, make sure that you don’t miss a moment by downloading one of a dozen smartphone Wedding apps that are now available. These will enable you to share the special day with friends and family both here and abroad and update them as the day unfolds.  There is even a countdown clock so that you are able to time how many hours until William and Kate say ‘I Do’.
mobile88.com

Wedding Memorabilia that we love….

French Sole has come up with an unusual, limited edition ballet pump with crown embellishment, for those wishing to walk the streets of London and strut their stuff in style, available on the 29th April for one day only. Pre-orders available at £150.00 while on the day they will be on sale for £98.00 frenchsole.com

If shoes are not your bag, excuse the pun, then go all patriotic with a Lulu Guinness clutch bag, the red white and blue union jack flag is moulded into sexy lip-shaped snakeskin, just the thing to wave in the air as the Royal Coach passes by. Price. £450.00 luluguinness.com

Kate may have the ring but that is no reason for lesser mortals to miss out.  Allumer jeweller Natasha Leigh-Smith has come up

with a beautiful sapphire and diamond necklace which can also be worn as a bracelet and has been designed as an homage to the famous engagement ring worn first by Princess Diana and now Kate Middleton.Made to order £255.00 allumer.co.uk

Kitch accessory company Tatty Devine also has Royal Wedding fever and has celebrated the day with the Kate and Wills Cameo collection in Perspex. These unusual pieces are sure to be winners and with prices starting from £21.00 for the ring, are an affordable memento of the special day tattydevine.com

Gentlemen must not be overlooked in the celebrations and Hugo Boss has recognised this fact, their eye-catching Union Jack tie will certainly get heads turning at any Royal Wedding event,  made of silk in bold statement colours, the tie costs £70.00 and is available at Selfridges. selfridges.com

And if the boys would like to go all matching Marks and Spencer have the answer with their Union Jack cufflinks, at only £12.00 a pair who could refuse! marksandspencer.com

Food Glorious Food!

Once booted and suited, our thoughts turn to posh nosh.  What delights can we eat and drink at our post-wedding lunch/dinner? Once again, we found everything to be in hand with a host of gourmet professionals collectively creating a menu fit for a king and queen!

Champagne is the obvious choice, Tesco has a Prince William Champagne, from the house of Alexander Bonnet who registered Prince William’s name soon after he was born, Prince William and Royal Wedding are both emblazoned on the label and would be perfect for any royal wedding party. It sells at £24.99 a bottle with 20% off when a case is purchased. Tesco.com

An unusual vessel to drink your bubbles from would be the blue crystal champagne flutes by Bristol Blue Glass, made to congratulate the Royal couple on their forthcoming marriage, the flutes are etched with their names and date of the wedding and come boxed with their own numbered certificate.  Offered at a special price of £29.99 + £5.00 PP bristolblueglass.com

Sparkling Champagne requires fabulous nibbles to accompany it and so Chef Ben Christopherson has created a special mini wedding cake for Selfridges to celebrate the royal wedding.  The two-tier Victoria sponge cake is coated in white chocolate and vanilla buttercream and finished with a flourish in gold leaf. Only available to order in the week running up to the wedding at Selfridges food hall service desk. Tel 020 7318 3458

If something more colourful appeals Hummingbird Bakery in London has vintage inspired cupcakes, pastel hues, featuring crowns, union jacks, royal wedding and flowers. Hummingbird can be found in Notting Hill, Soho and South Kensington. hummingbirdbakery.com Not in London? April Carter of Rhubarb and Rose has the answer with a postal service, royal wedding cake pops, choices include Will and Kate hearts, a mini wedding cake, union jack and sapphires as a reminder of the famous engagement ring. Costing £2.00 each + p&p with a minimum order of 8. rhubarbandrose.co.uk

If all the festivities and fun get too much for you,  end the day relaxing on a royal wedding cushion, Fenwicks have a very classy example in muted colours with William and Catherine embroidered on the front…the perfect end to a perfect day! £99.00 at fenwick.co.uk/

Whether you’re watching the Royal Wedding on the television with family, having a royal party with friends or are going to venture into London to wave your union jack and soak up the atmosphere, enjoy this momentous occasion!  Comment below on what you’ll be doing to celebrate on April 29th or if you have found any amazing memorabilia that you’d like to share with 5 Star Wedding readers

Copyright 2011 5 Star Weddings

Everyone will watch I am sure, in awe, as William and Kate tie the knot. There will no doubt be lots of vintage lace, sparkling jewels and awesome coaches  resulting in glamour galore.  Kate will make a beautiful bride and many brides will want to emulate her look.

Every wedding is special and needs the utmost care to make absolutely certain that things run smoothly on the day. The expertise and experience of Ruby with Roses  with their quality vintage china to hire and “vintage styling” package for weddings, engagement parties and bridal showers has proved extremely successful.

So, be sure of a “Royal Result” when you choose Ruby with Roses

Breaking News:

Clarence House have announced that Prince William is to marry Kate Middleton next year.

The wedding will take place in the Spring next year, Prince William asked her father for her hand in marriage and it was duly granted.

Prince William and Kate Middleton met at St Andrews University and have been dating for eight years. The couple got engaged in October while on a private holiday in Kenya.

We all wish them every happiness..

More news to follow……….