The Royal Wedding

Once the Engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton was announced and the wedding planned for April 29th, I knew it was high time I got cracking with a design for a counted cross stitch sampler kit that had been rattling round in my head for some time.
Of course, I should have had it ready to go immediately, but cross-stitch is not my normal habitat!  Still, I carried on regardless - stitching away, and tweaking the design and the colours until they were right.
So here it is - a bit late but at least it is here before the wedding!

This sampler is about 9 x 13 inches, stitched on 14 count antique white Aida using Anchor stranded cotton.
The design includes thistles for Scotland where the couple met; dragons for Wales and Lions for England - but also for Africa where the Prince proposed.  The shells are from the coat of arms of his mother - Princess Diana and Prince William insisted on them for his own arms.
Roses, wedding bells, peacocks and blossom trees are all appropriate for the occasion. 
There are three versions of text:
1) Engagement announced + date
2) Wedding Day + date  
3) Married + date + Westminster Abbey
Simply choose the one you like best and follow the chart. 
The Royal Wedding Sampler will always be a lovely reminder of a happy day.