Prince Andrew is said to have broken royal protocol in his “hilarious” and “emotional” speech during the wedding reception for his daughter, Princess Eugenie.
The Princess of York wed Jack Brooksbank in a ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in front of more than 850 guests on Friday.
And her proud dad reportedly joked that he hadn’t prepared a speech for their big day, saying: “I don’t write speeches, why should I write this one?”
According to the Telegraph, though, he delivered a heartfelt father-of-the-bride speech which included some lovely memories, jokes – and a break in royal protocol.
During the reception, which is said to have taken place this afternoon, the Duke of York is said to have delivered a “classic speech” where he spoke about his pride in “Team Eug and Jack”.
He also reportedly poked some fun at his new son-in-law, recalling the time how Jack had once confused himself with the family’s dog.
Prince Andrew explained that he had once yelled at the dog – who is also named Jack – to get off of a chair…only for Eugenie’s longtime partner to jump to his feet.
At another point in the speech, he told the guests that he was about to break royal protocol – and “do something I’ve never done before” – before turning around to hug his son-in-law.
Meanwhile, the publication report that the newlywed Jack delivered his own sweet speech where he spoke about how Eugenie “lights up my life.”
Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, Jack’s former headmaster at school and the chairman of the Street Child charity, said that the reception was an emotional afternoon “full of love and warmth”.
He also spoke about Jack’s speech, where he is said to have thanked his in-laws and the Royal family.
He recalled:
“He showed the best of his qualities, which he had at school, and that was his humility – his speech was all about other people.
“Seventy five percent of his speech was to profess his love for Eugenie.
“He said his life lights up when she comes into the room. ‘She lights me up,’ he said. She makes him whole. His love for her was obvious.
“They are a very modern married couple. They both work. They’ve lived together before getting married. They know each other very well.”
