The royal wedding and FA Cup final are both set to take place today, and while it may seem like a clash of two very different events, the opposite is in fact the case.
1. Both will rely upon a high standard of officiating
The FA Cup, however, will be refereed by the only-reasonably reverend Michael Oliver, who at just 33 years of age has taken charge of the Community Shield, EFL Cup final and Champions League games too.
2. Both will be surrounded by a sea of red, white and blue
The crowds will be distinctly red, white and blue in the streets for Prince Harry’s wedding too, as the country’s Union Jack flags get a spring-time airing.
3. Both are preceded by an inordinate amount of chatter about what everyone’s wearing
This season, Manchester United, for example, will be dressed in suits exclusively created by Paul Smith for the final.
The royal wedding is more about hats and dresses, but there’s nothing to say Jose Mourinho can’t wear a special headpiece at Wembley.
4. Both will be kept going by BBC punditry
Royalty of a different sort will join Gary Lineker to discuss the FA Cup final meanwhile, with Alan Shearer, Ruud Gullit, Ian Wright and Phil Neville offering their views on the oldest cup competition in football.
5. Both begin with a lot of singing, and even some hymns
Meanwhile, hymns will of course play a large part in the wedding of Harry and Meghan. The 2011 marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton saw Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer kick things off – which tunes will the congregation get to sing this time around?
6. Both rely heavily upon the exchange of shiny objects
While the sole objective of the FA Cup final is to win the famous trophy, there’s less of a competitive edge at the royal wedding, where rings can be exchanged, rather than battled for over 90 minutes on the pitch.
