NZ monarchists celebrate with wedding party

Ardent supporters of the monarchy who can't join the guests at London's Westminster Abbey are raising a glass at a public ceremony organised by Monarchy New Zealand tonight.

Up to 300 people are expected to take up the invitation to watch the wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton at a central Auckland hotel, with the ceremony televised on three screens.

"This is a very celebratory event, it's one of the bonuses of New Zealand's constitutional system that not only do we have a great monarchy and democracy, but we get to celebrate these sorts of family events if you like," said Simon O'Connor, chairman of Monarchy New Zealand.

The free event had attracted a mix of monarchists as well as the general public and tourists. There had also been a mix of people choosing to dress up.

"I've just had three older ladies walk past in fascinators, and now I've just had three much younger ladies looking more the clubbing dynamic, which is working out quite well," he said.

Monarchy NZ believed most New Zealanders would tune in to watch the wedding.

On the other hand, the republican movement did not organise an event, joining "the ambivalent majority" who didn't really care, said Lewis Holden of New Zealand Republic.

"I think what it comes down to is everyone loves a wedding.

"You can't really attack someone for getting married, and we obviously wish William and Kate all the best. Our only comment is that it really shouldn't have anything to do with us in New Zealand, 12,000 miles away," Mr Holden said.

- NZPA