What could be more romantic than a marriage proposal at a world famous landmark? The Taj Mahal, Golden Gate Park and Niagara Falls all provide spectacular backdrops for those planning to pop the question. But perhaps the most popular location is overlooking Paris from the top of the Eifel Tower.
Now it appears that London has a landmark to match that of the French capital – The viewing platform of The Shard. On the day it opened to the public last week, the top floor of Europe’s tallest building hit the heights of romance and was immediately the site of two wedding proposals.
The first couple to share a magical moment 800 feet above the streets of London were James Episcopou and his long term girlfriend Laura Taylor who were surprised to find Mayor Boris Johnson at hand to offer his congratulations.
Mr Episcopou, aged 22, said; “I know it sounds corny but she makes me feel on top of the world so I thought this was the best place in London. I didn’t realise Boris was going to be here though.”
Miss Taylor, also aged 22, said she was “astonished” and “totally surprised” by the proposal, especially with the spectacular view.
But this was only the beginning of the romantic morning as a second engagement followed only minutes later when Ewart Cross, aged 43, proposed to his girlfriend Dianne Still, aged 42.
Mr Cross told the Evening Standard he had been planning the surprise since tickets for the viewing platform first went on sale in July.
“This is the closest we get to God this side of Europe,” he said. Accountant Miss Still joined Miss Taylor in accepting her partner’s proposal. “I feel great, this is really fantastic,” she said.
Boris Johnson, who was present along with architect Renzo Piano to officially open the viewing platform, described The Shard as an “intergalactic sphere” and insisted it was “much better” than the Eiffel Tower.
When asked about the ticket prices for the viewing platform – £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children – Mr Johnson said that pricing was a matter for The Shard. Despite these steep prices visitors seem undeterred, with 135,000 tickets already sold.
Bookings for Valentine’s Day are proving very popular, a spokesperson revealed – which promises yet more fairy-tale moments on the top of the world.
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