Tens of millions of people across the world gathered to watch the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018.
But only the 200 guests at the after-party were able to see the royals cut loose with a group of A-list celebrities.
Emceed by late-night host James Corden, the event featured food catered by three-star Michelin chef Clare Smyth and a long list of themed cocktails, including a gin and vermouth mixer created for Prince Charles and Camilla.
Royal insiders told The Sun that George Clooney whisked Markle, Duchess of Sussex, away for a dance as well as her new sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. Sir Elton John sang karaoke, and actor Idris Elba took a spin on the turntables, mixing up 1960s soul classics and ‘80s dance tunes.
While the wedding was praised by many on this side of the pond for incorporating elements of American culture — from gospel music to an Episcopalian preacher — the after-party featured another American twist: beer pong.
And according to an insider, nobody rocked the red Solo cups like tennis legend Serena Williams.
“The bride’s US heritage was marked with the boozy American university drinking game beer pong, where players throw table tennis balls into cups of beers which their opponents then have to consume.
The reception insider said: ‘Serena Williams played beer pong like it was tennis. Everyone had so much fun with it, there were even fireworks.’”
Williams’ championship performance at the beer pong table could have been because she came to play. While she wore an elegant dress to the after-party, and beneath it was a carefully concealed pair of tennis beer-pong shoes.
From playing party guest rockstar to tennis pro to winning as a new mom and taking it all in stride? That’s just #BeingSerena.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.