The Royal Wedding! April 29, 2011

I was up early this morning to watch the royal wedding, were you? I didn't need the full coverage starting at 4 a.m; that's insane! I rolled out of bed at quarter after five, just in time to see Princs William and Harry leave for the abbey. I was alone, and had several cups of tea, the last of my digestives, and a blanket. Next time I'm throwing a party! Or, getting up slightly earlier and wearing a tiara, at least.

I'm really surprised (although I shouldn't be) by the amount of disdain I've been seeing on my social media outlets with regard to the wedding. One person wondered hatefully whether people in Libya, Egypt, the American south (recently ravaged by storms, floods, and tornados), etc, would either know or care about the wedding. To that, I say, let us have one happy morning before we start worrying about the world's problems again. The appeal of this wedding for most people who are interested is that it's a bright spot in a dark world; yes, they are privelaged, but William and Kate represent a true love story, like something out of a movie or fairy tale, and don't we all like a happy ending? In these dark times, can't we take a few moments to watch a loving couple smile into each other eyes?

Another person went on a venemous rant toward the Americans watching the wedding, accusing us of forgetting that we once broke away from the monarchy and accusing us of being unpatriotic. This person also attacked the institution of monarchy and royals themselves, saying they are thieves living off of the backs of the English people and the spoils of their oppressive, murderous ancestors. To that, I have two responses.

Firstly, we did not break away from anyone. We, the American people, living in this day and age, had no part to play in breaking away from Britain. That was the decision of the colonists who came before us, who may or may not be our ancestors; I think it's safe to say that a lot of us are descended from immigrants who came to this country after the revolution, during peak immigration years in the 1800's, or later. Therefore, we did not break away from Britain, and I don't consider it unpatriotic to be an anglophile.

 And secondly, today's royals are no more responsible for the actions of their ancestors than we are for ours. British monarchs of the past did some terrible things, for sure. (And let's not pretend our American ancestors are so innocent, while we're at it; do you have many Native American friends?) But many of today's royals, Princes William and Harry especially, are highly involved in charitable work at home and abroad, and give a lot back to the community that sustains them. And anyway, Britain is a constitutional monarchy, one whose people have just about every right that we do here in America. The British people are no longer repressed under the foot of a towering, greedy monarch, as was the case in centuries past. The Queen has nearly no constitutional power anymore; the roles of the royals are mostly ceremonial. I won't pretend to be an expert on how the tax system works, or to know how much the British people pay to keep the royals in hats and corgis, but it is my understanding (having British friends, and all) that the amount is minimal. Even so, I think most Britons will admit that somewhere, deep down, they have a bit of a fond spot for Old Queenie.

But, what do I know?

I thought Kate looked beautiful, that gown was a classic. William looked quite dashing in his military dress (to say nothing of Harry...ooh baby). I'm certain they were both nervous, but Kate did a better job of hiding it; she was all smiles while William was definitely more reserved during the ceremony and carriage ride. It was nice to see him and Kate finally smiling together as they waved (and kissed!) on the balcony of Buckingham palace.

Also, I thought it was endearing to see how proud Prince Charles and Phillip, the 90-year-old Duke of Edinburgh/Queenie's husband, looked. Queenie, of course, is always stoic, so only God knows what was going through her curly white head. She was probably wondering what she'll have for tea.

Anyway, happy Friday, everyone! And congratulations to the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I can't wait to see what doubtless very beautiful children they produce a few years down the road.