Live from London: The Royal Wedding Preview
Friday, April 29, 2011
As a twenty-something, recently-married female living in London – who just happens to be named Kate – it will come as no surprise to hear that I am massively looking forward to the Royal Wedding day.
From the moment that Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement back in November, there has been a constant excitement bubbling beneath the surface of the otherwise generally reserved nature of the Great British public. As the big day approaches and as the preparations are made, people in London are relaxing, and allowing themselves to become immersed in the anticipation of and enthusiasm for the biggest event of the century so far.
From the news to the merchandise
The newspapers are full of wedding-related news – it has been front page every day this week. The gift shops are full to the rafters of Royal Wedding merchandise… most of it complete tat, but fun nonetheless. I myself have already
Walking the Royal route
My husband and I live in Brixton, South West London, about a 15-minute tube ride from Buckingham Palace. Yesterday – 2 days b.w. (before wedding) – we spent the afternoon walking along the official Royal Wedding procession route (you start at Buckingham Palace, head down the Mall, pass through Trafalgar Square, hang a right at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and voila – you’ve arrived at Westminster Abbey!). Already, electricity was in the air. At every turn there weren’t only thousands of tourists lapping up the royal surroundings, trying to capture every detail and every moment on film, but more media than I ever imagined there would be.
Reporters and camera crews from every corner of the earth (everyone wants a piece of the action) have pitched up in force. A makeshift press box has been constructed on the right hand side of the Mall, in front of the Palace, filled with and surrounded by people wearing badges saying ‘Press’. The entire processional route was teaming with people carrying huge cameras and holding big fluffy microphones at the ready, as well as droves of excited tourists, young and old, who couldn’t believe they were walking on the same road that the Royals themselves will drive up tomorrow.
Pride at being British
Huge flags (of all varieties: the Union Jack, the St George’s Cross, and a strange hybrid of both which I have never seen before) have been strung up on the lampposts that line the Mall (not to mention everywhere else!). As we walked amidst them, it was impossible not to feel a huge sense of pride at being British, and, even more so, a vast excitement at being in one of the world’s greatest cities at such an historical time. Just as my Great Aunt used to describe her excitement at being in London for the Queen’s Coronation, so I look forward to the time when I can tell my Grandchildren where I was the day that the King and Queen of England got married.
Important for the Monarchy, and a tale of love
The 29th April 2011 will have a huge impact on Britain and the world. Not just because it is an important day for the Monarchy, and not just because it is cause for huge celebration everywhere, but because the two people getting married seem so genuinely happy and in love. Kate and William are setting an example for our time; they are showing that class doesn’t really matter, that relationships require work but that ultimately, the fight is worth it. Would Kate Middleton really share her one and only wedding day with billions of people worldwide if she didn’t really love our Wills?
I can’t wait to share in their excitement and celebration, I can’t wait to wave my flag along with the 200,000 other people who will congregate in Hyde Park to watch every second of the amazing day unfold on enormous screens (What will her dress be like? Which celebrity will be spotted first? What will the Queen be wearing? Etc etc) and I can’t wait to see the newlyweds forge out a happy life together, despite the undoubted highs and lows (not to mention pressure!) they will face.
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It