It could be said that I have been somewhat scathing about the Royal Wedding.
Yes, perhaps just a little…
To be honest I was sick of hearing about it, and most definitely sick of seeing things like “Marry Me Instead” T-shirts in Supermarkets. Seriously? How sad! In an attempt to avoid the whole charade we planned a day trekking as a family through some gorgeous forest, a picnic, and not a TV in sight. The radio in the car was ignored in favour of Royal Wedding-free music and I don’t get internet on my mobile unless I’m under a phone tower.
Kieran deciding to go on our adventure dressed like this should have said it all really:
Quite smug that I had managed to avoid all mentions of the event, we drove along, looking forward to our day, when it hit me. The atmosphere. Not exactly eerie, it was more like that safe silence that exists on the street and around and about if you are out on Christmas Morning. In the quiet I pondered. Then I saw this:
And another like, it, and another, and another…
There was no-one in sight, the roads empty, no children playing out and that is when I realised I had completely missed the point. It wasn’t about tacky merchandising, the end of the dreams of many wannabe royal Princesses, or even about Kate &Will (sorry darlings!), but about us as a people, joining together in mutual respect and admiration, having a common thought, and as one “gee-ing” on one who may well at some point be our future King. Does this mean I think the Royal family are all shining examples of perfectness? No, it doesn’t, but it does mean that I need to open my eyes and my mind a bit more and not be so quick to scorn. Not something easy to admit, but a fault I do possess.
So tell me, what did the Royal Wedding mean to you? Were you just caught up in the pomp and fun, the outfits and the ceremony? Or have you realised like me, that the wedding was part of a much bigger event, during which a nation which can tear itself apart over politics, religion, immigration or even the football league tables, largely stood united, as one. I’d love to hear your take!
For me it was a seemingly nice young couple celebrating their wedding. I’m sure they would have preferred a quieter affair, but they clearly realise that their duty now comes first for them. I feel quite sad for them really – William hasn’t sought celebrity, it’s just an accident of birth, but he conducts himself well and I think we can be proud of him as our representative. I read yesterday that the Royal Wedding was effectively a 10 hour commercial for UK PLC in US TV – so in that respect it’s invaluable! Also I think some closet Royal watchers have been outer!!
I have to say, he does conduct himself very well – (although who doesn’t like harry, mischief and all lol!).
Grr Outed!
A quick glimpse 0f the dress and B and E funny hats all I might add by twitter was had by me.
The same as you I enjoyed seeing the bunting in a village I walked through and hearing the music from a strret party happening on the hill opposite to us, which Bex and I duely danced to for ourselves and hearing other people enjoyment really.
I am glad all who enjoyed it had a good time and wish William and Kate a happy marriage and hope it lasts longer than all the other royal marriages which why I wasn’t really in to it and all those tacky gifts please get them off the shelves ! 🙂
For us it was all about community. We organised a street party, some of us are Royalists, some not and a lot don’t really care but were happy to have the chance to close the road and have a good time together.
We didn’t have a street party but there was plenty going on. I can’t get over how quiet everywhere was! Clearly people holed up in their gardens or watching their TVs!
Love this post and how your view of it all changed. For me I love the fact that the Nation came together in celebration and for a day at least the problems of the world were largely forgotten. I wasn’t too fussed about any of it a couple of weeks ago but in the end I was as excited as the next person and I loved the event and the feel-good factor that resulted. Oh, and the dresses!
What can I say? I got wrapped up in my own perceptions so missed out – I’m big enough to admit when I’m wrong, and am glad I had a change of heart!
I loved watching the wedding and seeing so many people come together for the big event. There were no street parties around here but the same eerie silence you spoke of. I think it was great to turn on the TV and see celebrations instead of bad news.
So will you buy one of those tshirts now?!
Urm no..! 🙂