Royal Wedding

There are 40 countries around the world that have some form of monarchy (Kay, 2011).  This was shocking to me.  I was unaware that so many monarchies continued to exist.  We have close ties to England, for obvious reasons, so that may be the reason we are so familiar with that monarchy.  Did you know so many others existed?

I was only 3 years old when Prince Charles and Princess Diana were married.  Although I have seen footage, I did not get to experience the feelings of hope, joy, and happiness (just to name a few) along with the rest of the world.  I was determined not to miss out this time.  So I, like many others, woke before dawn today to tune into the wedding of William and Kate.  I chose to watch the coverage on E!.  I am so happy that I did.  It really was a great start to the day. 

It was refreshing to finally see something so beautiful on the television.  I am sure that they were a ball of nerves, but that did not show through.  What did is the love that William and Kate share.  I truly get the feeling that this marriage has a good foundation and will be one that lasts.  Kate looked absolutely beautiful - a true Princess.

I have seen, in the days leading up to the ceremony, people question the fascination with this event.  I can't speak for everyone, so I will tell you why I am so fascinated.  I am interested in both history and culture.  The Windsor's are a historical family, that have continued to exist when so many other monarchies have crumbled.  Their culture, although similarities do exist, is different than the culture here in the United States.  I spent days (ok, it all started when they got engaged) leading up to the event researching the Royal family and watching NUMEROUS programs about the Royal family and William and Kate's relationship. 

Nearly every Disney movie has a princess, who by the end, gets her prince.  Bedtime stories often have the same theme.  Most women dream for years exactly how they want their wedding to be (often even before they ever had their first boyfriend), and hope they will find their "prince charming".  That is exactly what we were able to witness today.  A "common" girl walked down the aisle to her Prince and walked out of the church a Princess.  While you may have found your prince charming, it is likely you are not an official princess.  What is better than watching a real life fairytale and a dream come true? 

Cheers to you William and Kate. 

References
Kay, K. (Narrator). (2011, March 29). Modern monarchy. Do's and Dont's. Cleveland: BBCA.