Have you noticed? It’s impossible to watch television, listen to the radio, or surf around the Internet for longer than a few minutes without encountering mention of tomorrow’s royal wedding. The impending nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton seem to have captivated people all over the English-speaking world.
During a week that has included a civil war in Libya, rioting in the streets of Syria and Lebanon, and a deadly outbreak of tornadoes across the United States, why is the attention of so many people riveted on the marriage between these two young people?
Pomp and circumstance is fun, of course. It satisfies our longing for ritual, in a big way: horse-drawn carriages, troops marching in review, planes flying in formation. Anticipating the dress is fun, especially for those interested in fashion. How long a train? Sleeves or no sleeves? White or ivory? Will the bride be as beautiful as we expect? Will everything unfold smoothly as we watch? These are all questions on the lips of reporters, and in the minds of many of us.
But I think our fascination is much more than superficial. Most of us grew up with fairy tales that featured princes and princesses, kings and queens. As we read these stories (or heard them read to us), we projected ourselves into the drama, imagining our own feelings if we were the heroes and heroines. Tomorrow a new chapter, filled with color and excitement, will unfold in front of us on television.
Our culture – all cultures – are represented through stories. And why do we read a story through until the end, or listen to the storyteller until the fire has settled into embers? Because we long to hear the ending. We prefer a happy ending, of course, but most of all, we want an ending that satisfies our desire for meaning. We know life isn’t always happy. Sad things happen, even tragic things. If the hero or heroine can’t get the happy ending, at least the story can show his life had meaning.
We want a happy ending for William and Kate. So many marriages of royals in recent decades have ended unhappily, including that of William’s parents. The world hopes these two will stay in love, have healthy and well-adjusted children, and live a long, fulfilling life. We want for them what we want for all our friends who marry, and this week most of us count ourselves among their friends. And of course, if William and Kate can live happily ever after, there is hope that each of us may, as well.
Adults all over the world were spectators at the drama of Princess Diana’s death. Our hearts ached as we saw her sons walk through the streets behind her casket. We’ve seen them grow up into apparently decent young men, and if Prince William can live happily ever after, surely her life has even greater meaning. We know she touched the lives of many through her charity work, but what provides greater meaning to a parent than to see our children happy?
For people in Great Britain, there is another level of meaning in this wedding. Since the end of World War II, for more than sixty years, the previously inflexible British class system has been very gradually relaxing and evolving. Class continues to be a significant issue, but it no longer defines the future of individuals. Tomorrow, when the future King of England marries a commoner, British people all over the world will know they’ve lived to see a remarkable cultural milestone. This wedding will touch on our deep human desire to be equal, to be acknowledged and seen as valuable and important people.
And of course, there’s the tiara.
A local movie theatre has the royal wedding as a movie event. Selling tickets and everything. People love the event I agree. Royalty in the UK is a show. People that like it pay attention, everyone else ignores it. It will probably always be popular because it’s popular. Just like who Madonna is dating is a popular topic.
Thanks Jill, I love watching them relax and yet still be inspirational to the Brits and others, there is still charm and magic in the whole royal thing. Now we can all feel like it’s possible to be the Princess 🙂
I think you hit part of the nail on the head with the “fairy tale”. In a world where there are some major problems, it feels good to take a break from the problems and watch a real “fairy tale” wedding.
Of course you know, the wedding itself is completely over-the-top. It’s a bit of a spectacle to see what they can come up with.
Cheers
I like that, Nan! Or rather, Princess Nan…
Spectacle’s a good word, Phil. But after all, they’re upholding centuries of tradition! As a Canadian, I rather enjoy that.
Love this, Chris, and thanks for letting me know! My girlfriend and I are going. She thinks we should wear tiaras, or perhaps a little hat with a feather. Hmmm, must check my closet.
For me, this one is not so much fairytale as seeing Prince William grown up. Maybe I’m feeling a bit less princess and a bit more mommy. I remember when he was born after all. Now, if Paul McCartney gets married again…. 🙂
I think that’s one of the main reasons we’re excited for him. We’ve watched him grow up, and through some very difficult times.
Lovely blog, Jill. Yes, we do yearn for happy ever after, for all of us.
Nice post Jillian…
I like where you touched on our childhood fantasies – from a guys perspective, i know it was all about rescuing the damsel in distress – saving the world (preferably with a sword in my hand), etc.
And I think the ladies identify with wanting someone to look at them and see beauty worth dying for 😉 I mean it’s the prince who was willing to give up his kingdom to marry this “common” girl…
Friggin beautiful – and it’s real life… I’m glad to hear that someone is reporting on just one of the many wonderful things happening in our world…
and it’s really cool to see equality spreading to our friends on the other side of the ocean…
While I did not watch the wedding, it still was one I enjoyed. While some may wonder about the years it took them to get to the alter, this allowed her to adapt to what was coming. What greater gift of love and respect could he possibly give her?
And yes, there is the joy at knowing 2 souls who love each other have made that commitment. And while I have not (as yet) found one that respected and loved me, it is a point of joy to see such a couple.
There is much sadness and sorrow in the world, a point of joy is purely that. To enjoy the happiness, the beauty, the grace, is something to lighten the soul. For those who say it was frivolous and not something to enjoy, are we supposed to sit in darkened rooms in sack clothes for there is always bad. But there is always good as well.
And as someone who has yet to see someone love her, there is a part of me that loves watching her meet William at the alter, and the love between the two… there is love in the world. 🙂
Beautifully put, MJ.