The statistics are that 2 Billion people are watching the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton. That's an astounding number. That would have to make this the most watched event in the history of the world, and it would include a full 1/3 of the world's population !
Why the fascination? I understand the dress, and the pomp, and Westminster Abbey, and the "fairy tale" framework we're observing on the "Telly", but it still provokes questions in my mind which always looks to grasp the reasoning behind the attention of public events. Is it the wealth? Is it the story behind the story....... Diana, the deceased mother of the groom who died so tragically in Paris back in 1997? Is it the fact that a "commoner" is marrying the future King of England? I can't help but notice nobody has mentioned she's not a virgin. This was a big deal when Diana married Charles. Diana had to be a virgin in 1981 to get married to Charles. Today such thoughts seem archaic and old fashioned, but to me that is a tragedy in itself, worthy of another blog in that sexual activity has become such an after-thought. We all seem so blase about sharing our bodies, and multiple partners in a lifetime is expected and even celebrated. But if you stand back and look at the scene, this attitude cheapens all of us.
Personally, I haven't been anticipating the wedding but as it flashes on TV I admit watching it in bits and pieces. I must say that this is one great looking couple. I imagine Disney couldn't have programmed it better. Attractive, great teeth, tall, (althought the computer left off some hair on top of William's head - LOL) young, slender, the perfect royal couple. Horses, palaces, men with fuzzy hats, carriages, Rolls Royces, and adoring masses. All so very British.
There is no other country that has royalty to speak of, certainly not one that gets nearly the attention they get in England. They are a throwback to our heritage as human beings, I think. There's the fascination ! It is walking, talking, "in the flesh" history as the blood of William also ran in the blood of Victoria, George III (the one that pissed us off !), Elizabeth, Henry VIII, and so many others going back 1000 years. As it was once said, "the sun never sets on the British Empire", much of the world's population was at one time or another even under the dominion of jolly old England. So, maybe that's part of it too. There is no comparison in the history of our world. In addition, as Americans we, the Canadians, Aussies, South Africans, Carribean, New Zealand, and even Hong Kong, China speak in the language of this relatively small island nation that has so much influence around the world. Even today, as the United States clings to its global power, we are an English speaking country and English is the "international language".
So, there I come to a conclusion and that is this; the fascination is in the "eye candy" that is the royal couple and all their surroundings and the great influence that England and English speaking countries have had on the geo- political balance of power to this very day. It's an interesting contrast that the Royals are still revered in Great Britain when the British were the first to demand some semblance of Democracy with the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. This charter required King John of England to proclaim certain liberties, and accept that his will was not arbitrary, thus explicitly accepting that citizens could only be punished through the law of the land. The very roots of modern Democracy and our very own constitution.
So, I wish the Royal Couple the very best and remove my hat (so to speak) to their noble heritage and their very regal country's positive influences on the world to this very day. Cheerio !
Oh, and by the way... "Click an ad.... I need the money :)"
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