Long Live The Queen!

I realize the upcoming Royal Wedding (this Friday, April 29th, 2011), may not be a big deal to some people. I'm not sure how many Americans are enthralled with the idea, but they certainly are covering it in a big way, so I guess they figure people will be watching.
I haven't always been fond of the Monarchy. I went to an all girls boarding school in England for two years, and hated it. The summer I returned home for good was the summer Princess Diana and Charles got married. I despised all things British at that point, and thought I would boycott the wedding. But something dragged me out bed at '0'-dark-thirty in the morning, and Mom and I were glued to the television for the better part of the day.

Once again, we have a Royal Wedding to celebrate.
Is it right to stick our noses in these peoples business, follow their every move and talk about them incessantly? Well, sure.

The Royal Family, whether you agree with the premise or not, is here to stay. Maybe at some point, many years from now, they will be gone, but somehow I doubt it. As long as there are Royals, there will be those who follow their every move. They expect it and they are taught from an early age how to live with it. So what is it about royalty that draws us?
For me, it's a few things.

Tradition - If you've studied British history, you know that Britain is a land rich in tales of Kings, Queens, Princes and Knights. Sadly, many in Britain are now rejecting the very history that gives their land such an air of mystery and regality. If you've ever visited, you know what I mean. There is something quite surreal about walking through Windsor Castle. A glimpse of Buckingham Palace still brings a thrill and I love to watch the Changing of The Guard. And yes, I listen to the Queen's Christmas Speech every year. (Loved The Kings Speech, by the way! Brilliant movie!)
Today's Royal Family carry those traditions forward. Perhaps you may say what gives certain people the right to rule and live in a palace? History does. And you can't change history. I don't know whether the people will ever be able to get rid of the Monarchy or if all of them will ever want to, but for now at least, Britain will continue to have a Queen or a King.

Romance - Let's face it, Kings and Queens are the stuff of fairytales. What little girl doesn't ever want to be a Princess at some point in her life? Look at the popularity of The Princess Diaries, Enchanted...we love a romantic fairytale, and if you can throw a handsome Prince into the mix, all the better. The pomp and ceremony surrounding such events as The Royal Wedding is simply thrilling, as it should be. And the happy couple are not blind to it all. In my opinion I think they are both very sensible. She knows what she's getting into, and I think she has the wherewithal to pull it off brilliantly. I also thinks it's a fair assumption that, given their history, these two are in love and stand a good chance at a marriage that will withstand the pressure of their titles. Outside of all that, I'm a romance writer. 'Nuff said.

Loyalty - I live in a British Colony. I'm proud of that. I think I've grown into this gradually, over time. Like it or not, much of Bermuda's history has very strong ties to Britain and we are uphold many of the same traditions and beliefs as those in the UK. There is always talk of independence for Bermuda, but I think we're fine the way we are and will continue to be. I am a firm believer that you should support your country, it's traditions and its Government, even if you don't totally agree with everything they stand for.

I could go on and on, but I think that's enough for now. I feel sorry for those who gripe and complain over the cost of it all, the ridiculous fanfare etc... You know what? It's making a lot of people, including this gal, happy. So just sit back and enjoy or don't watch.
I'm going to be watching The Royal Wedding this Friday, with friends, and I plan to enjoy every moment.
How do you feel about it all?