Let the wedding countdown begin.
In these uncertain, rather tepid times, the announcement of the engagement of Prince William and his soon-to-be bride, Kate Middleton, allowed us all to think about something other than economic uncertainty and (if you are more of a fluffy type) the divorce announcement of Eva Longo
ria and Tony Parker.
Meredith Vieira made a good point on the “Today” show when she noted that even though we don’t have royals in the U.S., “we have adopted the British royal family as our own.” As we watched the camera flashes and the happy couple, it was perfectly clear that these were not Chuck and Di. This couple feels very Royal Redux. They even live together in Wales—yes, living together before marriage, folks. There’s nothing old-fashioned about that. The town they live in is most unpretentious; they’ve even been known to stop in at the local pub and mingle with the locals. True, Kate’s parents are self-made millionaires, but in terms of royal coffers, she is a commoner through and through.
Diana’s bloodline was surely more blue, but one hopes the Palace will give more media training to Kate to help her through what is sure to be a media tsunami these next few months. But like Diana, fashion watchers are already talking style icon. Kate is model-slim and naturally beautiful; there is no doubt designers will be clamoring to dress her for every occasion. The blue Issa dress she was wearing to complement that gorgeous sapphire of Diana’s sold out within seconds.
Diana and Charles did not know each other well for very long when they wed, but Kate and William have been together since college, with only one brief
break. The odds are with them that they will make this work—this is a couple that took the time to get to know each other and are modern in every way. Reports have them marrying in March, and we can hardly wait to watch them take the plunge, if for nothing more than another break from bad news and a commentary on the state of the monarchy in 2010. (Further proof of modernization: the Queen’s new Facebook page. Gotta love that.) Welcome to the modern world, royal fam. We’re delighted to have you here.
So set your watches for spring, when we’ll usher in a whole new era for the British monarchy. This is truly a modern match, and it’ll be fun to see them tie the knot. Fussy hats off to the future king and queen. Thanks for the break from the gloom.
Image credit: esther1616@flickr.com, travelswiss@flickr.com
