All of Great Britain is abuzz with anticipation for the Britain’s Royal Wedding taking place April 29, 2011. Prince William, second in line to the throne, will be getting married to Kate Middleton, and the way it is shaping up the Kingdom is ready for a huge celebration. Parties and events are being planned throughout Britain, with Cardiff, Wales leading the way with 30 applications for events already having been made, more than any other area outside London.
Britain’s Royal Wedding will encompass a four day bank holiday weekend, and coming right after the four day weekend of Easter, there will only be three normal working days between the two bank holiday weekends, so it may not be the best time to come to London to conduct business. Prince William seems to be clearly in charge of running things, as he apparently won a battle with senior courtiers who had argued for a later date and the chance of better weather. Also, although many of the guests will be from the rich and famous and heads of state, The Prince is far more enthusiastic about making sure children, volunteers, and the homeless will be represented in a unique “People’s Royal Wedding”. William has taken a great interest in the plight of the homeless.
The one issue Prince William had to be swayed was on the wedding venue, after first choosing the charming St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. But the word in palace circles is that the only people William listens to are his grandparents, the Queen and Prince Philip, and they convinced him to be married in the place they were married in 1947. So with that advice from The Queen, plus because of its poignant link to his mother, Britain’s Royal Wedding will be at the 2000-capacity Westminster Abbey. It is an impressive building, one section dating back to pre-Norman times about 1000 years. It contrasts staggering beauty with the feeling of a parish church, and I think it may be the most single significant building of historical significance in Great Britain. Plus it is centrally located in Westminster, so people will be more closely involved in the procession and festivities in the area.
Already it is becoming clear that Prince William, in an event where he is at center stage, seems to have a clear purpose of mind. Unlike his father, Prince Charles, who has a penchant for wringing his hands over difficult situations, when he makes up his mind about something, he does it. Also, he probably realizes that if he doesn’t set a precedent of doing things in his own way now, he will never be able to do so in the future. So he is clearly setting down a marker of the kind of king he will be one day.
Britain’s Royal Wedding not only promises to be an important event, but also a fun time, and believe me, Brits do know how to party. So come to London and take part in the celebration.
Tags: Royal Wedding
