So on April 29, 2011 (which happens to be my parents wedding anniversary) Prince William married his long time girlfriend Catherine Middleton...
So what was life like over here during all the wedding mania?? Honestly I think the United States had more media coverage and speculation leading up to the wedding than we did here. Of course there were magazine covers and news articles, but there didn't seem to be as much "drama". I kind of felt like there was a bit more pride and genuine excitement for the couple. The city seems to really have embraced Will and Kate and is hoping for a successful marriage.
The city itself was covered with memorabilia and collectible items that people were purchasing left and right. All thoughout the city you could find things with Will and Kate's photo on it.
Union Flags hung all around London, gave the city a charged feeling of excitement, history and pride. If there is one thing that the British people do know how to do, it's throw a Royal Party! The pomp and circumstance for an event like this is impressive. I have to admit that I got caught up in it all. I enjoyed learning a lot of little fun facts like, the reason Will and Kate wanted to to have Maple trees inside Westminster Abbey is because they symbolize balance, promise, modesty and practicality.
Big Screen in Trafalgar Square
So on a more local level, here in Richmond (about 30 minutes away from Westminster Abbey via tube), we were known as the "Street Party Capital". We had 86 streets closed down the day of the wedding for parties...come to find out most were by invite only.
The kids both had Royal Tea Parties at school the day before. Mandy of course loved every second and made a point of wearing her tiara from Steve and Marissa's wedding!!!
The amazingly delicious cake made by a "mum" and eaten by the parents!
Ms. Kahlil, Headteacher at Darell Primary School, asked a room full of 60 or so children why we were having a tea party, what were we celebrating? Mandy raised her hand and told the whole room it was because "Prince William is marrying Kate tomorrow." For anyone who knows how shy Mandy has been over the years, also knows that this was HUGE for her to speak out in a room like this!!
So on the actual day of the wedding, instead of heading into the chaos of the city, we opted for a quieter, more enjoyable option and headed over to our friends' house. Clair, Sam and their children Jack and Georgia, invited us over for some wonderful food and drinks and we spent the morning and part of the afternoon glued to the TV!
Cheers to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!!
Some of the photos from this post were taken from the "Will and Kate" Facebook Fan page. For Official Photos of the Royal Wedding go to http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/ and click on the flicker link on the right hand side. You can also still print out a copy of the Wedding Program.
