BY SYDNEY ALTMAN
Growing up in a small town with a middle class family, one woman rose above social divisions when she met and fell in love with Prince Charming – breaking tradition and proving that love conquers all. This may remind you of the classic Cinderella story we all know and love. But in reality, the woman is Catherine (Kate) Middelton, and Prince Charming is Prince William of Wales. On April 29, 2011, the royal wedding, the most glamorous and most publicized event of the century, will occur at Westminster Abbey. The event has caused mass hysteria throughout the world, adding a new and undesirable element to the ordeal. But, as the famous bride and groom romantically say I do, every little girl’s Cinderella fantasy will come true in a modern day fairy tale happy ending.
Prince William and Kate Middelton met in 2001 while attending St. Andrews University in Scotland. At first, the two were merely friends, but things quickly changed after the two become flat mates during their sophomore year. Their friendship turned into romance, but their relationship was anything but smooth. Though the two were clearly in love, William’s hectic schedule and constant publicity drove the two apart for a few months. But, their separation was short lived as the pair eventually reunited with firm plans for an official union.
After realizing that he wanted her in his life forever, William proposed to Kate while on a vacation in Africa. In honor of his late mother, Princess Diana, William gave Kate his mother’s beautiful sapphire and diamond engagement ring, ensuring that her memory will never be forgotten. Their return to England as an engaged couple ignited a firestorm of media coverage, speculating and detailing every new development in their marital plans. The wedding event of the century was undoubtedly the highlight of the world’s news.
Although the joyous event is close, it has been overly publicized and exploited. The royal wedding will be anything but private as it is expected to be broadcast throughout the world, being witnessed by hundreds of millions of people. The royal family is just about the last remaining entity of England’s traditional governmental structure; therefore, the idea of watching a prince and princess marry is captivating.
However, as the wedding nears, the princess-to-be and the handsome prince are receiving the unglamorous paparazzi treatment. Photographers and film crews camp outside simply to catch a glimpse of the royal pair. Their every move is constantly watched and scrutinized; since they are two of England’s biggest public figures, the paparazzo’s presence is not uncommon.
What is uncommon is how every aspect of their engaged lives is being capitalized on everywhere in the world. From movies to memorabilia to accessories, anyone can literally take home a piece of the engaged couple. Many websites are selling replicas of Kate’s engagement ring, but this memento is nothing compared to the craziness other vendors have. A few of the over the top products include a refrigerator emblazoned with the couple’s engagement photo, finger nail color strips with the same photo, and “royal” prophylactics. Many clearly wish to make a quick profit off of this historic event.
All of the wedding talk has ignited different emotions in all. While actress Jenna Dewan finds the idea “majestic”, comedian Jerry Seinfeld has harsh words toward the lavish affair.
“Well it’s a circus act, it’s an absurd act,” Seinfeld said in an appearance on the ITV show Daybreak. “You know, it’s a dress-up. It’s a classic English thing of let’s play dress-up. Let’s pretend that these are special people. OK, we’ll all pretend that — that’s what theater is. And that’s what the royal family is — it’s a huge game of pretend. These aren’t special people — its fake outfits, fake phoney hats and gowns.”
Though the whole pomp and circumstance may be just a show to some, it’s a show that the world rejoices in seeing. It will be a day full of historical moments. It will be the day a new princess is crowned, the first one in the monarchy’s history that has graduated from college. In addition, the day will become a new holiday in which England can always relive the magic and romance.
The royal wedding will mark the beginning of a new, more modern monarchy – one in which love truly does matter more than social status. As the couple wed in the famed cathedral, a modern day fairy tale will be witnessed before our very eyes, giving little girls hope that a fairy tale dream can come true.
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