A lot has been said and written about the nuptials of Kate Middleton and Prince William, and why not? The modern day fairytale wherein the world's most eligible bachelor weds an ordinary girl after a romance that lasted a decade and a relationship that had it's own fair share of ups and downs reached it's happy ending with the ceremony at Westminster Abbey and was sealed with not one but two kisses on the balcony of the Buckingham Palace.
The affair to remember started with months of speculation when Kate (now HRH Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) and William announced their engagement and the blue sapphire and diamond ring that once belonged the the ethereal Late Princess Diana so befittingly sat pretty on Kate's finger. Then there were speculations about her wedding dress, the cake and the invitees to the wedding of the century. Everything was closely guarded. In spite of all the paparazzi, I think the princess to-be maintained a very dignified profile inviting no bad press and no embarrassing blasts from the past excluding the famous sheer dress that she wore in her college's fashion show. But that should hardly be considered embarrassing since it was the same dress that made the Prince notice her!
There was a lot of excitement all over the world with poll results touting Kate to be one of the most popular royal brides ever. She enjoyed the goodwill of people all over the world. The excitement was palpable in India as well with the news and lifestyle channels partaking in the frenzy. Shows about royal weddings in the past, the lifestyle of the Middletons and interviews of the friends and family of the couple became a staple of prime time programming. All this lasted for a fortnight and it all culminated today with the live telecast of the royal wedding.
Now I must admit, I have never seen such a grand wedding being telecast for us 'Muggles.' The extravagance was evident right from the start when the guests started pouring in. The women in their ultra gorgeous Philip Treacy hats and the men in their best morning suits representing the who's who of the world sat in each other's company at the Westminster Abbey. This was followed by visuals everyone had been waiting for, the arrival of Prince William along with his best man and brother, Prince Harry to the church. As the Bentley pulled into the streets, the poster boys of the British monarchy waved at the crowds who'd been waiting all night long and into the morning to catch a glimpse. This was followed by the arrival of other members of the royal family including the groom's father and the Queen. Then came the visuals everyone had been waiting for, those of Kate getting into the car. The Chantilly lace bridal dress was designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen and she wore a tiara the Queen had lent to her. She looked simple yet extremely elegant. As she stepped out of the car accompanied by her father and her maid of honour and adorably cute flower-girls and into the church, the picture seemed straight out an illustrated fairy tale.
As she walked down the aisle, one could see the best man telling the groom that his bride who had been a self proclaimed "bundle of nerves" just hours before the wedding looked beautiful. The archbishop led the vows for William and Kate. The only possible glitch that could've happened was when the ring didn't seem to fit Kate's finger but that was resolved and the couple was pronounced Man and Wife. They then proceeded on to sign the 3 registers that every royal couple must sign after being wed while the choir engaged in some opera.
And thus the wedding was solemnized. The girl who'd entered the church as a commoner stepped out as royalty. An open air horse drawn carriage stood waiting to escort the royal couple back to the Buckingham Palace. The bride who was now Her Royal Highness received a royal salute from the British cavalry and the newly-weds seemed to be enjoying every bit of affection and attention albeit in a dignified manner that was being showered upon them by the thousands of people who had gathered along the London sidewalk. They did their bit for the crowd, waving at them and acknowledging them.
And when the wedding part finally reached the palace and when they emerged in the balcony for their first appearance as Prince and Princess, they sent the crowds and the media and the millions of viewers across the world in a tizzy by kissing each other- a tradition established by Prince Charles and Lady Diana. The crowds clamoured for one more kiss, and the much in love couple happily obliged.
Thus, came down the curtains on the biggest reality show in modern history. A reality show with all the pomp and grandeur minus the advertisements and the sponsors. The girl next door had found her prince charming. And they lived happily ever after!
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