It's just a little kiss
Watching the Wedding Yesterday
Patriotism means, by definition, a devotion to ones country. In accordance with said definition I am, therefore, not patriotic because I cannot say wholeheartedly that I am devoted to my country. Being an expat in Hong Kong for 'n' amount of years could make others think I didn't care about England. But they'd be wrong. I am devoted and I am proud to be English. Yesterday I was glued to Theresa's telly all afternoon until the big moment of that kiss on that balcony and I truly truly enjoyed every minute of it.
The Royal Family
As the members of the British Royal Family made their way to Westminster Abbey and took their places, all behaving impeccably, it was obvious that they know how to put on a jolly good 'do'. They have their pick of the best church, the best flowers, the best carriages and of course the world class top number one best route to the venue and then on to the reception.
Queen Elizabeth I
But it's not just because they have one of the best driveways in the world to parade up and down (The Mall) its because of the crowds. The public, who turned out to wave at them in the hope of getting a quick glimpse of the Royals really made that wedding day into an atmospheric event and made it historically important.
Emotional Day
It is very emotional to watch any wedding. The open exchange of vows and the support of both families is a marvelous and memorable event for any couple. Its guaranteed to form a lump in ones throat. Having the whole thing televised and broadcast around the world to over two billion people and having the route lined with thousands of enthusiastically waving people is mind blowing. And it's that atmosphere of the gathering of a large crowd in celebration that gets my bottom lip quivering. The emotion and overwhelming friendliness renews my patriotism and fuels my devotion to England. All of those people, some had camped out for days, sitting and standing in the open and feeling secure establishes a trust in mankind. People of all ages gathered together for the same purpose without fear.
Crowds on The Mall
There goes my bottom lip goes again!
Long may they reign over us
I have heard the press say that the moment the couple kissed on the balcony was the moment the British Royal Family re established themselves. I think they are wrong. The billions around the world who watched on screen and the thousands who made the journey to The Mall, Hyde Park and the streets lining the route from The Goring Hotel to Westminster Abbey and then on to Buckingham Palace didn't need that kiss. Be sure they wanted to see it. But the planning and excitement that was generated prior to the big day surely proves that Britain loves their Queen and that one day we will see King William and Princess Catherine.
Excellent idea!
Its a tradition that will continue as it has for centuries and I for one am proud of it and I am patriotic. The less said about the Princesses stupid hats the better...
Oh dear!
Great planning and enthusiasm that was generated before the big day, probably proof that Britain loves the Queen and one day see the King William and Princess Catherine.
Posted by: יעוץ זוגי | October 18, 2011 at 01:38 AM
Well said Lesley. It really was a fantastic day. Wonderful to see so many people from all walks of life and many other countries enjoying the occasion. The whole show really ran smoothly. Considering what is happening in many parts of the world there is a lot to be said for a constitutional monarchy and the traditions of Westminister, the United Kingdom and some of the Commonwealth.
Posted by: Greg Peters | April 30, 2011 at 10:03 PM