Most people I now watched at least some of the royal wedding of William and Kate for one reason it was just about all that was being televised on the major networks. But even for one who cares little about the English monarchy, the event did present some memorable moments, and I am not talking about the twokisses that got about as much coverage as the second coming would plus the tight squeeze placing the ring on the bride’s finger.
Many people found watching the uniting interesting because of the clothing involved from the peacock display of the uniforms, to the designer dresses and most of all, by the creativity in the kinds of hats worn. I suppose it caught the attention of many because in this country, for most women, hats are not de rigueur that is not a required accessory for the well dressed lady. Some of the creations were well beyond the normal expectation most men would have of what a hat should be. Some were umbrella in size and others reminded me of the illusion of flight with the prominent attachment of feathers. Then there was one royal chapeau that defied imagination. One critic suggested that it looked like the lady was wearing an octopus although I think it was meant to be an elaborate bow. Perhaps the octopus description brings this particular head piece to mind. Actually to me the best video of the “wedding” ceremony was a spoof that was shown to
be a little like the real thing. The event was of course staged but it had an element of reality since the look-a-like participants were dressed in the appropriate period costumes. The setting appeared to be the actual site of the event of the century. The guests were dressed in the what-one-would-expect attire and as the ushers entered, in all solemnity, the dignity of the occasion was shattered when the loud music blared to accompany the ‘jivin’ as the procession began. They were followed in kind by others who, even for a non-Englishman, were readily recognized. There was the Queen, the father and step-mother of the groom who ‘bumped’ her way down the aisle. The vigor of the occasion was characterized by the groom and his brother Harry who were perfect in their youthful demeanor as they cavorted down the carpeted runway shattering the staid atmosphere of the abbey. I almost forgot the prelate in his ecclesiastical finery
who went along with the tone of the occasion, waving his arms with a big smile on his face as he waltzed to his post.
Then here come the bride but not in the orthodox manner. Swinging with the music, she was greeted by her uniformed lover who, irreverently yet lovingly and gently slapped her on her waist and the two marched to the beat for the I do’s up front.
The wedding was watched by hundreds of millions, even billons perhaps a good way for many to escape to the never-never fairy land of royal fantasy.
But THE Wedding at Westminster and one performed at the Wedding Chapel locally both have something in common: both couples confirmed their vows with the same words: I DO!
*
Bill Lee
PO Box 128
Hamer, SC 29547