Call Us Royal Watchers

Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

Red and I didn’t get up at 3 a.m. to watch the royal wedding live. We were pleasantly slumbering through the live version…but we did watch the rerun. Ostensibly it was for “history” since we were watching history in the making. But this isn’t about history- these are our observations. And I highly recommend watching the royal wedding with a six year old. It’s very enlightening!

First, I had to explain a little of the British royal intricacies to Red, who couldn’t understand why in the world England has a queen but not a king. Hey, the queen is married, right? It’s not your Disney royals, that’s for sure. Then try to explain why Prince Will’s dad isn’t married to his mom and why Camilla has to curtsey to the queen. And why it’s a faux pas to wear a tiara to your wedding if you’re not a princess- yet.

We shelved that conversation, which was quickly digressing, to watch the royals enter the Abbey. Incredible doesn’t begin to describe it. As a mom and conservative dresser, I LOVED seeing the dress code observed. Nothing too revealing and everyone dressed to the nines! Red’s response was varied. She loved the dressed up ladies in hats although she had a few choice words for some of the zanier hats and fascinators.

Princesses Eugenie (left) and Beatrice (right)

Particularly, Princess Beatrice’s wacky creation: “She looks like a Dr. Seuss character.” I agreed. Also a raccoon with that eyeliner. But she definitely brought some pizzazz to the event!

She was delighted by the young bridesmaids. The dresses were “lovely!” The mother of the bride, Camilla, and most of the other ladies’ gowns were “boring.” The men provided some excitement with their red uniforms or black with gold braid. She was disappointed that Prince William didn’t wear his sword. Would’ve been cooler if he had. But it was at that point she noticed Prince Harry. She was immediately enraptured by the young prince. He has red hair, like hers, and was grinning like a rascal. She said he was, “such a doll! He’s so cute!” She got such a kick out of Prince Harry sneaking peeks at Kate as she walked down the aisle and chuckling/whispering to his brother who never turned to see his bride’s entrance.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip arrive at Westminster Abbey

The queen’s ride through town provided a certain fascination for Red that I didn’t anticipate. She was surprised that the queen wore a sunshine yellow dress and hat. She listened to the announcer who told the world that yellow was the queen’s favorite color. To that, she promptly responded, “That’s Grandma’s favorite too!” But it wasn’t until the queen came to her spot in the Abbey, standing next to her husband, Prince Phillip, that she unleashed her inner Joan Rivers, “They look like mustard and ketchup!” (Prince Phillip’s uniform was scarlet red.) Apparently, the queen’s outfit was a fail. It was also a failure to Red because the queen didn’t wear her crown. What’s the use of being queen if you don’t wear your crown! And in her words, “What’s the point of having a queen if you don’t have a king?” Hmmm- food for thought.

Kate was the one everyone was waiting for. Red included. Once Kate emerged in her Grace Kelly-inspired gown, Red lost it. She gushed over the gown and lace and tiara. It was indeed a beautiful choice and such a refreshing change to see the bride’s arms/shoulders covered. She came off looking regal, virginal, and every inch the royal bride.

After a few comments on the trees in Westminster Abbey, Red gave up on the dirge of a wedding service. I love the formality of British weddings but it was too boring to keep her interested for long. One day she’ll thank me for watching the wedding. My sister and I were huge Diana fans when we were little. But then again…the love of history and tradition seems to be going out the window with new generations. Maybe this is the end of the royalty.

Red did tell me she’s ready to go to London to meet the new princess and Prince Harry. After all, in one of the pans by the cameras, she noticed they have a McDonalds.

For now,

Call us royal watchers- and commentators!