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A fairytale

Friday, April 29th, 2011

I’m English, so I’m allowed to be patriotic. Actually I’m English and living abroad, so I think that probably makes me doubly patriotic. Whatever, today was lovely.  I so enjoyed watching the royal wedding.

The bride was beautiful in an utterly delightful dress – and she was clearly enjoying herself. The groom strikes me as a nice young man, if a little nervous judging by the speed he rattled through his vows. I think his mother would have been proud of how he has turned out.

There was a regular assortment of spectacularly beautiful and elegant outfits – notably those worn by Zara Philips, the Duchess of Cornwall and Mrs Middleton and the obligatory ugly sister brigade, who I won’t name but they were frightful! The little bridesmades were adorable. I particularly liked the little serious one with her hands over her ears in the photo at the top!  Pippa Middleton, the maid of honour has probably just become one of the most eligible young women in the world. Just how many people could have pulled off that dress – she really was a knockout. My teenagers – who obviously like symmetry – think Prince Harry should marry her. Who knows? He was clearly enjoying spending time with her – but maybe had even more fun larking around with the little bridesmaids in the carriage on the way back to the palace. Priceless.

The royal family are an outdated and very expensive institution. I hate to think how much it all cost the nation – but in the current fairly dismal economic times there is really nothing quite like a royal wedding to lift the national spirit and make people feel happy.

Wasn’t it wonderful!

Helen

12 Responses to “A fairytale”

  1. Amy Lynn Says:

    I have been lurking for a while. I love that you run, quilt, and knit!
    I did not get up early to watch, and these are the first photos that I have seen. Lovely event and exciting time for your country.

  2. Linds Says:

    The state just picked up the tab for the security – The families paid for the rest, including the Queen. And it was just beautiful. Elegant. Perfect!

  3. Chris in South Jersey Says:

    This Yank got up early to watch it. I downloaded the Royal Wedding programme and followed along. No one can do pomp and ceremony like the Brits. And after seeing Westminster Abbey, I’m going to start bugging my DH to take me to London. Catherine’s gown is a classic much like the one Philadelphia’s Princess, Grace Kelly wore.

  4. Lisa Says:

    Fabulous dress, and we are all in the Prince Harry & Pippa Middleton wishful thinkers camp too! Much more suitable than Chelsey Davy. Enjoyed singing along to the hymns but also spent a lot of time explaining to my 4-year-old why we should watch the Royal Wedding rather than her preference of Tom & Jerry…

  5. Cathy Underhill AU Says:

    I’m an Aussie, and I loved it too. I think you have summed it up well Helen, that in these dismal economic times (not to mention all the horrible natural disasters that have been happening), this is a good news story that can lift the spirit.

  6. pam Says:

    The second image – it is absolutely one of my two favorites of the whole day. They both look to be in love and happy. You can so clearly see that in their faces.

    And I loved the image while at the altar when William stole a quick glance at his bride and gave her the sweetest and most tender little smile.

    My wedding photographer eye is trained to look for these moments of true feeling.

    You know, when William and Harry were standing together at the altar just before the bride entered, looking so handsome – all I could think of was how proud their mother would have been to see them there.

    How lovely that you had the opportunity of a lifetime to witness this event that did absolutely elevate our spirits and warm our hearts.

  7. Edith Says:

    Don’t you just love the little bridesmaid with her hands over her ears in the first picture? I took the day off from work yesterday to watch the royal wedding. I enjoyed it very much. 🙂 I am with you on all of your observings and just wanted to add that I also liked what Joss Stone was wearing.

  8. Annabella Says:

    I loved it Helen and just what we needed – an absolute tonic.

  9. Julie Says:

    I set my alarm for 4:30 a.m. and enjoyed watching the stunningly beautiful wedding. What a composed, radiant bride. I hope that the love they seem to have for each other lasts and grows through the years, and trickles down on their children and all in their lives.

  10. MelD Says:

    Hear hear!! Wasn’t it lovely?!
    We had a Royal Wedding marathon here and watched from start to finish – right down to the Aston Martin and evening dress bit ;))
    Old romantics that we are!

  11. Stephanie Says:

    The wedding was very enjoyable! I only meant to watch for five minutes to see Kate’s dress, but ended up watching for ages. It was nice to see all the carriages and horses and pageantry. I love your ugly sister brigade comment, Helen. I heartily agree!

  12. Crystal Says:

    It was spectacular but not overdone, just so romantic and so happy! I awoke in the middle of the night so I stayed up and watched it live – what a treat! I hope they make each other very happy. And the dress – beautiful!!