The truth is that even Hugo Vickers seems a little nervous. The expert on All Things Royal, who has commentated on numerous Royal events and will be the AP’s official Royaloligist on Friday, was handed his official press ID Tuesday night — but still worries about getting through the crowds.
Although hundreds of thousands of people are expected to line the wedding route or show up to watch on big screens in Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square, and intrepid campers have already been set up near Westminster Abbey, most Londoners I talked to — even Karen Pierce-Goulding, who leads the Royal Wedding tour for London Walks — plan to watch it more comfortably from home, or at local street parties.
And most inauspiciously, after two weeks of some of the most glorious weather London has ever seen, rain is called for on Friday.
Judith Lin Hunt, dean of library services at Montclair State University, who is coming in with her granddaughter, was planning to find a position on the parade route — something she did successfully for the Princess Diana’s wedding in 1981. Then, she got her position at 4 a.m.
As for me, I’m planning on Hyde Park, which is close enough to feel part of the festivities, but should not require venturing out in the middle of the night. And I’ve already booked a ride on the giant ferris wheel erected for the event.
I watched some of the “warm-up festives” on AM TV this early morn. I cannot recall anything in recent years more boring! Who is wearing whose hat ?
I was working in England during the Di/Charles wedding — spent the majority of the week in Reading, about 40 miles west of London (thank you, my London hotel off Sloane Street was already around $350 a night the week before the wedding), and spent the wedding day throwing darts in an aptly-named pub, “The World Turned Upside Down.” Looking at Debbie’s photographs I am reminded of the tons of souvenirs that were available for the 1981 version. None of which I bought. Good luck to William and Kate, they seem like a nice couple. With any luck at all the monarchy will be relegated to the occasional ship-christening by the time Will gets his shot. Liz II will reign until she’s 105, afterwhich Charles will try to get Camilla appointed Queen consort, which should just about shoot the whole Royal Concept to smithereens.
It is nice to have a global historic event that isn’t due to some disaster. 9/11, Katrina, earthquakes leveling countries….I can’t really remember the last time we had a day of unity based on something positive.
Maybe the Charles and Di wedding when I was 10. Since then shuttle disasters, endless weather destruction and a world seeped in terror alerts. I’m so excited I don’t care if it rains, that won’t be what I remember in 20 years.
hrhppg,
The rain’s a little more worrisome for those of us who may be standing out in it!
I’m still jealous you get to be there ~ rain or not. We’re not made of sugar, you won’t melt. As awful as it is to say – I’m more excited about this wedding then one in my own family. Shhhh anyone who knows me.