A treasure trove of the sometimes logical and sometimes mindless ramblings of a woman in the throws of motherhood.

Friday, April 29, 2011


a day with the Royals...

My fascination with the royal family began in February of 1981, when I first heard about a lady named Diana and a prince named Charles.  My eight year old mind was whirring with all of the thoughts of the upcoming royal wedding.  So, when the big day arrived, it was no surprise that I was up at 4:30 am to watch the glorious event unfold.  I sat all by myself, while my family slept, and watched what I thought was a fairytale come true.  It was more than my child's heart could have hoped for or imagined.  

Well ... we all know how that story ended ... more like a nightmare than the fantastical daydreams of our youth.   Yet, in November 2010, an announcement was made that caused a huge media frenzy... the engagement of Prince William to Catherine Middleton.  My attention was once again caught and I have been anticipating the coming nuptials, as much as any British subject.
There was much pomp and circumstance happening in our house to prepare for such an important day.  First, I made sure that I had my DVR properly set up to record the royal nuptials.  Technology has advanced quite a bit in the last 30 years and so I did not have to get up before the sun to watch this wedding.
Secondly, I made a recipe of scones to nosh.  Royal weddings can get very long and you must have the proper nourishment to maintain your stamina.  Who am I kidding?  I just wanted something yummy and British.  This was my first attempt at making scones and they turned out quite delicious.  Click here to link to my food blog, Vertiginous Chef, if you would like the recipe.
Thirdly, I dressed in my absolute finest for the big event.  Ahem ... do pajamas count?  Well, I wanted to dress in my finest.  I was definitely inspired (convicted), while watching all of female guests arrive, to do something about the sad state of my wardrobe.  Genevieve, however, was in high style and would have fit in quite well with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.


It has been a fun day ... full of romance and royalty, beautiful clothing and pageantry, soul stirring music and vows of love.  As I tucked Genevieve in bed tonight, we talked a little more about the day's events.  I took a moment to tell her that the Prince and Princess had to work really hard now to keep their marriage strong ... that marriage was fun, but it was also work.  She looked at me and said, "I don't want to get married.  I want to stay a little kid and make [Easter] eggs."

My 3 favorite things about the wedding:
#3 The choir
#2 The kiss!  The kisses!!
#1 Rt. Rev. Richard Chartes Bishop of London's homily (which I've included, just in case you missed it)  
was a bit saddened today to see a lot of negative comments posted by friends on my favorite social network about the wedding.  There was a lot of comments about their choice of vows, about the pomp and ceremony, and about how much "to-do" was being made over the whole event.  But that is the point of it all, isn't it?  Every woman wants to feel like a princess, especially on her wedding day.

"The bride, a princess, looks glorious in her golden gown." Psalm 45:13

How wonderful that an institution that is ordained by God and steeped in the mystic of the trinity was lifted to a place of honor today.  What a wonderful example for the world.  Their story seems to be one sewn together out of mutual respect and affection and I truly wish them the best as they continue their life together.

2 comments:

His Song to Sing said...

Loved this post ... I can easily envision Princess Julie who got up all by herself to watch Charles and Diana wed ... especially since I imagine she looked a lot like your Princess Genevieve :)

I watched on Tivo and mostly enjoyed the music. William was dashingly handsome and Kate was so elegant. It was quite entertaining watching "the hats" as they entered the Abbey. Wish I had been close enough to enjoy your scones ... they look YUM!

The only thing that spoiled the overall beauty of the day for me is that they have already been living together. I know that is the "way of the world," but it's certainly not what God would desire for them. I do pray that they can withstand the pressures of their responsibilities and position and find time to nurture their relationship into a long-lasting marriage. That will make everybody happy, right?

Julie said...

Yes...their living together was disappointing. I'm still hopeful some of that (their living together and the length of their courtship) to be his desire not to repeat his mother and father's failed relationship. They appeared very much in love and in sync with each other.

David and I thought it was wonderful that a lot of the world went to church together yesterday. So many people tuned in at one time to a religious service...doesn't happen very often!