The clock is ticking on Prince William’s bachelorhood, with less than 10 days to go before he and Kate Middleton tie the knot on April 29 at London’s Westminster Abbey.
While we have seen William growing up in the public eye, and witnessed some of his growing pains – none more damaging than the untimely death of his mother, Diana – it’s undoubtedly curiosity about the attractive newcomer to royalty, Kate, that is fuelling a media frenzy all over the world.
This week a media monitoring company in the US predicted that Kate would easily overhaul the momentous public interest shown in the super-popular Diana, driven by new media and the power of the internet.
Kate Middleton set to become the world’s most talked about woman.
There are similarities between Kate and Diana . . . they are both outsiders, not seen as part of royalty and Kate certainly matches Diana in the attractiveness stakes . . . her long brown hair, slim figure and winning smile are set to make her a role model for millions of girls around the world (there was even a report that she had to have her wedding ring resized because her finger had become too slender for the ring, that’s pressure for you).
Excruciating
But Kate has had plenty of time to get her head around the role for which she has been groomed, and it’s hard to see her having the excruciating difficulties Diana faced coping with the media and the broader royal family.
Since he was a little boy, William, along with his brother, Harry, has been the subject of huge public affection. Cute and gangly, and then enduring great tragedy, the one going on to be the banker – the obvious choice for king – the other the slightly scruffy wild child, not serious enough for such a demanding role, but always worth some fun and a headline or three.
Budget airline Kulula.com has prompted hysterics with its offer to William and Kate of a herd of cattle.
In a Facebook campaign, Kulula’s fans can comment, while the royal response is also posted.
Thousands of kilometres away South Africans have not been untouched by the pre-wedding excitement. Everyone seems to be caught up in the moment and plans are being made to set up TVs at offices around the Ridge for the big day.
Robustly
On a recent trip to Mount Edgecombe, I couldn’t help overhearing the ladies at the local shops – while waiting to pay – robustly debating what Kate would be wearing, and whether Sir Elton would be a guest of honour. All this while casting a beady eye on the latest tabloid speculation about the pending nuptials.
The boys at the driving range, meanwhile, were discussing William’s stag night, what “a lad” Harry was and how “wicked” the evening’s events must have been. The consensus was that a jolly time must surely have been had by all and there was much speculation on the chief form of entertainment behind closed doors.
It was the same story in Umhlanga and Ballito where everyone was enjoying the cut and thrust of light-hearted debate on the Windsors’ and Middletons’ momentous day.
There are even local events planned, so that royalists can go out and enjoy the big wedding on large-screen TVs, toasting the happy couple with high tea, or something stronger if they prefer.
Just a few of the many headlines available on the internet:
- “Three wedding dresses for Kate Middleton”: Channel24
- “Wills and Kate to wed live on YouTube”: The Register
- “Kate Middleton set to become the world’s most talked about woman”: The Hollywood Reporter
- “William and Kate to share marital home with Harry”: The Telegraph
- “Bad accents and a shoddy cast . . . it must be William and Kate the Movie: The Daily Mail
- “David Cameron to make history at royal wedding”: Hello magazine
- “Kate needs to worry about the inlaws”: Sydney Morning Herald.
- “Royal wedding: Prince Charles sells William and Kate jigsaw puzzle”: The Telegraph
- “Kate Middleton family gets coat of arms”: The Guardian
This is just a wee taste, believe me. Spend 10 minutes on Google and an entirely new, Royal world will open up to you.
– Garth Johnstone