I don't know if you watched it, but unless you live without contact with the outside world (how are you reading the blog?)...you know that Prince William married his long time girlfriend Katherine Middleton today in London's Westminster Abbey.
I, like the other 2 BILLION people around the globe, was up watching every royal minute of it. I said to a friend, I did it for his mother, Princess Diana, I had to do it for him.
I cried and smiled and truly enjoyed myself. And just like 30 years ago, I was the only one in my house that was up watching it. I soaked up every minute of the hats, the horses, the carriages, the church, the very "British-ness" of it all.
Now I would not consider myself that much of a voyeur, or even all that interested on a regular day in what happens in the life of the Royals. However, occasions like this had me up all night &, if I had been invited, I would have worn a hat & gone to a wedding watching party. So, it got me thinking why do we take so much pleasure in watching someone else's joy?
These are the top 5 reasons I can come up with:
1. It's a nice escape. Although, the last royal wedding to really capture the world was that of Prince William's parents, the coverage was decidedly more about the feel good stuff & hardly at all about the tragic death of Princess Diana. People would much rather remember her young, 20 year old shyness. We all know the tragedy, pain, suffering and strife that is happening in our country and across the world. But, for a day, maybe two we can just watch happiness.
2. We love a good show. Except for a very few people, this was decidedly foreign to most people's experience. No matter how amazing the White House is...it can't hold a candle to Buckingham Palace. When our calvary get in their dress uniforms,they look really sharp. However, they're not covered in real gold braid, with all emblems hand-sewn, wearing chrome breastplates, brilliantly shiny helmets with feathers and such. As understated as the British are generally, they're very good at pageantry.
3. Joy is contagious. Even someone else's joy, a pleasure to watch, period. There are all kinds of shows on television about having babies, weddings and such. Just as my friend's son reminded me, smiles are contagious. Funny thing is, we don't even have to be in the same room. How often have you found yourself smiling at the television, alone? Or on the phone with someone that you can tell is smiling, and before you know it, you're smiling too.
4. Public joy can be shared. Just like the inauguration people were comrades-in-arms over being at a once-in-a-lifetime event. They bought any number of things with the British flag, waving it, British or not, they camped out and shared champagne. They danced in the streets. They sat in a park, in the chilly London weather to watch a giant screen. And each time someone was asked why, they all said, "I just had to be here. How often does this happen? It's history". Today all over my facebook page, friends shared opinions about the wedding. I got to the coffee shop and people were asking if others had watched it. It brings people together in a makeshift community.
5. People love a good story. Katherine Middleton, a "commoner" has become Her Royal Highness Princess Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge. That's just super cool. Her great-great grandfather was a coal miner. And now she's royal! Regardless of how stratospheric that world seems, it was brought a little bit closer by this lovely couple and her non-royal beginnings. It's Cinderella, Snow White, name a poor-girl-becomes-a-princess story.
So, for the weekend indulge yourself with a little royal watching. Enjoy the smiles on the faces you'll see. Engage in conversation with a stranger if you overhear them mention the wedding...they won't think twice about talking about it. And I'll bet biscuits to bouillon that you'll find yourself smiling at the joy of the moment that you'll share.
Until next time...joyfully yours,
Robyn
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