SIX GOING ON STRANGE

The Boy Who Will Be King is all grown up now.

On April 29th, Queen Elizabeth II presided over the union of William and Kate - one of the current crop of successful partnerships in her family and this is the young woman that the Queen expects will help her grandson to safeguard the future of the monarchy as Prince William takes a growing role as the face of the family. I am sure that the Queen is beaming with delight right now that everyone in her family now seems happily settled after the turmoil of the previous generations.

Thirty years after the famous single kiss on the balcony between Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, their son Prince William and his new bride; Catherine Middleton, made their own bit of history. More than any other moment, it also symbolized the turning of a page for the British monarchy, of a new generation of Kings and Queens who would, perhaps, stand somewhat closer to the people.

I didn't manage to watch the live telecast of the wedding nor the re-runs but from what I have read in the newspapers, the celebration was British to the core. There was the traditional pomp, pageantry and protocol aplenty, but there is also a new and different air to it: more relaxed, more personal and more natural. The whole day was more realistic, more recognisable to the ordinary people and a good deal more fun. These occasions also help to reinvigorate the monarchy; they generate fresh, worldwide interest in its activities; and they offer the promise of another generation to come to sustain it.