Royal Wedding: A Touch of Class, and a Cavalcade of English Life
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: For the armchair viewer, the day offered superb cameos and a sparkling star turn

If you had to pick a moment from the thousand moments, it would be her smiling face behind the mist of the veil with the tiara and earrings glinting through. It took Catherine Elizabeth Middleton three and a half minutes to walk down the aisle to marry her Prince. Three and a half minutes plus 10 years. Well, I think we can all agree it was worth the wait.

They may have called her a commoner, but she outclassed every one of them. Lovely as a poem, the bride conquered any doubting hearts when we realised that she has not yet perfected the royal screw-top hand movement. She still waves like a human – eager, excited, happy. Catherine was not alone in her thrill; there were two billion people who felt roughly the same way.

It could not have been a more perfect day. At 7.45am, the TV cameras were already out in force and the sky over London was pewter with the threat of rain. Two great British loves had come together in glorious union: a slap-up royal wedding and dodgy weather.

Forget Carole Middleton, for viewers up with the lark the nation's most important Carol was the BBC's weathergirl. With her customary gale-force good humour, Carol Kirkwood explained to Fearne Cotton that there was an easterly wind, which was making it cold, but there was still hope that the showers could be kept away from the Abbey for the Big Moment. Down in Whitehall, Suzanna Reid was taking the temperature: "It was feeling a little damper earlier, but it seems to have lifted. No umbrellas!" Frankly, a passing typhoon could not have dampened the spirits of the throng in Hyde Park who cheered for England every time they saw themselves on the giant screen. » | Allison Pearson | Saturday, April 30, 2011

The Makers of Hats to the Queen
Meet one of the milliners to the Queen. For nearly five years, Rachael Trevor-Morgan has created hats for Queen Elizabeth II. The milliner hopes that the marriage of Kate Middleton with Prince William will boost interest in hats.

Le même video »

Trauung des Jahres: "Sie war so schön heute"
DIE PRESSE: In London jubelten Hunderttausende dem frisch vermählten Brautpaar William und Kate zu. Besonders kurz war der Hochzeitskuss. Am Morgen danach starteten die Frischvermählten ins Wochenende.

Wer – ausgenommen der jubelnden Massen rund um den Buckingham Palace – am Freitagvormittag auf den Straßen Londons war, beging beinahe Insubordination. Wie leer gefegt und gespenstisch still war die britische Hauptstadt, als Millionen Bürger die Hochzeit von Prinz William und Kate Middleton im Fernsehen verfolgten. Weil die Übertragungen schon drei Stunden vor der Zeremonie begannen, musste lange (Sende-)Zeit mit dem bewundernden Aushauchen von Worten wie „magnificent“ oder „amazing“ gefüllt werden.

William und Kate werden nicht direkt in die Flitterwochen aufbrechen, sondern bleiben vorerst in der Heimat. Die Frischvermählten würden das Wochenende privat in Großbritannien verbringen, teilte das Prinzenbüro St. James's Palace mit.

Das britische Königshaus erwies sich dennoch als Meister der Zeremonie. Gestaffelt ließ man die höchsten Familienmitglieder zur Westminster Abbey, der Trauungskirche, in einer Oldtimerparade anreisen. Bräutigam William kam in der Uniform eines Obersten der Irish Guards gemeinsam mit seinem Bruder und Trauzeugen Harry. Vater Prinz Charles stand wie immer ein wenig verloren herum, während seine Frau Camilla mit der Robustheit, mit der anderswo Pensionistinnen die Straßenbahn stürmen, den Weg in die Kirche nahm. 



Prinzessin Beatrice gewann den Preis für den schrecklichsten Hut, während die Frau des konservativen Premiers David Cameron (dessen Labour-Vorgänger Blair und Brown nicht geladen waren), Samantha, gar ohne Kopfbedeckung erschien, was viele Kommentatoren „shocking“ fanden. Doch alles wurde gut, als die Braut erschien. Das von Sarah Burton entworfene Kleid für Kate Middleton stürzte alle Beobachter in helle Begeisterung. „Ich kann es nicht fassen“, jauchzte die Kommentatorin Fearne Cotton im TV. » | Aus London berichtet Axel Reiserer, Die Presse | Samstag, 30. April 2011

DIE PRESSE: Märchenhochzeit: William und Kate vor dem Traualtar – Bildergalerie »

DIE PRESSE: Von der Kirche in den Palast: Kutschenfahrt durch die Menge – Bildergalerie »

DIE PRESSE: Gewusel vor der Abbey: Die Gäste von Will & Kate – Bildergalerie »

Americans Obsessed with Royal Wedding

RT: 'Twas the morning of the Royal Wedding and all through DC, hundreds and hundreds sat glued to TV. » | Saturday, April 30, 2011

«Un pays fier de ses institutions et de son passé»
LE FIGARO: INTERVIEW - Tristram Hunt, historien et député travailliste élu au Parlement de Westminster en 2010, est spécialiste de l'époque victorienne. Il a aussi présenté des documentaires télévisés sur la première révolution anglaise au XVIIe siècle.

LE FIGARO. - Ce mariage était-il important pour la monarchie anglaise?

Tristram HUNT. -Sans aucun doute. Catherine et William apportent un sang nouveau à la monarchie, qui en a bien besoin après les crises de ces dernières années. Ils sont beaux, jeunes, symbolisent une nouvelle génération. En les voyant, on sait tout de suite qu'ils s'aiment et sont heureux. Ils ont été absolument parfaits pendant toute la journée et ont montré une image positive de la famille royale. La présence d'une foule aussi impressionnante devant Buckingham prouve à quel point ils sont tous les deux populaires.

L'absence de Tony Blair et de Gordon Brown sur la liste des invités va-t-elle compliquer les relations entre la monarchie et les politiques?

Je pense que c'était vraiment une erreur de ne pas avoir invité Blair et Brown, qui sont tout de même les deux derniers premiers ministres travaillistes. Même s'il ne s'agit pas d'un mariage d'État et si leur présence n'était pas obligatoire d'après le protocole. La monarchie a absolument besoin du soutien de tout le peuple britannique, et devrait faire très attention à ne pas provoquer l'animosité d'une partie de la population qui est peut-être à gauche, mais qui est tout de même socialement très conservatrice et qui soutient majoritairement la famille royale. Le soutien des grands partis à la monarchie reste très fort, comme l'a montré la présence dans l'abbaye de Westminster des leaders des trois grands partis. » | Par Cyrille Vanlerberghe | Vendredi 29 Avril 2011

UK Republicans Slam Royal Wedding
Not everybody in Britain is celebrating the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

About ten million people in the UK, about one sixth of the population, say they are against the monarchy.

Laurence Lee reports from London.

Photo: Google Images
Royal Wedding: Prince William and Kate Enjoy Eight-tiered Wedding Cake
OK!: The royal wedding cake certainly lived up to its expectations

PRINCE William and Kate Middleton enjoyed an amazing eight-tiered wedding cake at their royal wedding reception yesterday. » | Saturday, April 30, 2011

Rencontre avec l’une des chapelières de la reine
Depuis près de cinq ans, Rachel Trevor-Morgan crée des chapeaux pour Elisabeth II. Elle espère bien que le mariage de Kate Middleton avec le prince William remettra le port de cet accessoire so british au goût du jour.

William & Kate: Royal Wedding Best Moments

Royal Wedding: A Day That Was Truly Happy and Glorious
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Telegraph View: The British people are optimistic, hopeful enough about the monarchy to rejoice in a new generation that will be its heirs.

The royal bride wrote in the page of her diary recounting her wedding day: "Crowds very kind." That was the new Duchess of York, whom later we knew so long as the Queen Mother, on her wedding at Westminster Abbey in 1923, and her phraseology said something about her character – and that of the British people. Yesterday was another opportunity for a display of the same kind of kindness. It was more like happiness, a happiness shared between the cheering crowd, with their proud little Union flags and periscopes, and shared with the royal couple. "Every wedding is a royal wedding," the Bishop of London had said in his address. Much more was implied by the crowd's cheers: that at home Britain is at peace, when the world is full of crowds in conflict; that the British people are optimistic, hopeful enough about the monarchy to rejoice in a new generation that will be its heirs. So the people cheered the new Duke and Duchess, of course. They brought Catherine Middleton, a "commoner" like most of us, and now Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge, into their hearts. But they cheered something, too, that they could hardly put into words. Continue reading and comment » | Telegraph View | Friday, April 29, 2011

My comment:

Beautiful bride, beautiful venue, beautiful pageantry, beautiful procession, beautiful day! Says it all! Proud to be British! God save the Queen! – Mark

Balcony Kisses Seal Royal Wedding
BBC: Prince William and Kate Middleton have kissed twice on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding service in Westminster Abbey.

They were cheered by 500,000 well-wishers who gathered outside the palace, as RAF planes flew past in honour of the new royal couple.

Police estimate a million people lined the procession route from the abbey to the palace.

The bride will now known as Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge.

Prince William drove his new bride back to Clarence House, following a buffet reception at Buckingham Palace, at the wheel of his father's classic blue Aston Martin.

The vehicle was decked in ribbons and balloons with "Just Wed" on the number plate.

Later in the evening the couple returned to the Palace for a black tie dinner and dance which is expected to continue into the early hours. (+ video) » | Friday, April 29, 2011

On a Lighter Note: Where Did You Get That Hat, Beatie?!
Photos: Google Images

Royal Wedding: Majesty, Pageant, Glamour
A majestic day for Great Britain! Such pageantry makes one feel proud to be British. The bride looked stunning. Absolutely stunning! And her gown was truly elegant. Worn, of course, with panache. She is a true beauty, and has such a winning smile. Gorgeous! She's going to win the nation's hearts and affection. She is a real asset for the House of Windsor.

Everything was executed to perfection; and it was such a relief that nothing untoward happened to mar the day for the royal couple.

No country in the world can put on an event like this better than Great Britain! Rule Britannia! » | Mark Alexander | Friday, April 29, 2011

La robe de Kate, enfin
L’arrivée de Kate était un moment fort du mariage princier. Sa robe a été créée par Sarah Burton créatrice chez Alexander McQueen

Prince William, Kate Declared Married
Kate and William acknowledge well-wishers. Photo: Arab News
ARAB NEWS: LONDON: An elegant, tiara-bedecked Kate Middleton swept down the aisle to marry Prince William at Westminster Abbey as fans packed the streets of London, hoping to snatch a glimpse of a historic royal wedding expected to revitalize the British monarchy.

Some 2 billion people across the globe were believed to have tuned in as the future king and queen of England started their lives as husband and wife with the two simple words “I will.” The couple looked nervous but happy and recited their vows without stumbling before Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

A million well-wishers — as well as some protesters — flooded into the areas surrounding Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and other London landmarks. Crowds were up at dawn waving flags for television cameras under steely gray skies and cool temperatures. Cheers erupted as huge television screens began broadcasting at Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park.

“Will, it's not too late!” said one sign held aloft by an admirer dressed as a bride.

Middleton's ivory wedding gown with lace applique was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, while her hair was half-up, half-down and decorated with a tiara.

William wore the scarlet tunic of an Irish Guards officer, sending a strong signal of support for the armed forces and reinforcing his new image as a dedicated military man. » | Gregory Katz, AP | Friday, April 29, 2011

Britisches Prinzenpaar getraut

Le prince William et Catherine Middleton sont mariés
Kate et William s'embrassent sur le balcon de Buckingham Palace. Photo : Le Figaro
LE POINT: La robe de la future princesse est l'oeuvre de la créatrice Sarah Burton, directrice artistique de la griffe britannique Alexander McQueen.

Le prince William et son épouse Catherine ont échangé leurs premiers baisers en public vendredi sur le balcon du palais de Buckingham, sous les acclamations de centaines de milliers de personnes en liesse. William et Kate sont apparus d'abord seuls au balcon du palais, comme le veut la tradition. Le prince a demandé à sa femme "On s'embrasse ?", avant de joindre le geste à la parole devant des centaines de milliers de personnes, déclenchant une immense ovation. Quelques minutes plus tard, ils ont échangé un nouveau baiser, bref lui aussi.

Le jeune couple a ensuite été rejoint par plusieurs membres de la famille royale, dont la reine Elizabeth II, grand-mère de William. Ils ont admiré un bref survol aérien du palais par trois avions de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, suivis d'avions de chasse modernes. Sur ce même balcon, 30 ans plus tôt, les parents de William, Charles et Diana, avaient échangé un très bref baiser devant une foule en liesse. Le baiser du balcon est depuis devenu une tradition. Continuez à lire et ajouter un commentaire » | Le Point.fr (Source Reuters et AFP) | Vendredi 29 Avril 2011

Leave Our Queen and the Institution of the Monarchy Alone, Gordon, You Bully!
THE TELEGRAPH: Hands off the heads that wear the crown, says Andrew Roberts.

Gordon Brown should leave the Act of Settlement alone Photo: Reuters
The news that Gordon Brown has opened talks with Buckingham Palace over altering the 1701 Act of Settlement, which bars members of the Royal family from succeeding to the throne if they marry Roman Catholics, has profound implications for the long-term future of this country. For the Act of Settlement is not the bigoted, irrelevant and obsolete law that Downing Street presents it as – it is one of the key pieces of legislation that has defined what Britain was and still is. For a Prime Minister who claims to care deeply about the concept of Britishness, the Act should be sacrosanct, rather than sacrificed in a gross bout of politically correct gimmickry.

Britain is a Protestant country today largely because of the Act of Settlement. It secured the Hanoverian succession 13 years after the Glorious Revolution replaced the Catholic King James II with the Protestant William III (of Orange) and Mary II. Since the only surviving son of their daughter, the future Queen Anne, had died, it settled the Crown after her upon the Electoress Sophia of Hanover, a granddaughter of James I, and her heirs – if they were Protestants, and married to Protestants, as indeed the four King Georges were.

Because it is a central tenet of the Catholic Church that the children of Catholics should be raised as Catholics, it was understood that marriage of a Royal opened up the possibility either of a Catholic one day sitting on the Throne, or a Catholic parent committing apostasy by allowing their child to be raised as a Protestant – neither of which were desirable outcomes politically, religiously or morally. Since the monarch is also Supreme Head of the (Protestant) Church of England, above whom there is no one in the Church hierarchy – including the Pope – the ban on Catholics makes further sense. Gordon Brown's Assault on the Traditions of the Monarchy Is Preposterous >>> Andrew Roberts | Saturday, March 28, 2009

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Beware of Tampering with the Act of Settlement! Today It’s Catholics and Women, Harmless Enough, But Tomorrow It Will Be Muslims!
The Crown of England, known as St. Edward's Crown, is the one with which the King is crowned when he ascends the throne. It was made for the Coronation of Charles II., and fashioned as nearly as possible after the pattern of the ancient crown destroyed by the Commonwealth. [Source: LondonOnline] Photo: Google Images
TIMESONLINE: Gordon Brown has opened talks with Buckingham Palace and Commonwealth leaders over abolishing the Act of Settlement which bars Catholics from the Royal Family.

Mr Brown is also pressing for collective action to end primogeniture which favours males over over female heirs to the British monarchy.

The bar on Catholics has long been regarded as a symbol of sectarian prejudice but according to some legal opinion its abolition requires legislation in every nation of which the Queen is sovereign.

The issue is to be debated in the Commons for the first time today, thanks to a Private Memberrs Bill laid by Dr Evan Harris, a Lib Dem MP. Dr Harris says that Commonwealth countries need to be consulted as a matter of courtesy, but there is no legal obligation for them to change their constitutions. >>> Francis Elliott, Deputy Political Editor | Friday, March 27, 2009

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Quite Incredible! UN Interferes in UK’s Internal, Constitutional Affairs
Photo of Queen Elizabeth II courtesy of Google Images
YAHOO! NEWS: The United Nations has said that the UK must consider whether they should keep the Royal Family.

The UN's Human Rights Council said the Government should 'think' about holding a referendum on the issue, to see if people would prefer to live in a Republican state with a written constitution.

The monarchy costs each adult in Britain around 62p a year - but even groups representing taxpayers said there was no case for getting rid of it.

The council has 29 members including Saudi Arabia, Cuba and Sri Lanka.

It was the Sri Lankan envoy who raised concerns over the British monarchy.

But a Royal spokesman has said the public haven't haven't displayed any appetite for a referendum.

The UN report was also critical of the UK's treatment of immigrants from Sudan.

Syria accused the UK of discriminating against Muslims and Iran complained about the UK's record on tackling sexual discrimination. [Source: UN: Should Britain Scrap the Royals?]

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