Today, I watched the newly married Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wave to their fans on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. It was a wonderful day, and a memory I will remember for the rest of my life.
We arrived early to secure a good spot on the lawn, with thousands of other loyal followers. I was afraid that the crowds would be obnoxious, as most crowds are at fairs and concerts. But the English were very respectful- quiet and if someone was doing something annoying (standing on a chair and blocking viewers), they would simply have a quick, polite word and the problem was solved.
We chatted for hours with the people around us while we waited. I met two English guys behind us who had driven into London to witness the wedding; one whose mother was as nervous as mine that a terrorist attack would occur. The Welsh father/son group in front of us offered us Welsh cakes (similar to scones... but made in Wales was the explanation that I got). Everybody had Union Jack flags and excitement for the big day.
One of my friends who was near the VIP tent section met several famous people, including Al Roker and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. I wasn't lucky enough to run into anybody famous, but did end up meeting a guy who went to Davidson in the loo queue (no, really- they call it that!). He wanted to chat about how much he hates Duke (hello welcome conversation!), and even referenced the GQ Douchiest Colleges list. And yes, there were porta-potties out on the lawn. All 6 of them for the masses.
The wedding party drove by the palace on the way to Westminster Abbey, though we could not see who was in each car. But cheers went up each time one would pass, and helpful friends (shoutout to Iona, Kim and Sugar) texted us who was riding by.
People had radios and tried to follow along, but there was a general confusion about the order and timing of events though it was planned out well in advance. We listened to the loud speaker as the happy couple said their "I wills" (apparently if you are royal and English, you don't say "I do"), and watched as Kate and Wills' carriage brought them back to the palace. The crowds grew wildly excited as they came out onto the balcony and kissed (twice!!!).
The royal fly-over concluded the events of the day and we left to celebrate more in a pub, though it looks like lots of others stayed to party on the lawn long after the balcony scene was concluded. Unfortunately, my camera died (why oh why didn't I charge the battery last night?!), but I managed to take one picture of the couple on the balcony... though they are caught in the man's hair who was standing in front of me.
Now the city is still celebrating- so happy royal wedding day to you and yours!!
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