For reasons none of you need to know, I was inside Westminster Abbey for the ceremony. Sounds great, doesn't it?
I hated it.
My feet were killing me. The Abbey was surprisingly cold for such a nice day. Being one who rarely wears a suit and tie, I could hardly breath. Was also incredibly bored, us people inside having to be there three hours before the wedding started.
Three hours to go.
Not being one to waste time, spend some time chatting to the people around me, getting their impressions and thoughts on the day. Everyone seems happy and excited. My notepad is soon filled with comments, quotes and names for future reference. The distinct lack of cute women under 50 means that not many phone numbers are obtained (old habits die hard).
Two hours to go.
Nicotine addiction is a pain. A quiet chat with security gets me outside into the cloisters for an illicit smoke. Joined by several older guys in their jackets and medals, much to the distress of security. 10 minutes chat on the current state of the wars while we deal with our addiction. As the oldest man, with an entirely armored chest of medals, knocks out his pipe, we are hustled back inside. Return to my place to find a huge feathered hat right in front of me. Great, I am allergic to feathers. Violently so.
Hour and a half to go
Spend time glancing around, working out the net worth of the guests and how to set up the perfect hostage situation (don't judge me, it will make a good novel and a better movie). A series of false alarms, as everyone is getting restless by now. Constant whispers back and forth of "Who is that?" as various dignitaries start shuffling in.
45 minutes to go.
At Last! Princes William and Harry arrive. The cheering from outside sounds like an angry sea and simply gets louder and louder as the really important people start to arrive. Catch glimpses of them as they are escorted to their places. Prince William has disappeared into one of the chapels, hopefully not to escape.
15 minutes to go.
A massive roar is coming closer. The bride is arriving! People inside are rising half out of their places to get the first view. William is now at the altar, and is being pretty much ignored. A sigh sweeps through the abbey. Wow! She looks so sweet, she is almost edible!
11:00 AM.
Service starts. And, between my place, the way the Abbey is built and that never to be suffciently damned hat, I couldn't see a thing, just hear. My eyes well up as they say their vows - it must be the feathers.
12:00 Noon
The service is over, and they are married. The Abbey empties in reverse order of rank, so I will be here a while still and will completely miss the carriage ride and balcony scene.
12:30 PM
Finally out and bursting to find a toilet. Look at the crowd. No way on Earth I am going anywhere through that lot without a police escort.
This Morning, 2AM
The crowds have finally left. One million people leave a right royal mess.
So for those of you regretting not getting an invite to the Abbey itself: They say TV has the best seat in the house for a reason. Actually seeing the ceremony had to wait for me to get back to where I am staying and watch the replay. Good job too, as Williams problems with the ring would have given me the giggles.
I hated it.
My feet were killing me. The Abbey was surprisingly cold for such a nice day. Being one who rarely wears a suit and tie, I could hardly breath. Was also incredibly bored, us people inside having to be there three hours before the wedding started.
Three hours to go.
Not being one to waste time, spend some time chatting to the people around me, getting their impressions and thoughts on the day. Everyone seems happy and excited. My notepad is soon filled with comments, quotes and names for future reference. The distinct lack of cute women under 50 means that not many phone numbers are obtained (old habits die hard).
Two hours to go.
Nicotine addiction is a pain. A quiet chat with security gets me outside into the cloisters for an illicit smoke. Joined by several older guys in their jackets and medals, much to the distress of security. 10 minutes chat on the current state of the wars while we deal with our addiction. As the oldest man, with an entirely armored chest of medals, knocks out his pipe, we are hustled back inside. Return to my place to find a huge feathered hat right in front of me. Great, I am allergic to feathers. Violently so.
Hour and a half to go
Spend time glancing around, working out the net worth of the guests and how to set up the perfect hostage situation (don't judge me, it will make a good novel and a better movie). A series of false alarms, as everyone is getting restless by now. Constant whispers back and forth of "Who is that?" as various dignitaries start shuffling in.
45 minutes to go.
At Last! Princes William and Harry arrive. The cheering from outside sounds like an angry sea and simply gets louder and louder as the really important people start to arrive. Catch glimpses of them as they are escorted to their places. Prince William has disappeared into one of the chapels, hopefully not to escape.
15 minutes to go.
A massive roar is coming closer. The bride is arriving! People inside are rising half out of their places to get the first view. William is now at the altar, and is being pretty much ignored. A sigh sweeps through the abbey. Wow! She looks so sweet, she is almost edible!
11:00 AM.
Service starts. And, between my place, the way the Abbey is built and that never to be suffciently damned hat, I couldn't see a thing, just hear. My eyes well up as they say their vows - it must be the feathers.
12:00 Noon
The service is over, and they are married. The Abbey empties in reverse order of rank, so I will be here a while still and will completely miss the carriage ride and balcony scene.
12:30 PM
Finally out and bursting to find a toilet. Look at the crowd. No way on Earth I am going anywhere through that lot without a police escort.
This Morning, 2AM
The crowds have finally left. One million people leave a right royal mess.
So for those of you regretting not getting an invite to the Abbey itself: They say TV has the best seat in the house for a reason. Actually seeing the ceremony had to wait for me to get back to where I am staying and watch the replay. Good job too, as Williams problems with the ring would have given me the giggles.
I was watching the ceremony with a friend of mine. We were comfy and warm in a bed with hot tea, scones, and small sandwiches. So would I want a ticket to the wedding? No thanks! Plus, even William and Kate looked bored! Stupid protocol.
Wouldn't it suck to be bored at your own wedding?!
I didn't watch it. Getting tired of the aftermath too.
I wish them both happiness and love though. I'm still a sucker for romance. And yes, Kate was indeed soooooo beautiful in her wedding gown. I think every bride is. ;)
I caught parts during all the replaying of highlights. 120 TV trucks to cover the Wedding worldwide! The convertible ride was the best part because it was fresh and not protocol. They are a cool couple... and definitely wishing them well...
Aw, they were so sweet. I watched from a coffee shop on my lunch break from work, so I didn't exactly catch the whole thing. William's little problem with the ring had me giggling too, though. And now it's time for us all to turn our eyes to Harry and the next big wedding, whenever that will be. ;)
I'm pretty sure that Harry is MINE!!! Ahahahaha. lol
Don't we all wish! (Me included, lol)