WEDDING CAKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

#SMED11

With the title of this week’s blog co-inciding with the most anticipated Royal Wedding of the 21^st century, one could not help but find inspiration in the recent wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Those not privileged to receive an invitation to attend the wedding at Westminster Abbey, had to contend with following the proceedings, together with billions across the globe, on big screens and television sets.  Being one of the afore-mentioned, I have taken the liberty to do a play on words as I have identified a number of similarities with the title of this week’s blog: 

WEDDING,  CAKE    

On Friday 29 April 2011, billions watched the most anticipated Royal Wedding since the wedding of Prince Charles to the late Princess Diana thirty years ago.  The wedding carried all the trappings of the pomp of ceremony expected of a Royal Wedding.  In keeping with the day’s celebrations, the millions not invited, dressed up and attended their own wedding celebrations.  We saw global images of United Kingdom flags, tiaras, dresses, champagne and not forgetting miniature wedding cakes – or rather cup cakes.  Inside Buckingham Palace, not only one, but two wedding cakes were on show. Of note is that much information about the wedding cakes were made public prior to the wedding.  Possibly to deflect from questions surrounding the best kept wedding secret – that of designer and style of the wedding gown.

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD  

‘Road’ played a key role at the Royal Wedding.  The first glimpse the world got of Kate Middleton  was when she entered the vehicle with her father (at the side of the road, Goring Hotel).

As roads were cordoned off, thousands of spectators lined up along the side of the road, from where they had a grand stand view of the procession unfolding  in the middle of the road – between Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Goring Hotel and end destination, Westminister Abbey.

Some of the ‘middle of the road scenes’ included:

-           Prince William and Prince Harry leaving Clarence House for Westminster Abbey

-          Busses transporting dignitaries to Westminister Abbey

-          Queen Elizabeth, dressed in marigold yellow dress coat, passing by

-          Kate Middleton and her father en-route to Westminister Abbey – with the dress taking up much of discussion amongst commentators

-          Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, driving past in an open horse-drawn carriage after the wedding ceremony

The six minute drive between Buckingham Palace and Westminister Abbey was a showcase and the culmination of meticulous wedding planning.  Every wedding detail was perfectly planned and  executed to the minute  - and the implementation thereof unfolded in the middle of the road for the viewing pleasure of thousands of spectators and billions of global viewers.

The much-talked about and long awaited kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace,  was also viewed by spectators, this time standing not on the side, but in the middle of the road. 

My personal highlight of the wedding was when Britain's Prince William drove his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, away from Buckingham Palace in a vintage Aston Martin Volante convertible.  A brilliant idea – bringing to the wedding proceedings a touch of youthfulness and humour.   Once again : driving in the middle of the road.

MIDDLE 

The star of this fairytale wedding carried the surname Middleton.

In conclusion, in music terms, ‘middle of road’, relates to popular music having a wide general appeal.  I believe that William and Kate have a wide, general appeal amongst most Britons and that  ‘gorgeous, vibrant Kate is poised to transform the way the British public sees the royal family.’   (You 5 May 2011 # 230).