Sunday, September 7, 2008

Kate and William attend wedding in Austria

This weekend, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended the wedding of Dr. Chiara Hunt. The wedding took place in Salzburg, Austria. Chiara's sister, Olivia, attended St. Andrews University with Kate and William, and is a good friend of the Prince and his lady friend. Lady Davina and Gary Lewis also attended the wedding.

Are we any closer to an official engagement? My crystal ball is at the repair shop. I do not do tea leaves. The announcement will come when we least expect it. The planning of a royal wedding is one thing. Timing the announcement is another. Royal schedules are usually planned about six months in advance, but that does not mean a wedding cannot be inserted into the schedule. Royal visits have been canceled or postponed for numerous reasons. So don't start looking at the schedule to see what dates are available.
It can be assumed that the topic of a wedding has been discussed by the two families and the queen. One can also assume with certainty that William and Kate have discussed the situation, and where they are at this time. They are taking their time, which is a very good thing.
It is unlikely that this wedding will be a state occasion. Why? William is second in line to the throne, not first. This is not to say that the wedding will not be a grand occasion, because it WILL be a grand occasion. The guest list will include family and friends and politicians. Perhaps a small smattering of foreign royals. William is not the heir to the throne. There are rumors of an engagement because of a rumor that William and Kate will meet Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This alleged meeting is supposed to mean that an engagement is forthcoming.
It is not necessary to meet the Prime Minister before a royal engagement is announced. The Prime Minister travels to Balmoral each year for a meeting with the Sovereign. The Prime Minister, who stays at Balmoral, is likely to bump into other royals who are also staying at the castle.
One morning, we are going to awake to the news of an engagement. The Palace will send the information to the Press Association, which will, in turn, release the information to the rest of the world. This will be followed by a photo op with the couple, as well as profile articles on the bride-to-be. Add to the mix the ubiquitious interviews with neighbors, teachers, school mates, hairdressers, nannies, gardeners, owners of local candy shops and so on. Details regarding the wedding will be parsed out only when the palace is ready to release information.
It is anyone's guess when this announcement will take place. It could be tomorrow or it could be next week or next month or next February. It will happen when everyone concerned is ready for the announcement to be made. Perhaps THE QUESTION has yet to be popped?
It is one thing to discuss getting married. It's quite another to actually be asked?

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