Royal Fever

Royal Fever

Every girl wants to be or has pretended to be a princess at some point in their life. It’s the fantasy of dressing in beautiful gowns and dancing into the moonlight with a handsome prince, living our lives in perfection and glamour. Disney has their ‘Disney Princesses’ that show little girls all the different types of princesses around the world and allow us to dream to one day be like them. Growing up I played the Pretty Princess game, where you picked a color (pink, blue, yellow). Each turn you’d have an opportunity to add to your jewelry collection with a tiara, earrings, rings etc. Movies such as the Princess Bride (1987), Ever After (1998) starring Drew Barrymore and The Princess Diaries (2001), which skyrocketed Anne Hathaway into the Hollywood elite have been around for years, captivating young and old audiences forever.I guess you could say I’ve always had a fascination with the British Royals, in history and current times. Especially in the past year, thousands of people have caught Royal Fever.

HBO entered into the Royal theme with their show the Tudors that highlighted the reign of the famous King Henry VIII. One may not know all the names of his wives, let alone in order, but they know he had six wives—the most famous being Anne Boleyn and beheaded most of them. His home, “Hampton Court Palace”, is a popular destination in London to this day. I visited it this summer with the conclusion that history, HBO and my imagination could not highlight the immensity of this palace with its elegance and beauty. The crown jewels are on display at another castle and the attraction line for them was never short. People are willing to stand in line for hours to see the famous jewels of the Royal Family. Every insignificant thing (not that the crown jewels are insignificant) can captivate an audience if it has to do with the Royal Family of England.

In my life I have been witness to the death of Princess Diana and the rise of HRH Prince William and Princess Catherine. Princess Diana’s death, shrouded in mystery, was grieved by millions of people. Shrine's were left at the accident site and a Beanie Baby was created in her honor. She was the first Princess to be a major figure in pop culture. With her interest in fashion and philanthropy, she was the ideal princess. Today people will pose with her wax figure at Madame Trussards (like I did) and visit the accident site memorial. She is forever a part of our memory.

April 29, 2011 was the day viewers turned in to watch the Royal wedding of Prince William and his bride-to-be Kate Middleton. Kate was born a commoner and became a Princess. She is living the dream of girls everywhere. To be a “commoner” and marry a Royal was unrealiastic, let alone one who is next in line to be King. The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate’s official title) wardobe has become a popular topic lately. She re-wears outfits, something that normal people do all the time. Her fashion sense is impeciable, with everyout fit being scrutinized by the press, they have nothing but good things to say about her choices! When Will and Kate took a tour of North America, every move was followed in detail. It's not just her coice in clothing that people like, but she actually seems like a genuine person. A People magazine cover in early July is of the pair with an article to go with covering their tour of North America as good will ambassadors. Royal Fever has once again been released, all thanks to Princess Katherine.

Yes, the Monarchy of England is facing hard times economically and publically. With recent scandels involving Prince Albert (Charle's younger brother) and his ex-wife Fergie (not of Black Eyed Peas), it acknowledges the fact that just as in any family, being Royal doesn't mean you live a perfect life, they have flaws too (except Williams skin, evidently its perfect according to one photographer).

The Royal Family will always have an audience captivated by their every move. If you think about it, the most famous aspect in British History have to do with Royals. With little girls and young women everywhere witnessing it is possible to be a commoner and marry a Prince, England should be expecting a higher tourism boost now that Prince Harry is on the market ;)

.... I wonder if an American commoner is acceptable....