It has been great fun to watch American reaction to the announcement of the Royal Engagement. The ladies in my book group last night unanimously agreed that it was 'charming' and that they would all be tuning in to watch the wedding next year. 'Good Morning America' was besides itself with excitement at the news and rolled out Tina Brown and Katie Nicholls for some fevered speculation. Simon received several very genuine emails at work today from American contacts sending 'Congratulations to the British People' ('We're so happy for you'; 'What a wonderful day it will be') and one enquiry as to how someone's wife could obtain tickets to the ceremony.
I went down to The Newseum this afternoon to see what some of the State newspapers made of the whole affair. Most of them contained at least a small snippet on the front page, many focusing primarily on the news that 'the stunning sapphire engagement ring worn by Princess Diana has reappeared'. (Apparently there has been great excitement in New York where The Natural Sapphire Company has been working round the clock to take orders for replica rings - presumably there is a hope that the Royal Wedding can single-handedly serve to stimulate the US as well as the UK economy). After reading all the front pages on display, here are my top royal-related headlines of the day:
Casper Star Tribune (Wyoming): 'Sorry Ladies. William is off the Market".
Albuquerque Journal: 'Great Britain's dashing helicopter-pilot prince will marry a lovely commoner in another big royal wedding'.
The Detriot Free Press: 'Jolly News from England: Prince William, Kate Middleton engaged'.
The News Journal (Delaware): 'Rah-Rah for Royal Wedding: Britons welcome the engagement of Prince William (second-in-line to the throne and his long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton)'.
Idaho Statesman: 'Honoring Mom: Diana's ring seals Prince William's marriage plans'.
There were many references to Kate being 'a lovely commoner', partly because this was the line used in the widely syndicated AP report carried by a large number of the regional papers, but also because I suspect that Americans haven't really got their heads around what the term means. 'But how can she be a commoner if she's a millionaire?' Indeed a difficult concept for anyone brought up in the land where a self-made millionaire is the epitome of success.
My favourite article was from the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, which ran a story suggesting what presents Americans might buy for 'their cousins over the pond'. 'We're game for throwing this generation's royal couple an old-fashioned American bridal shower' declared the paper, and their ingenious gift ideas include:
• Matching wellies (you know, those boots they wear over in England).
• Matching Snuggies in tartan plaid, for romantic nights at home.
• Something for the cookbook shelf. Collection of Paula Deen's greatest dishes and best wishes.
• Something for the fridge. Omaha steaks and Sheboygan brats.
And to be sure they remember their fans in Wisconsin, we would send a complete set of Regal Ware stainless steel cookware. It's a little something special from Kewaskum for those nights at home alone in the castle.
Brilliant. I bet Wills and Kate can't wait.
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