The Royal Wedding: It's the optics, stupid

 

 "The guys in the office are pretty stoked about the Aston Martin the Royal couple just drove around in," twittered CNN Showbiz Tonight reporter Brittany Kaplan a couple of minutes ago as the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge motored off from the first royal wedding reception to Clarence house with Prince William at the wheel, the getaway car bedecked with ribbons and trailing balloons. "He's making one of the points they wanted to make," added another CNN commentor on the scene near Buckingham Palace: Amidst all the glamor, "he wants to feel freer, in charge, trying to create a sense of normalcy." A "People's Princess" kind of thing, but with decorum. (AP Photo)

"Most Worthless Breaking News Alert Ever?' headlined Steve L. Taylor at Outside the Beltway, signaling fellow members of the Fuddy-Duddy community that for discerning fellows like himself, the pageantry and romance of Wills's and Kate's royal wedding that had filled the airwaves and swelled hearts and tear ducts around the world — an estimated two billion watched — early morning (ET) were a trivial distraction from more important matters. Like Stacy McCain's little Princess, we ourselves were enraptured, but Taylor and a lot of opinionators out there in the twittersphere, blogosphere and on TV — yes you, Shepard Smith — missed the story: It's the optics, stupid. "It was just so lovely to watch," said one CNN commenter. Swept up in the overwhelming sense of community and good humor amongst well wishers outside Buckingham Palace following the Westminster Abbey ceremony, she got the scoop:

The couple is being seen by so many as England's future.

And despite a sluggish economy and the indignities of socialized medicine, that future's looking up. We're reminded of the Duke of Cambridge's great grandmother, the  Queen Mother Elizabeth, who "helped the House of Windsor survive the abdication crisis and cheered Britons on through the horrors of World War II." They say young William has learned from the experience of his parents, tragically exploited throughout their ill-fated marriage by a predatory media. We liked Monica Crowley's take:

The fact that the marriage of Diana and Charles collapsed most spectacularly has a lot of us rooting for his son and his new bride. Kate is adorable, and the two of them look like they really are marrying for love and not for some palace-directed purpose.

There is a lot of hate flying around these days. It's nice to see some true love once in a while. It exists. It was on our televisions (very) early this morning. President Obama once talked of "hope and change." I think William and Kate represent it more truly: hope that their union survives and thrives, and a generational change to a hopelessly stuffy monarchy.

Update: Astute observations from our dear friend Miss Kelly in the comments:

As a good Catholic, I enjoy and respect pageantry, and this event had it in spades. The beautiful music, the architecture of the cathedral, the happy and orderly crowds, the attire and varied uniforms all signifying order, hierarchy, symmetry, beauty - it's the sort of event that says there is order in the world and the adults are in charge again.

Update II: Couldn't resist our British twitterfriend The Aged P's "Reflections":

The sheer enthusiasm and goodwill of the people who came to watch disarmed my pessimism … They came as individuals, families, neighbours and friends of their own free will to celebrate a joyous event. They came with banners, flags and placards that proclaimed a patriotic pride and messages of affection and goodwill for two young people who were about to make a public pledge of love and commitment … It augurs well for the future, I fancy … This is a woman who comes from a loving family and therefore knows how to love.

They sound kinda like Tea Party folks on this side of the pond.

Update III: CNN's Brit corrrespondent Richard Quest has the last word:

This was the restoration of the House of Windsor!

Update IV: Instalanche:

Is it all about the optics?

Crossposted at Riehl World View and Liberty Pundits.

Comments

[Miss Kelly]

I didn't watch the wedding this morning, but after seeing flashes of it on the news, I wish I had watched it. As a good Catholic, I enjoy and respect pageantry, and this event had it in spades. The beautiful music, the architecture of the cathedral, the happy and orderly crowds, the attire and varied uniforms all signifying order, hierarchy, symmetry, beauty - it's the sort of event that says there is order in the world and the adults are in charge again.

[Sissy Willis]

Very astute, Miss Kelly. Have added your comments in an update.

[Gayle Miller]

I hauled out of bed at my usual disgustingly early hour and watched (over a bracing cup of coffee) most of the ceremony and found it to be beautifully fusty and charming. Catherine looked exquisite and happy and the loving looks directed at her now-husband were in no way feigned in my opinion. Neither too were the looks sent her way by her engagingly handsome Prince.

Must say though that, true to my cantankerous nature, I think Prince Harry is much more interesting than his dutiful older brother. There's that hint of mischief that endears Buddy the cat to me as well! Actually, their coloring is similar!

People just like to be contrary, Ms. Sissy. They think it makes them look smarter if they express negativity toward sweet and sentimental occasions, when in fact, it just makes them look like grumpy fools!

[Sissy Willis]

I agree re Harry. They say older brother Wills had to grow up fast when things went bad ... Younger Harry could still do as he pleased ... Probably innate temperamental differences too.

[goomp]

Millions of people the world over enjoyed the splendor and the happiness of the Royal marriage. Sourpuss media were jealous and expressed their ignorance as they always do.

[Roger Allen]

I actually enjoyed watching the ceremony on Fox. They kept their mouth shut.

[Ziv]

I was in England back when one of the Royals was in trouble, and there was a series of photographs of Diana, Charles, William, Harry, Diana's paramour Hewitt and Charles flame Camilla. The paper just happened to put the photos of Harry next to Hewitt, with both of them looking up to the left... There is very little doubt that Harry is NOT Charles' son. The paper never came out and said that, but they found a photo of Hewitt from when he was 19 or so, and the one of Harry from when he was 18 and they are obviously father and son.
I have a great deal of respect for how the Royals have handled it, though. They just pretend it isn't so and it isn't an issue.

[Tree Surgeons in London]

It was a truly beautiful and momentous occasion in british history, I hope every one enjoyed it as much as the English did.