Friday April 29 2011.
The alarm clock was set for 4:45, but I was up before that. Leaving mums at just after 5 meant that I was outside Westminster Abbey just after 5:30. When the roads were closed at 6, I was 3 rows back, being able to see over the head on Mum who was imediately in front of me.
There were 5 hours to go before the service began, so perhaps this is a chance to say what I was doing there in the first place. Since the engagement was announced, I have been pleased for the couple, not swinging from the chandeliers with excitement, but pleased. If I had to say yes or no to the question as to whether Britain should have a monarchy, I would have to answer yes. I'm no unquestioning royalist, but when a friend texted me to say that Cromwell was right, I texted back to say that the experiment was called off after 12 years, Britain had seen the alternative and didn't like it!
The 5 hours flew by. There was chat to other well-wishers, then shortly after 8 guests arriving at the Abbey were seen queueing round the block. With 1900 to seat, it's not something that can be done in a moment. Also, I have to give full marks to the Dean of Westminster (in effect, the vicar ofthe church) who as well as greeting members of the Royal family and other dignitaries came over to chat to the crowd before official duties had to commence to welcome us to Westminster.
Among the guests, David and Victoria Beckham were spotted be members of the crowd, and I spotted Elton John and David Furnesh. Make of that what you will!
After the arrival of the groom and Best Man, it was amusing to see royals bussed in to the Abbey - a fleet of mini-busses carried minor royals to Westminster - I have to say, I was a bit disappointed that there was no carriage procession, but as the bride is allergic to horses, there are obvious problems there !
Arrivals of members of the Royal family in increasing order of seniority, culminating in the arrival of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh set the scene for the arrival of the bride. Although I was curious as to the dress, I cannot say that the question of its style had been puzzling me for weeks. That said, it was extrememly stylish, I could tell that just from the glimpse of it I had.
When she walked down the aisle to Parry's "I was glad", I was choked! I was. It was a very special moment. Whilst the service was broadcast on loudspeakers, I had to use a pocket radio for added volume. I thought that the Bishop of London hit the mark in his address, but wish there hadn't been as much chattering in the crowd during another Parry anthem, "Blest pair of sirens".
The carriage procession after the service did make for some good photos.
I went into Westminster Central Hall after that for a coffee whilst the crowds dispersed - I have later learnt that it was not easy to get away due to road closures and crowd barriers, but from the momement of the crowd I saw, kettling was hardly a tactic that was being used. Indeed, from my observations, whilst I was slightly un-nerved by the machine-gun carrying policeman in front of me (a sad comment about today's world that such things are necessary), it seemed as if the police presence was anything but heavy-handed.
After the coffee, getting a surprisingly quiet tube to Tower Hill and a picnic lunch, there was still a party atmosphere in areas of London away from the cameras. After walking back across Tower Bridge, it was then a bus back to Mums.
There's a lot more I could post, and I'd like to, but perhaps tomorrow when I've had a bit more time to think about the day! For now, let me just say that it is good to see that romance is not dead.
Lots of love, and the Best of British to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge !
