Royal Fever
With the royal wedding more than a month away, our London correspondent decided to hit the city streets and have UK's movers and shakers divulge what it all means.
Street parties are being planned and people are being offered the chance to make walking trails tracing the steps of the much-talked-about royal relationship, which began at university in Scotland. With their nuptials taking place on April 29, 2011, they are indeed the toast of a hopeful UK. With TV viewership from around the world to exceed a record-breaking 3 million, half the world will watch His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and his bride Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton tie the knot. The UK’s economy is set to be given a huge boost due to travel and souvenir sales, and their wedding marks a national holiday.
The venue is Westminster Abbey, a place that could have brought sad memories of his mother’s funeral cortege, back in 1997. But the young prince is moving forward, and has opted for a simpler wedding than that of Prince Charles to Lady Diana on July 29, 1981. Steeped in royal history, the Abbey has beheld coronations since 1066 and was the wedding venue for both the Queen and the Queen Mother. With the couple showing benevolence by reportedly asking for all wedding gifts to be donations to charity, they are the undisputed darlings of the royal family right now.
Asians the world over have a fondness for the royals, as they have been an intrinsic part of the heritage of their ancestors. This wedding, therefore, is something of a talking point within communities worldwide, and especially the UK. Some prominent Asians in the UK shared with ANOKHI their unique views about this wedding, which is giving the royals a more modern image and highlighting their relevance in the 21st century.
Saptarshi Ray, a journalist for UK’s top broadsheet, The Guardian, says: “The royal family has not had a good decade. I think most people are fed up of hearing about Charles and Camilla or Andrew or Prince Philip's latest xenophobic rant, so the younger generation of William, Harry and Zara Phillips has been embraced quite desperately. It will be a great party, and let's face it; British summers usually consist of rain and bad sporting performances. Britain wants another Diana to fawn over and fill magazines, but Kate Middleton seems refreshingly normal, and so does William. They're a bit old before their time, so they'll probably be dignified and dull. Harry's the real star; he seems to live how royals did in medieval times.”
Leela Soma, Scottish-Asian author of the novel Twice Born, shares the connection of these two royals with beautiful Scotland: “It was uplifting to hear the announcement of the royal wedding on a cold and icy winter’s evening in Scotland. This spring has not one, but two royal weddings to look forward to. Rumours are rife that Zara Phillips, Princess Anne’s daughter, may be getting married in Scotland.”
Staying strong to this other part of the UK, Soma adds: “Prince William is no stranger to Scotland. Balmoral in Royal Deeside is the summer residence of the royal family and he has spent many happy times there. We are proud in Scotland that his pursuit of a degree and wooing the young woman Kate was at the University of St. Andrews, the oldest university in Scotland, founded in 1413.
The privacy given to Prince William and Kate Middleton at St. Andrews could have been achieved only in Scotland.” About the wedding itself, Soma shares her views on the contrast with the last big royal wedding of Charles and Diana: “April 29, 2011, will be a date to remember. The wedding will be watched by millions, and I will be glued to the TV watching every moment of it, just as I did when his beautiful mother married Prince Charles. Kate Middleton is so much like Diana in many ways and labelled a fashion icon already by the media. But she is a mature 29-year-old woman who seems to know her mind. For the young prince who lost his mum when he was just 15, his wedding day will be both joyous and poignant. I hope their life together is treated with more respect, and the paparazzi both in Britain and abroad will be aware of their need for privacy. I wish the couple a very happy future. As a writer and a poet, I look forward to Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy’s wedding poem.”
Puja Vedi, the director of LiveStyle Media, is also a fashionista and she examines the attire of the day: “The royal wedding has obviously generated an incredible level of interest across the globe. With Diana being such a fashion icon, it’s to be expected that the world will turn to her son's fiancée, Kate Middleton, for similar inspiration. Luckily for us, Kate's effortless style is elegant and sophisticated. Her sapphire engagement ring is being copied around the world and women are even replicating her swept back sleek hairstyle! The blue Issa London dress she wore at the engagement announcement sold out within 24 hours!”
Vedi continues on the fashion front, as this is something discussed in the UK’s media almost daily: “The burning question now is who will design her wedding dress. With Kate's chic sense of style, we're bound to be in for a fashion treat, which is great. The dress itself will be heavily replicated across the world, setting important trends and cementing the designer's place on the fashion map. It is undoubtedly one of the most important tasks in fashion history.”
Anjna Raheja, founder and managing director of UK’s biggest ethnic PR company Media Moguls, and one of Britain’s most successful Asian women, shares her view: “The royal wedding is going to be the focal point for so many people between now and April 29. I think pretty much everyone in the UK, royalist or not, is looking forward to a bit of happiness, which although it may not affect them directly, has a real halo effect. Prince William has a soft spot in the public’s heart and I think everyone is seeing this as “Diana & Charles: the Happy Version.” From a business perspective, it will be great for China, who are busy producing souvenirs, and of course for tourism — a trial for the Olympics in Britain in 2012.”
Raj Baddhan, the owner and founder of media website BizAsia.co.uk (in Birmingham, in the north of England), has a lighter and cheekier view of the wedding: “It’s great to see the amount of media coverage surrounding our future king and queen. As much as I love the British monarchy, I’ll probably be out of the country enjoying the extra holiday we’ve been given.”
In general, Asians in the UK are enthusiastic about this wedding and what it stands for. Paul Sagoo, CEO of investment company Lemon Group, makes an apt observation: “There is nothing better than a royal wedding to lift the spirits of this country, and the couple in question represents everything that’s great about the new generation.”
The date is looming and the excitement is building up. From people taking breaks during the wedding to planning pub trips to capitalizing on the business side of things, there is no doubt about it: the royals will always draw fascination from the world, especially Prince William, the throne-bound son of the much-loved Lady Diana. Buckingham Palace is always a landmark worth a glimpse — whether you watch the changing of the guard or admire the palace for historical reasons, it adds a sparkle to London and makes it a special city for many.
BY: ASHANTI OMKAR / PUBLISHED: THE LIVE BEAUTIFUL ISSUE, MARCH 2011
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
How Cultures Link is Empowering Immigrant Identity Through its Online Workshops & Programs
-
Building Generational Wealth in North America: A Guide for South Asians to Guarantee Success!
-
Tame the Mane: ANOKHI's Guide To South Asian Winter Hair Care
-
South Asian House Makes A Splash at Art Basel Miami for Its Second Edition
-
Anita Dongre to Papa Don't Preach: Rock Your Holiday Look with South Asian Designers
-
Roshni Media’s Much-Anticipated TIA Awards Gala Gets Ready To Take Over NYC!
-
How To Host The Perfect South Asian Holiday Dinner
-
Bollywood to Boardrooms: 5 Ways South Asians Are Redefining Business Trends In North America!
-
Cover Story: Founder & 2x Serial Entrepreneur Sonya Gill Shares How To Build A Global Brand & Disrupt An Entire Industry
-
The Desi Influencers You Should Follow For The Best Fashion Inspos
-
Must-Watch or Pass? Your Definitive Guide to the Upcoming Bollywood Films This Winter
-
ANOKHI's Holiday Gift Guide For Thoughtful Desi Presents For The Home & Beyond
-
ANOKHI’s Holiday Gift Guide To The Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers In North America!
-
Diwali Dance Fest Takes the Stage at Walt Disney World® Resort for a Second Year!
-
How PBS Series 'Renegades' Celebrates American History's Most Badass Disabled Changemakers
-
5 Ways South Asian Brands Can Boost Holiday Sales Online
-
5 Ways To Winter-Proof Your Saris & Salwar Kameez Without Losing The Luxe
-
14 Bollywood Remakes Vs. Their Hollywood Originals - Who Did It Better?
-
What They Don't Tell You About Beauty Medspas
-
Catch Pakistan's 1st Ever Hand-Drawn Animated Film 'The Glassworker' & Other South Asian Films At Reel Asian Festival
-
Donald Trump: How Will His Presidency Impact The Entrepreneurial Footprint Of South Asians In America?
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
7 Characters In Desi Folklore That Put Halloween Spooks To Shame
-
Remembering Ratan Tata: The Visionary Who Helped Shape India's Path to Becoming a Global Superpower
-
Samosa-Proof That Pout: The Ultimate Guide To Mastering The Perfect Red Lip For Diwali
-
Celebrities, Creators & Supporters Celebrate Diwali At Desai Foundation’s 11th Annual 'Diwali On The Hudson'
-
University Health Network (UHN)’s 'Diwali – A Night To Shine' Raises Record Breaking $2m+ To Support Health Care, Research And Innovation
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
The Lit Gala Returns To Toronto For A Night of Celebration & Charity Supporting Children With Disabilities In India
-
Five 2024 Diwali Fashion Trends That Will Light Up Your Celebrations
-
From Content Creation To Healthcare, Here Are The AI Platforms Revolutionizing South Asia Industries
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
World Mental Health Day: How Bollywood Has Used Its Power Of Storytelling To Address Mental Health Stigmas
-
Highlights Of Archie Panjabi, Neeru Bajwa & Iman Vellani At iSAFF2024
-
3x Emmy-Nominated Television Host & Producer Rasha Goel Launches New Podcast "Beyond the Glam" - Premiering Today!
-
Don't Let Your Glow Fade: Autumn Skincare Tweaks For South Asian Beauties
-
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The South Asian Faces Of Survival, Resilience, And Advocacy
-
Does Bollywood Accurately Portray Financial Struggles of India's Working Class?
-
How Canada's LMIA Shakeup (Effective Sep 26, 2024) Impacts South Asians Hoping To Get A Canadian Work Visa
-
What Future Changemakers Can Learn From The Inspiring Canadian Women Honoured At The Women Empowerment Awards 2024
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Canada’s International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) Triumphantly Unveils Its Thrilling 2024 Lineup!
-
TIFF 2024: Our Chat With Writer-Director-Star Srinivas Krishna On The 4K Restoration Of His Hidden Canadian Classic ‘Masala’
-
Look Like The Stars With Our Expert Beauty & Fashion Tips Inspired By South Asian Celebs At #TIFF24
-
TIFF 2024: First-Time Filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi Dishes On ‘Boong,’ Her Funny & Profound Modern-Day Folk Tale Told From A Child's Point Of View
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
How 'Little Canada' Helps South Asian Newcomers Feel Welcomed & Connected
-
10 Side Hustle Ideas For Busy Desi Moms In North America
-
Spotlight On The 9 South Asian Films Premiering At TIFF 2024 - And Why You Should Watch Them!
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
How South Asian Businesses In North America Are Adopting Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Practices (And You Can Too!)
-
The Heartbreaking Failure Of The System: Dr. Moumita Debnath & The Unheard Cries Of Rape Victims
-
How 5 Talented Designers Are Celebrating Their South Asian Roots In The World Of Western Fashion
-
Nepotism Or Repetitive Content - What's Causing Bollywood's Slump Versus Punjabi & South Indian Cinema's Surge
-
Look Fabulous On Your Road Trip With Our Beauty Packing Tips
-
Must-Watch Patriotic Films From India & Pakistan For Your Independence Day Celebrations
Lifestyle /
ROYAL FEVER!
With the royal wedding more than a month away and Japan getting hit with the largest earthquake in its history, the couple ask for donations be made to charity in lieu of wedding gifts.
With all the hype and excitement surrounding UK, ANOKHI’s London correspondent decided to hit the city streets and have UK’s movers and shakers divulge what it all means.
To read the full article log onto the below link:
http://anokhimedia.com/magazine/royal-fever
Source: dukheanddutchessofcambridge.org, telegraph.co.uk, and abcnews.go.com
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
How To Host The Perfect South Asian Holiday Dinner
-
ANOKHI's Holiday Gift Guide For Thoughtful Desi Presents For The Home & Beyond
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
