"When William marries Kate over a million people are expected to be on the streets of London.... It will be the biggest royal event since the marriage of Charles and Diana 30 years ago."

Yes, it's coming.  It seems a large portion of the world has been holding their breaths since hearing of Prince William's proposal to Kate Middleton.  April 29, 2011 is the date to mark.  It seems even Elton John who had been holding his breath for quite some time, can now breathe easy.  It also seems that this year, the Superbowl, the Oscars, the Emmys, and the Canadian election, is and was bound to receive lower interest than the upcoming nuptials--okay, at least in Canada.  We are, after all, still joined at the hip with England, in some sense. Or are we?

There are those that will be tuning in on April 29th to watch the fruition of their childhood Disney fantasy come to life.  Then, there are those that will be tuning in on April 29th as a result of how much the event has been publicized, how much Kate Middleton has become an instant style icon and the picture of poise for every woman to look up to, everywhere. 

Is such a role model a good one for little girls? Many would say:  yes.  While it is rare for any ordinary girl to become a member of the royal family, I'd like to think it is not rare for every woman to find that man they consider their prince. 

So yes, I will be tuning in on the 29th.  For me hearing of Lady Diana's tragic death when I was a small girl and specifically, hearing Elton John's Candle in the Wind reverberating on all the radio channels, definitely struck a cord in me that gave me that little bit more interest in the royal family ever since.  Particularly, in the outcome of  Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.   Based on Kate Middleton's portrayal in the media, it seems that Prince William has made an excellent choice for a bride.  Her smile seems pretty darn bright, don't you think?  I guess we'll have to wait and see.

My reasons for watching on the 29th will be all of the above, and then some.  Namely, I want to see Kate's dress.  It's obviously not something that happens very often either.  Well, what I mean is that while it may very well happen to us personally if we are lucky,  this event is being televised as though we are all communally invited, all across the world.  It'll make us feel a little closer, bring us closer together, maybe?  We'll watch, if that's what the Queen wants. 

I guess I may take this time to say congratulations to William and Kate on their engagement.  While I am not fanatically interested in you two or your wedding, I am interested enough to spend a good half  hour on a Sunday night writing about it in my blog.

-Crystal  Walters