Weddingbee Blog

Kate Middleton has long been a fixture of media in the UK, but her presence has roared into the US in the months since her engagement.

(Such a classic, natural beauty—nothing fake or forced. Go on and get it, girlfriend.)

And honestly? Sometimes I feel a bit bad for her. We think we’ve got expectations from our parents and in-laws? It took less than a day for the media to say the following:

A strong, stable marriage—one that lasts decades and produces heirs—could go a long way toward undoing the damage from the ugly squabbling and televised confessions of adultery that marred the final years of Charles and Diana’s tortured marriage.

“This is their chance to rejuvenate the dynasty,” said Patrick Jephson, former private secretary to Diana.

I must admit, I’m grateful that no one is relying on my marriage and baby-making abilities to “rejuvenate the dynasty.” Or how about this one:

(Brides Magazine editor, Deborah)

Joseph said Middleton’s decision could define bridal wear for the next decade, much as Diana’s choice in 1981 became the most-copied wedding dress in history.

Can you imagine? Waking up the morning after your wedding to hundreds of international papers critiquing your bridal appearance: your dress, your accessories, your body, everything? Kate seems like a strong woman, and I’m sure she can take it, but there’s this fellow-bride instinct in me that wants to shield her from any negativity that may arise.

Kate Middleton is not of the aristocracy and from everything I’ve read, is a shockingly normal girl, which is why I like her. (And also because she’s smart, stylish, and I suspect her of being somewhat cheeky.) Homegirl does her own grocery shopping near the house she shares with Will, and they will employ exactly zero people on their house staff post-nuptials. (For reference, I read that Charles employs 150.)

Obviously she knows what she’s getting into, but I can still see how hard it could be. William even mentioned that he wanted her to have plenty of time to see what it will be like before asking her to marry into the media circus. Seriously, the poor girl has been and will continue to be camera-hunted like prey. And then there’s the incessant, intimidating comparisons to Diana. How strange—to have the world compare you side-by-side to your mother-in-law. In some ways I wonder: are the life changes that come with Will’s HRH status an exciting benefit of being his partner? Or, in some ways, a sacrifice she’s making for the man she loves?

While marrying a prince sounds appealing to those of us who overdid the Disney movies, the reality doesn’t seem that glamorous to me. There’s very little privacy but very high expectations—your every move, your every public appearance is criticized. You will spend lots of time away from your partner. At some point, the media will likely try to convince you (and the world) that your partner is cheating behind your back. The world will speculate about your relationship’s weak spots and occasionally be correct. Your role as a spouse will be critiqued by people who do not know you, and you will be expected to be a gracious hostess, a humanitarian, and have a good hair day every single day. (With the latter, Kate nails it.) Some crazy girl might write about you on Weddingbee or whatever.

But maybe I’m being negative; maybe they’ll have a dream life together, avoiding the usual complications. It could be that I’m just skittish on Will and Kate’s behalf, after years of hearing my English aunties cluck about Charles and Diana’s unhappy union, trysts, and divorce. (See? There I go—comparing with the in-laws.)

What do you think hive? Do you like Kate—ahem, Catherine—as much as I do? How would you feel if your affianced was royalty?

PS- For the record, I predict that Kate will wear something form-fitting, but with sheer sleeves. Then I bet she changes into something “younger” for the reception. But, after she wears her ceremony gown, sleeves will finally come back in style, and I will tell everyone it’s because this post. I know I’m your inspiration, Kate. Just call me and tell me how you get your hair to look like that, and we’ll call it even.