I have been sick for over a week now and only got my voice back on Thursday, so when 6 am Friday rolled around I was less than enthusiastic. Madee (my visitor) and I headed out regardless to meet up with my PIC Allison, and from there we headed to Buckingham Palace to claim a spot and await the mayhem.
We planted ourselves in the grass outside the palace, making sure we could see the balcony, at around 730. Two Redbulls and two M&S wraps later I was feeling much better (or at least much more alert). We sat and talked until about 10:00-ish and from then on we found ourselves standing, talking with our wedding day friends sitting around us. The wedding started at 11 and although we didn't have a screen to watch we did have the audio to listen to. I have never in my life been a part of such an overwhelmingly silent crowd. An amazing hush fell over everyone on the lawn as we listened to them reciting their vows, only breaking the silence for periodic outbursts of clapping and cheering.
The crowd grew ansty, knowing that shortly the couple would make their way to Buckingham and walk out onto the balcony for their first official kiss. People started pouring in from all directions, crowding and cramming, but luckily my view of the balcony somehow remained intact. The couple emerged, kissed (twice, how daring!) and the family came out as well. Patriotic British tunes were sung and in the not too far distance you could hear the bells of Westminster tolling. It was, in the most corny of ways, magical.
My favorite parts of the whole experience? Well firstly it would have to be the people watching. London is rarely patriotic so it was funny to see the cup of British patriotism running-eth over. Two girls next to us wore red shirts reading, "Keep Calm, Harry is Still On," which I thought were hysterical. A group of men directly in front of us not only brought a picnic blanket and snacks, but chilled champagne with strawberries to toast with once the couple was officially wed. (Champagne bottles were popping all around us actually.) Women in Sunday hats were plentiful as well, always making for a good distraction.
But my most favorite part? Regardless of how silly this sounds, standing on the lawn outside Buckingham yesterday I realized that this was the first time in my entire life that I had been a part a positive part of history. Back home all of our recent historical moments (aside from Obama being elected) have been those of a negative association: Columbine, VT, 9/11. And I wasn't even actually present at any of those events (thank goodness I suppose). But yesterday was a moment that will be documented and written about the world over. I know that a lot of the UK dislikes the royal family but yesterday, in that one moment when they stood on the balcony, it was as if everyone around me was proud to be British.Our parents and grandparents all have those moments in history where they can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing. Pearl Harbor, The Great Depression, Kennedy's death. This was one of those moments for me, except I'm lucky enough to have it be a happy one.
I think I may never leave.
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