Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Our Royal Fascination-Britannia rules the Airwaves

The Royal Wedding is all set for Friday, April 29 at Westminster Abbey. If you haven't received an invitation, you're out of luck. (I didn't get one either)

News organizations, budgets already pummeled by events in the Middle East to Japan are mustering for breathless "Wall to Wall" coverage. The biggest scramble has been to secure the best "Royal Watchers" to add commentary in the crispest of British accents since The Masters at Augusta.

When it comes to pomp and circumstance, no one does it better than our friends across the pond. Prince William and Catherine Middleton will join hands in marriage and it's estimated 2-billion people will watch it live. A significant number of them will be here in the United States. All will have to getup either early, or very early in the morning depending on time zone to watch it all.

For a nation that threw off the yoke of British rule centuries ago, we remain fascinated by all things Royal. The most recent example being the critical and popular reception of "The King's Speech."

The merchandising of the wedding is amazing, and in some cases very tacky. Royal Souvenirs profiled this week in Businessweek Magazine include "Kiss me Kate Ale," iPhone apps, Toilet Seats and even--gasp--"Crown Jewel Condoms." I wonder if the Queen knows about this?

So while this nation's founders hated King George, Dodge Commercials show George Washington attacking the Red Coats and the whole taxation without representation thing, we still love the Royals.

A dear friend and colleague, knowing I was going to blog about this sent me this post:

"As a million little girls will tell you, a prince and a princess, a crown and a castle make for a mighty fine fairy tale. Even if it is politically incorrect.
"

The news each day being what it is, one can understand the attraction of a real life fairy tale once in awhile.

Coverage will certainly eclipse the nuptials of Prince Charles and Diana. Maybe this time we're all just hoping for a far happier ending.

Regardless, coffee pots, televisions and electronic devices will be on bright an early on the 29th. Social Media traffic is bound to be huge. We'll all be "A Twitter." Literally.

Britannia may no longer rule the waves, but it certainly will rule the airwaves.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters Public Relations
"We start the conversations about you"

No comments:

Post a Comment