Princess Mania

The world is a buzz about the upcoming marriage of Miss Kate Middleton and HRH Prince William to a point of frenzy. Women's wardrobes are being updated to match the soon-to-be Princess's (or whatever name the Queen decides upon) collection, the headlines on the major networks are talking about her transportation more than the uprisings in Libya, and commercials are going wild with the sale of replica engagement rings.  What I would like to discuss, however, is not this event that has taken the world by storm, but rather what are we all in admiration over?  What's to awe: the wedding, the life, or something else?  Is that 'royal world' really a wonderful place?

First off, I doubt that the lives of the royals are all that they are cracked up to be.  If you have to worry about cameras and microphones recording your every move, wink and puff (of whatever substance you may puff) then I would not be so excited.  Yes, it comes with some money, some perks (private entry to almost any place imaginable), and some palaces... but where is the freedom in all that?  If you want to go out for some ice cream at 1AM, nope, have to call the guards to clear the place for security risks.  If you want to go get a new piece of lingerie to surprise 'Willy boy' for a special anniversary do you have to get the Queen's permission to ensure her that you are not getting center-cut-out style?  Having people watch every move I make gives me chills and I would not want it for all the jewels in the Kingdom (or the world for that matter).

For those who don't want to imagine about that kind of pressure, suppose you dream of that royal life because of hunky Prince William.  Oh ya, he had his days of 'drool on pillow' hotness, but as it happens to all men, his hair keeps falling and the reality of 'manly' forgetfulness begins to show through.  A princess may have the prince, but a pauper may be better at remembering your favorite flower/pastry/book without an assistant to tip him off on the right answer. Good men are everywhere, you just have to hunt them down and not lower your standards for the schlup next door.

What is the rest of the buzz about...the clothes and castles?  These days the absence of royals in big ball gowns and chunky jewels doesn't leave much of a difference from the clothing you would find in the streets of Milan or Paris.  In regards to the castles (with A/C systems installed), I am sure they are quite wonderful to live in, given that you have maids and butlers to help you do all the necessary tasks such as brush your teeth and take out the trash.  I give in to that one, I myself would certainly appreciate the absence of cleaning the bathroom.

So, not to be all negative sounding about the delightful event of a royal marriage, but the point of this is to advise those of you who are buying the cheap replicas of the engagement rings, the Barbie-wanna-be Kate dolls, and who are staying up late for any word on which wedding gown she will choose ....MUTE THE MANIA! You can have all that splendor for yourself (minus the stress) by just getting a good education, staying out of debt so you can build a spectacular 'castle' in the country, and be sure that you WILL find that awesome husband who will wake you up to a fresh cup of coffee and pastry without you having to order it from the butler.  Cheers!