Catherine “Kate” Middleton’s life unfolds before the world like a modern-day fairy tale. Like Cinderella stealing the heart of Prince Charming, the title-less beauty will marry second-in-line to the British throne Prince William at Westminster Abbey on Friday at 11 a.m., or 5 a.m. U.S. Central time.
Everything about Middleton resembles royalty, from her superior education, alluring beauty and charming grace. Only one thing stood in her way. Her title — or lack thereof.
But a sparkling engagement ring that once graced Princess Diana’s finger transformed Middleton’s life forever when Prince William proposed with the 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring in Kenya in October.
This Friday, the commoner marries her prince and becomes Her Royal Highness Catherine, according to royal expert Laura Trevelyan.
Unlike most weddings’ guest lists, which involve dilemmas like whether to invite former roommates or junior high comrades, the royal couple’s list resembles a presidential inauguration meets a red-carpet event.
The English and foreign royal families, dignitaries from across the globe and the who’s who in United Kingdom affairs expectedly received invitations.
More notorious guests include Sir Elton John, who performed at Diana’s funeral, unofficial royal football couple Mr. and Mrs. David Beckham, filmmaker Guy Ritchie and English soul-singer Joss Stone, all of whom are friends of the couple.
With such an intimidating guest list, not including the millions of viewers around the world, it must be difficult for Middleton to suppress pre-wedding jitters. For most brides, the thought of calling off a wedding leads to unimaginable headaches including returning wedding gifts and dealing with furious parents. But for Middleton, her marriage has already been consummated by the merchandise mania swarming London.
Madeline Peters, University alumna, gets to experience the royal commotion in London rather than in front of the television set at 5 a.m. like the rest of students in Baton Rouge.
Peters said William and Kate souvenirs surround the city and have become a London brand and staple.
“There is every type of memorabilia you can imagine and some you’d rather not — from the classics such as mugs, flags and T-shirts to the eccentric like refrigerators, condoms and toilet seat covers,” Peters said.
But Kate would be a fool to pass up dashing Prince William, and Kate walks down the aisle tomorrow, revealing her top-secret wedding dress, and making every girl around the world without noble background feel like a princess.
 
 
 
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