‘BIT OF A DO’
It seems fashionable to mock the British monarchy, says Barbara Scott writing from the UK the day before the D Day.

As I’m sure you are aware there is a Royal Wedding taking place on Friday 29th April here in the UK. The Queen’s eldest grandson and second in line to the throne is getting married to his fiance Kate (or as she is now known as, Katherine) Middleton. The last Royal Wedding was his father’s to Camilla Parker Bowles, but as it was his (and her’s) second marriage it was much lower key. This one will be the complete opposite, and then some! ‘A bit of a do’ as we say here. About 1.5 million (yes that is correct!) people are expected to turn up in London to witness what will be a spectacular event. It will be broadcast worldwide so I do hope you will be able to watch it in The Gambia.

We have 8 hour coverage on our TV’s but I expect you will see highlights on the world news stations. If the weather is as glorious as it is at the moment it really will look amazing. You will see all the pomp and pageantry that the Royal household are masters at. The gold coach for the bride and groom, the household cavalry in their bright red jackets and white trousers mounted on their highly trained horses. The guardsmen, who are synonymous with London, in their bearskin helmets marching to a brass band. The crowds will be cheering and waving union jacks and wearing red, white and blue hats.

Yes, there will probably be some who would say that it is an extravagance in these recession hit times but the crowds will shout them down. Bring it on I say. It seems fashionable to mock the British monarchy but I’d rather live with one than have a jumped up dictatorship any time. Every one loves a wedding celebration don’t they. It lifts the spirits and makes us take pride in our heritage. I think even staunch republicans will not be able to stop themselves feeling a little bit moved by it all.