Okay. I’m not a royal watcher. I have nothing against filthy rich people who never have to worry about where their next tin of Beluga 000 is coming from, I just have nothing in common with them. I mean… I’ve been to a lot of weddings in my time, but I’ve never known the bride to wear a gown that cost more than my house. Not that any of the brides I’ve known weren’t worth a dress like that, it’s just that they’ve all been a bit more practical. Then, again, when your father-in-law is slated to be the next King of England, practical takes on a whole new meaning.

And then, of course, is the simple fact that my proletarian self kinda bristles at the concept of royalty in the first place. That someone should be elevated and deemed more worthy simply because of the accident of birth into a particular family is mind-boggling. And what a family it is! The current Queen’s uncle – the one who abdicated – was a nazi sympathizer, and her grandfather is pretty much responsible for the colonization and subjugation of half of the world. There are only 22 countries in the entire world that Britain hasn’t invaded at one time or another. Think about unrest in Iran and British Petroleum – Apartheid in South Africa. Gandhi in India. Ireland.

But it’s a lot more fun to watch the pomp and pageantry and imagine ourselves sitting in the coach than to think of how they got the coach in the first place.

All that being said, I do have more respect for William and Harry as human beings than the spawn of the current White House occupant.

And maybe there’s a possibility that the upcoming generation of royals can make some amends for the sins of the past. Welcoming a biracial woman into the royal family is certainly a start, if not history-making in and of itself.

A Gospel Choir in St George’s Chapel may have been a first, as well…

I’m warming to them…

While the newlyweds and their 600 closest family and friends were dining on

  • Scottish Langoustines wrapped in Smoked Salmon with Citrus Crème Fraiche
  • Grilled English Asparagus wrapped in Cumbrian Ham
  • Garden Pea Panna Cotta with Quail Eggs and Lemon Verbena
  • Heritage Tomato and Basil Tartare with Balsamic Pearls
  • Poached Free Range Chicken bound in a Lightly Spiced Yoghurt with Roasted Apricot
  • Croquette of Confit Windsor Lamb, Roasted Vegetables and Shallot Jam
  • Warm Asparagus Spears with Mozzarella and Sun-Blush Tomatoes
  • Fricassee of Free Range Chicken with Morel Mushrooms and Young Leeks
  • Pea and Mint Risotto with Pea Shoots, Truffle Oil and Parmesan Crisps
  • Ten Hour Slow Roasted Windsor Pork Belly with Apple Compote and Crackling
  • Champagne and Pistachio Macaroons
  • Orange Crème Brûlée Tartlets
  • Miniature Rhubarb Crumble Tartlets

we had chicken and biscuits.

It was good.

And I’m going to have to see about making a couple of those dishes… The pea panna cotta sounds intriguing, as does the chicken with roasted apricot.

And champagne and pistachio macaroons…

Yeah… I’m warming to them…