TRH William & Catherine, Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

In a glorious day of pageantry and ceremony crowned by not one but two kisses on the famous Buckingham Palace balcony, Prince William and Catherine Middleton became a married couple, the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I watched live on television (BBC America) and also intermittently online (YouTube's TheRoyalChannel, which eventually seemed to be struggling with the volume of traffic) from 9:20 AM in London (3:20 in Dallas) until 1:40 PM in London (7:40 in Dallas), and it was well worth the loss of sleep. I loved the Abbey decorations, her dress, the uniforms and pageantry, the traditional liturgy, the music (particularly the Parry classics and young Welsh composer Paul Mealor's setting of Ubi Caritas), the infectious glee of London's huge loyal crowds...in other words, everything about it. Normally I try to assemble links for posts, but in this case there is so much coverage available online it seems unnecessary, as well as impossible to choose.

Undoubtedly this was a wonderful day for the monarchy, with the enthusiastic crowds resoundingly refuting any naysayers. As my friend Gareth Russell observed, "[y]ou don't get this with a republic. Great day. And to all who have griped 'Who cares?' over the last 5 months - billions, seems to be the answer." I am in awe of the magnificence of the triumphant procession of the greatest human institution there is, wish Their Royal Highnesses the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge all possible happiness, and hope that someday I will be their loyal subject in law as I surely will be at heart!

Royal Wedding Details Revealed

After months of secrecy and waiting, the official wedding programme (including the Order of Service) and the musical selections are now available for the general public. I am pleased to see Parry's incomparable "I Was Glad" chosen for the bridal procession, and am curious to hear the new choral compositions by John Rutter and Paul Mealor. I hope that at least some of the music before the service will be available to television viewers as well; I'm looking forward to seeing my Charlotte former colleagues' music director Christopher Warren-Green conduct the London Chamber Orchestra. Westminster Abbey has been splendidly prepared for the festivities and tomorrow is sure to be a magnificent day!

Readers, if you're looking for a way to show your support for Prince William and his soon-to-be bride, I encourage you to give a gift to the Royal Wedding Charity Fund as I did recently if you have not done so already.

Wise Windsors, Perfidious Politicans

Peter Oborne reflects on the prudent adaptability of the British Monarchy, while Simon Heffer warns against meddling politicians.

The Musicians Prepare

My two favourite things about Britain are the Monarchy and the English choral tradition, so it's particularly exciting when they come together as they will on Friday. The New York Times reports on Westminster Abbey (in which I had the honour to sing with my own choir in 2009 and will again this summer) and its acclaimed choir as they prepare for the royal wedding under the direction of organist & choirmaster James O'Donnell. Musical traditionalists, for whom rumours of performances by pop stars were cause for concern, can look forward to a thoroughly traditional and magnificent spectacle at the Abbey's consistently high standards.

Note: the NYT now limits readers to 20 free articles a month, so if you don't want to pay, be selective regarding which articles to click on. This is one that is worth it!

This CNN video, featuring the military fanfare trumpeters, Chapel Royal choristers, and London Chamber Orchestra, complements the NYT article nicely.

"The bit in the church"

Veteran journalist Charles Moore, in perhaps the best article I've seen on it, eloquently explains why the royal wedding matters.

More irreverently, The Washington Post profiles Prince Harry as his elder brother's wedding nears.

King Constantine on Prince William

As the royal wedding (apparently to include a properly dressed Prime Minister) approaches and Prince Charles becomes the longest serving heir to the throne in British history, exiled King Constantine of Greece praises his godson Prince William while defending proper royal succession, also advising him not to fly when in love.

Kate Middleton's parents have finally met the Queen.

Meanwhile, at Taki's Magazine Kenneth Minogue blasts "repulsive republicans," some of whom are apparently planning on converging on London from all over Europe to try to ruin the wedding for the rest of us. I am nevertheless confident that the police will maintain order and dignity on the big day, a responsibility which is not to be taken lightly.

Coulombe trounces republicans at Oxford Union

My friend Charles Coulombe, distinguished American monarchist, recently spoke in defence of the Monarchy at the prestigious Oxford Union. The motion against the monarchy was resoundingly defeated. Charles, the epitome of the high-spirited monarchist who has a lot more fun than his dreary republican opponents, recounts his experience in this delightful article for Taki's Magazine.