As I arrived at the Long Walk near Windsor Castle I was met with a lot of surprises. There was not a multitude of people crowded into a small area pushing their way to the front of the barricades but a number of families scattered on the grass having a picnic. The town was not urban rather, it was located in the countryside. I came expecting a frenzy of excitement yet found a relaxed atmosphere. Attending the Royal Wedding defied my assumptions however the experience was greater than I imagined.
I left the flat around 7 am with five of my classmates and headed to Windsor full of anticipation. Once we arrived, we claimed our spot near one of the screens which provided a livestream of the arriving guests. To my surprise, a lovely couple whose names were James and Abby invited us to sit on their blanket with them and started a conversation. They spoke of the arriving royals in such a way that it was clear they had grown up watching them. While I did not recognize many of the extended members of the royal family, they not only knew their names but their past, relation to Harry and Meghan, and the public's view of them. Both James and Abby were actively engaged in conversation and asked us about our life in California and our thoughts of London. This interaction demonstrated the impact of a random act of kindness and value of good company. While they met our practical need through providing us a place to sit, they also enhanced our experience by meeting our relational needs with conversation.
It was amazing to witness the reactions of those around me, many with expressions of pride. As police officers patrolled the procession route, cheers erupted and flags were waived. When Meghan and her mother unexpectedly drove by before the wedding, everyone immediately got up and rushed to catch a glimpse of her wedding dress. There was a welcoming and warm response to her which is incredible considering the controversy about her race when she and Harry began to publicly attend events together. After accompanying Harry to the Invictus Games and being spotted on several date nights, the insensitive comments from the media were so prevalent that Harry even issued a statement on the subject. Considering the short time between the beginning of the relationship and the wedding, society's view of Meghan has clearly shifted as she is know much more popular and in general, portrayed in a positive light by the media. This is presumably due to her involvement in advocating for women's rights and taking an active part in utilizing her role as a member of the royal family for good.
After the ceremony, Harry and Meghan rode past us in their carriage. Seeing them on the day of their wedding and being so close to them was surreal. I was not filled with uncontrollable excitement or overtaken by their presence, instead they looked very natural and approachable. In the end, it was clear that this day was not about the extravagant castle or star-studded guest list but normal people coming together to celebrate on a beautiful day.
This experience was not merely a chance to witness history but also provided an opportunity to learn more about the people of the United Kingdom and their customs. I was able to attain a better understanding of their respect and pride for both their country and the royal family. Through being a recipient of the warmth and kindness of those around me, I now have a better appreciating for the British way of life.
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