Cringeworthy interest in royal wedding
JUST days remain before the British royal wedding and I don’t know why I am so surprised with the hype that it is creating in Ireland. It seems that the event which is understandably creating excitement in the UK, is getting its fair share of interest across Ireland with some public events even arranged.
I can’t think of anything worse than attending an event to mark a royal wedding, whether it’s British or any other nationality, but there is something unmistakably cringeworthy about the level of interest it has created in this country.
Yes, people see it as a bit of craic, and it holds more celebrity appeal than anything to do with the monarchy but holding celebratory events is surely a step too far.
Would we do the same for any other celebrity or royal couples? It would be just as cringeworthy should similar events be held for the likes of Beyonce or Kim Kardashian.
There’s a voyeuristic pleasure that so many people derive from following the life and times of the British royals, just like a soap opera.
Fans want to know every little detail, from how and where they got engaged to the nitty gritty of the day itself.
The number of television dramatisations that have been screened in recent days is testament to this,’ not to mention to stalker-like crowds which lined the streets in tents and camping chairs for days before Kate Middleton gave birth to her third child a few weeks ago.The Irish were chomping at the bit waiting news of the new arrival as it if was one of their own family members.
The fact that Meghan Markle came to prominence as an American actress is clearly adding to the intrigue but it is crazy that a wedding, albeit of a member of the royal family, is attracting such global attention.
At home there has been quite a bit of unrest in Donegal where a hotel has cancelled a planned celebratory event following socalled intimidation.
This was probably nothing more than a hotel looking to boost trade and get customers in through the doors, but it ruffled feathers within the Republican community and following a number of complaints, it was cancelled.
It is a good marketing opportunity and there was probably no offence meant, but it’s not surprising that there was some backlash.