U.s. tv goes to toWn over royal marriage
LOS ANGELES: Pride, celebrity, escapism and a fascination with all things British are driving US TV networks to go to town on the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with week-long specials, live streaming, and romantic movies.
Documentaries about Markle’s biracial California roots, reruns of Princess Diana’s 1981 wedding to Prince Charles, and features on British pageantry and fashion are just some of the programming in store in the week leading up to the 19 May nuptials.
Despite the US War of Independence some 240 years ago, Americans have long been obsessed with British royals, who regularly feature on the front pages of celebrity magazines.
Harry’s choice of Markle, an American former actress and campaigner for gender equality, makes the wedding even more special.
“We are incredibly proud to say: ‘Harry, you are a smart man,’” said TV anchor Meredith Vieira, who will co-host a five-part nightly series of royal programming on PBS with the BBC.
“Harry is just an adorable prince. Everybody here seems to love him,” Vieira said. He and Markle “exude youth, positivity, optimism and they care about other people.
They are a very attractive couple anyway that you cut it.” Multiple US networks, each with “experts” ranging from former royal butlers to royal biographers, will stream the wedding in England live from 4 a.m. on the US East coast.
Those seeking a less awestruck take on the tiaras, carriages and royals, can turn to the satirical show
on HBO, where Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon play mock TV anchors.
Meanwhile, soldiers involved in the royal marriage are no strangers to pomp and pageantry, but for Corporal Major Daniel Snoxell, it’s the wedding of an old colleague rather than a royal.
The Household Cavalry have a ceremonial role to play in most major royal events, from the opening of parliament to “trooping the colour,” a large parade to mark the Queen’s official birthday.
But Harry’s wedding this month will have extra meaning for members of the regiment who served with him during his 10-year army career, where he rose to be “Captain Wales” after his father, Charles, Prince of Wales.