A Royal Engagement – With a Morbid Twist
on November 16, 2010 at 2:25 PMPrince William, the heir to the Royal British throne, announced today that he has proposed to long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton. He proposed with the same ring that his mother, the late Princess Diana, received from his father, Prince Charles. The beautiful ring consists of a blue sapphire and 14 diamonds.
When Prince Charles cheated on Princess Diana with his current wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles, it was an international scandal. When the news broke of the affair, Princess Diana ceased wearing her ring, valued at 30,000GBP. Princess Diana eventually divorced Prince Charles on August 28, 1996.
Kate Middleton and Prince William have been dating for eight years. The longevity of their relationship in the public eye is promising for their future together. The proposal took place while the couple were vacationing in Kenya, Africa. Princess Diana took her children there to do charity work while they were young children. Africa has always been a special place for the Princes as a result.
Kate Middleton seems like she is grounded, understands the royal life, and will adapt appropriately to being the new royal Princess. For their sake, I certainly hope that their relationship goes better than other royal marriages.
The legal ramifications of becoming a Princess in Britain are very interesting. Kate will acquire the title of Her Royal Highness Princess William of Wales upon her marriage to Prince William. Prince William is likely to receive the title of Duke of something when he is married as a wedding present from the Queen Mother. If his father, Prince Charles, decides to take the throne upon the Queen Mother’s passing, then Prince William will become Prince of Wales. But if Prince Charles abdicates then Prince William will be King and Kate Middleton will be Queen Consort. However, Kate will not have the right to the throne upon marriage. Only her oldest child would be eligible to rule, otherwise the throne would pass to Prince Harry if something were to happen to William.
The royal wedding is expected to take place sometime next summer. It is guaranteed to be quite the affair.