Does the Royal Wedding Have America's Attention?

Image by Mirror.co.uk

"Oh, Prince William of Wales? Isn't the bride-to-be a commoner?," says my 11-year old niece to my surprise when I asked her if she had heard anything about "a prince" and a royal wedding.

 The media has had a long fascination with royal weddings. Especially when Kate Middleton,  a middle class young woman is marrying Prince William of Wales, son of Prince Charles and the late beloved Princess Diana.

Over 750 million tuned in to watch Princess Diana and Prince Charles take their royal vows 30 years ago.  After their divorce in 1996 and Diana's tragic death in a car accident in 1997, the upcoming wedding marks a new beginning for Britain's Monarchy.

Although the United States is not a British Monarchy, America loves a good fairytale. The evidence is in the daily coverage on every major newspaper and magazine in the country. The wedding of a handsome prince and a stylish and graceful commoner, who will become the new princess is enough reason for excitement for some in its anticipation.

However, according to one survey by PriceGrabber, 77 percent of consumers do not plan to get up extra early on April 29th to witness the live royal vows. 72 percent of these responders, do not plan to watch it after it is aired either.

The sample of those that do plan to watch the ceremony cite different reasons. 25 percent will watch for its historical significance, 12 percent for the memory and six percent for the media hype.

According to this article, older people are more interested than younger people and more women are interested in the royal wedding than men. The same could very well be true in the U.S.

Some people going through real life difficulties may have a hard time embracing the romance and fantasy. Sylvia Rojas, 34, from Orlando FL is definitely not enthused about the impending ceremony. "I'm sure she'll be happily ever after. Get married, get divorced and THEN live happily ever after." says Rojas who is currently undergoing divorce proceedings.

Another Orlando native, Stacy Lee, 38, is thrilled. "I'm fascinated by royalty. I love Kate Middleton. Prince William is so handsome. It's such a girl's dream."

Some consider the Monarchy's royalty old fashioned and irrelevant to today's culture, especially for younger generations.

Regardless, for many Americans and others around the world, the pomp, glamour and romantic splendor of this ceremony is enough to tune in. How many actually do, is left to be seen.