The British Infatuation with the Royal Family

Since I've been studying in London, I've been inundated with the Royal Family.  They're everywhere- on the front page of the newspaper, in conversation (Harry & Kate set a date!!!), in people's thoughts-- but not their wishes, their cerebral cortex like the thought police from Orwell's 1984.  Well not quite, I'm just being a nitwit.  The point is, the British love and pine over the Royal Family and I don't understand it.

In fact, I think people like them for the wrong reasons.  Reading tabloids and vicariously experiencing the lavish lives of others, in my opinion, is sad and depressing.  So is buying a Limited Edition Harry & Kate Wedding tea tin that is currently being sold at the grocery store around the corner from my flat.  But, the fact that the Wedding will attract an influx or tourists which will then be at least a moderate boon for the English economy is great.  Go Kate and Harry!  But I don't think many people think about that.  

Plus there are a couple darkly humorous ironies.  My favorite being "the Royal Mint" and "the National Debt."  Throughout the semester, I've been devising possible cons to crash the Royal wedding, but so far none have been particularly ingenious.  Besides, it's a calculated risk and it's hard to overcome the glaring negative variable of getting deported or arrested.  When the big day comes, I'll probably be in my flat avoiding the crowd of idiots.  

By the way, if you're inquiring about my choice of picture.  It's King George III of Hanover.  But more importantly- how awesome is that outfit?  I bet a whole family of animals died for that coat... which is horrible.  I hope peta doesn't send me a cease & desist letter.  also, I have a 5 pound bet with my flatmate that I can make one of the Buckingham Palace guards laugh- I'll let you know how that goes.