The Republic of Ireland and the United States of America have a great deal of shared history. Both countries have long histories of rebellion from the United Kingdom, and sensitivities on this matter are still evident in Ireland. However, Irish and Americans exhibit a proven interest in the British monarchy and the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Given the focus on independence proudly exhibited by Ireland and America, why are Americans and Irish so fascinated by the royals?
On April 29, 2011, the Internet and other media sources burgeoned with information and coverage about the royal wedding taking place in London. While the United Kingdom ranked top slot in Google searches for 'royal wedding,' other search terms like 'Will and Kate' were more popular in the Republic of Ireland than in any other country.
What are the reasons for Americans and Irish finding such an interest in the royals and their social affairs? Deliberately, neither nation has a functioning or representative monarchy. However, we have still elevated certain members of our society to royal like status--be it celebrities or the Kennedy family, treasured and honored in many American and Irish homes.
Perhaps the fascination stems from the lack of such an establishment in Ireland and America.
Traditionally, citizens of the United States and the Republic of Ireland are not supposed to accept any title bestowed by monarchy--specifically the British monarchy. Most students and citizens in these countries know about the Boston Tea Party and The Troubles. These lessons of the far and recent past are seldom forgotten by most Irish, Americans and Irish Americans.
It could be that many Irish and Americans long for a more sanitized version of history or simply prefer to see hope in the world and an improvement on what many consider to be a series of social and political mistakes made by the British royalty over centuries' time.
Prince William even wore the red coat of the Irish Guards, a reflection on his time in Afghanistan and his position relative to Wales. However, few Irish have made note of the term, and few Americans seem bothered by the appearance of the red coat--a color also worn by occupying British forces during the American Revolution.
Regardless of the reasons for adoration, many Americans and Irish on social networks like Facebook and Twitter have claimed to be annoyed by the royal wedding for various reasons.
Officially part of the United Kingdom at this time, parts of Northern Ireland were placed on alert due to a potential attack by the RIRA (Real Irish Republican Army), a splinter group of the IRA (Irish Republican Army).
Why do you think so many Irish and Americans have an interest in the royal wedding and in royal affairs? Please post your comments below.
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