Tradition and Modernity

It seems that even here in Bolivia there is Royal Wedding fever. I have given a number of interviews recently to television and other media. And there is intense interest in our competition to find a Bolivian couple who are also getting married on 29 April to join us at the Residence to celebrate their day in style. I shall certainly be up at 5am on the day to watch proceedings live on the BBC.

The British monarchy is all about tradition, continuity, and the evolution of British democracy over many hundreds of years. But the Royal Wedding is also about modern Britain. The estimated two billion spectators across the world will see that Britain is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse nations in the world, home to 270 nationalities speaking 300 different languages, founded on tolerance and respect for difference. Britain is a global hub for travel and commerce: the 5,000 international journalists in London covering the event will be amongst the 56 million international passengers handled every year by Heathrow airport, the 30 million tourists who visit the country each year, and the 400,000 young people in Britain every year to study and learn new skills.

Viewers of the Royal Wedding will also have a glimpse of why Britain is one of the most dynamic, creative and connected countries in the world today. The television on which most will watch the event was invented by a Briton (John Logie Baird) and the World Wide Web that will broadcast to millions more by another (Tim Berners-Lee). The guest list will include leaders from Britain’s world-beating science, fashion, film and music communities.

The Royal Wedding heralds a spectacular period ahead for modern and traditional Britain. In 2012 The Queen – the principal guest – will celebrate 60 years on the throne. Next year will also see London hosting the Olympic Games. As Prince William and Catherine Middleton embark on a new life together, they will be surrounded by the majesty and pageantry of Royal tradition. But as a 21st century couple, they also represent Britain’s dynamic and exciting future. It will be a great event!