Royal Watch Features
Prince William's wedding woes
By Christopher Vaughan Aug 4, 2006, 21:44 GMT
Britain\'s Prince William waves to onlookers as he arrives with his father, the Prince of Wales, at St Paul`s Cathedral in central London on Thursday,15 June,2006. EPA/GEOFF CADDICK
It's been twenty-five years since Prince Charles was supposedly pushed into marrying a woman he didn't really love. Recently, it's been claimed that Prince William is likewise being coaxed into getting married.
Various reports have come out lately stating Prince Charles has been pressuring Prince William to marry long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton. The reason given for this paternal influence is so the young prince will not make the same mistake his father did by letting true love slip away.
Considering the years of torment that Prince Charles apparently endured from his father, Prince Phillip, to get married - one really has to wonder if Prince Charles would really be pressuring his own son to do the same.
If anything, the continuing relationship between Prince Charles and his wife Camilla shows how true love endures despite all obstacles and outside influences.
Perhaps if Prince Charles was to offer some fatherly advice, it would probably be to follow your own heart and not listen to what anybody else has to say.
Reports also claim Queen Elizabeth herself and even Kate have expressed a desire for the couple to at least become engaged.
But this also has to be questioned, considering the many failed marriages the House of Windsor has endured over the past couple of decades.
If the royal family is expected to be a role model for its people, perhaps showing how a relationship evolves by getting to know your significant other before getting hitched is far better than marrying somebody out of a sense of duty or obligation.
Both Prince William and Kate are 24-years-old. Prince William's military career is far from over and Kate herself is reportedly interested in becoming an entrepreneur. They seem to be doing quite well as individuals and as a couple.
They are constantly seen at various social events enjoying each other's company. However, they have decided to keep their relationship relatively quiet and out of the spotlight as much as possible.
That's a smart move on their part, given the amount of scrutiny and media attention they must endure as it is. If they do decide to formalize their relationship, it will be based on their own terms and not other people's expectations or assumptions.
Likewise, Prince William and Kate should not feel pressured into getting married, either from their family or the media. They are doing the right thing - following their own paths and taking some time before deciding to take on any major life decisions.
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Christopher Vaughan is a journalist living in Canada. He has been a royal watcher for more than twenty years.
