Royal Wedding of a Lifetime premiered on A&E in 2011, just a few short weeks before the most anticipated royal wedding in decades: that of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The special takes viewers behind the scenes of the preparations for the event, as well as the history and traditions that make British royal weddings unique.
Hosted by Soledad O'Brien, the program is broken up into several segments that highlight different aspects of the royal wedding. It begins with a brief overview of the history of royal marriages in Britain, from the days when they were arranged for political purposes to the more recent trend of marrying for love. It also touches on the role that the royal family plays in the lives of the British people and how traditions have evolved over time.
The next segment focuses on the preparations for William and Kate's wedding. Viewers get an up-close look at the venue, Westminster Abbey, and the elaborate decorations and arrangements that go into transforming it into a wedding ceremony space. They also get a glimpse of the flowers, the cake, and the other important details that make up a royal wedding.
One of the most fascinating parts of the show is the segment that delves into the dress. Kate's gown was one of the most closely guarded secrets in the lead-up to the big day, and Royal Wedding of a Lifetime did not disappoint in providing viewers with exclusive access to the designer, the fittings, and the intricate details of the dress itself. There is even a discussion of how the dress will be stored and preserved for future generations.
Another segment of the show focuses on the royal family itself. We learn about their different personalities and how they are all preparing for the big day. There are interviews with Prince Charles, Camilla Parker-Bowles, and Prince Harry, as well as many other notable personalities. We also learn about the role that the family plays in planning and executing a royal wedding.
Of course, no royal wedding is complete without the pageantry and spectacle that surrounds it, and Royal Wedding of a Lifetime does not disappoint in this regard. The show features footage of the various parades, processions, and other celebrations that took place in the days leading up to the wedding, as well as the wedding itself. Viewers get to see the crowds lining the streets and the faces of the many people who came out to witness this historic event firsthand.
Throughout the program, Soledad O'Brien provides insightful commentary on the various topics covered, drawing on her experience as a journalist and her knowledge of British history and culture. She is joined by a number of experts, including historians, royal watchers, and other commentators, who provide their own unique perspectives and insights.
Overall, Royal Wedding of a Lifetime is a fascinating and comprehensive look at one of the most important events in recent British history. It manages to capture the excitement and anticipation that surrounded the wedding, while also providing a deeper understanding of the traditions and customs that make up a royal wedding. For anyone with an interest in the British royal family, this special is not to be missed.