The Australian public has gone ga ga over the Danish royal wedding, mainly because Tasmanian Mary Donaldson has been elevated from real estate agent to princess. It’s a genuine fairytale and that’s what monarchies are in the modern age.
Reading some comments attributed to the Lutheran Bishop who performed the wedding ceremony, he said the monarchy is an important part of the Danish social structure and the newlyweds belong to the people.
The wedding has to be a good thing for Australia, as it will strengthen relations with Denmark and open up new opportunities in trade and tourism. The wedding wasn’t arranged, of course, but just like in the old days there are diplomatic and economic benefits in having marital ties between countries.
And the common folk love a good royal wedding. I’m ambivalent myself, but Juliet, Kathleen and their friends have been discussing all week what will Mary wear, when will they have the first kiss, etc. I’ve been impressed with Mary’s grace and how she carries herself.
Given the public interest in monarchies generally, it’s incongruous that Australia is heading towards a republic.
Perhaps the tide will turn. For the past decade or so the people who feel strongly on this issue have mostly been republicans. Seeing how much the Danes love their royal family, and having an Australian royal connection, may sway public opinion.
It all comes down to symbolism, because the monarch has no day-to-day political power. Do we value the symbol? Public opinion this week said yes.
Seeing photographs of Tasmanian school kids dressed as Vikings and princesses suggests we all love a good fairytale.
