By Lloyd Levy
LONDON–Billions of people around the World watched television on Friday, to witness the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton. It was a magical occasion, which even transfixed an old cynic as myself.
I cannot however comment on any Jewish perspective, because there wasn’t one. British Jewry was officially recognised by the invitation of three leading rabbis as guests, including Chief Rabbi Sacks.
The Israeli Ambassador was also invited . Aside from that, I am unaware of any other Jewish involvement, although no doubt several guests had Jewish antecedents.
The Israeli Ambassador was also invited . Aside from that, I am unaware of any other Jewish involvement, although no doubt several guests had Jewish antecedents.
Normally, reporting of the Royalty by the BBC and other broadcasters, is a cloying mixture of deference and obsequiousness. This time however, the BBC seemed to achieve a modern yet respectful attitude, to which most people in the twenty first century could relate.
The pomp and circumstance of the wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey, and the carriage drawn ride through the streets, escorted by the immaculate Cavalry officers, was an example of the best of British tradition. In these difficult times, I am sure it has made most people proud to be British, even if the mood does not last.
I am not always the greatest fan of the Royalty in this day and age, but there can be no doubting that they do act as a unifying focus in what is has become a disunited and multicultural society. The whole event has hugely strengthened the monarchy, especially after the quite serious threat that arose after the death of Princess Diana, when many people felt the Royal Family to be cold and aloof to the loss of Diana.
The one strange factor , was the non invitation of the last two Prime Ministers to the Wedding. Tony Blair was a most remarkable Prime Minister for many years, and not to invite him was inexplicable. Also George Brown, Blair’s successor, was not invited. Excuses regarding matters of Protocol are not credible.
Nevertheless, the wedding can be said to have cemented the relationship between the people and the Royal Family, for yet another generation. Hopefully Catherine Middleton (now called the Duchess of Cambridge) will have a happier life than Princess Diana had.
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Lloyd Levy is a freelance writer who divides his time between England and Israel. He may be contacted at lloyd.levy@sdjewishworld.com
Lloyd Levy is a freelance writer who divides his time between England and Israel. He may be contacted at lloyd.levy@sdjewishworld.com