The marriage between William, second in line to the throne, and 29-year-old Middleton, dubbed "Waity Katie" for their long courtship, has cemented a recovery in the monarchy's popularity.A series of scandals involving senior royals, Britain's economic difficulties and Diana's death after her divorce from Prince Charles led many to question the future of an institution rooted in the imperial past.But William's image as a more rounded, less distant figure than his father, and the fact that Middleton, 29, is the first "commoner" to marry a prince in close proximity to the throne in over 350 years, appear to have worked in the monarchy's favor.William, who is an air force search and rescue helicopter pilot, has invited colleagues who will join armed forces chiefs in the seats of Westminster Abbey.In a surprise walkabout on Thursday evening which was a break from tradition, the groom reached into the crowds waiting on the Mall, the avenue leading to Buckingham Palace, shaking hands and chatting happily with delighted members of the public.Some 8,000 reporters and support staff have descended on the capital to capture the occasion in words and images, and, while some question a British government estimate of a global audience of two billion, hundreds of millions are certain to tune in.A Daily Mail survey showed 51 percent of people believed the wedding would strengthen the monarchy in Britain, compared with 65 percent who said the marriage between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005 would weaken it.However, while the queen, 85, exercises limited power, and is largely a symbolic figurehead in Britain and its former colonies, critics question the privileges she and her family enjoy, particularly at a time when the economy is so weak.The monarchy officially costs the British taxpayer around 40 million pounds ($67 million) a year, while anti-royalists put the figure at closer to 180 million pounds.William faces a long wait for the throne, however -- his grandmother Queen Elizabeth shows little sign of slowing down at 85 and his father Charles is a fit and active 62-year-old.
Royalty, stars, commoners flock to UK royal wedding
Guests fill Westminster Abbey; David and Victoria Beckham among first guests to arrive; Princess Diana's memory to be kept alive at wedding.
The marriage between William, second in line to the throne, and 29-year-old Middleton, dubbed "Waity Katie" for their long courtship, has cemented a recovery in the monarchy's popularity.A series of scandals involving senior royals, Britain's economic difficulties and Diana's death after her divorce from Prince Charles led many to question the future of an institution rooted in the imperial past.But William's image as a more rounded, less distant figure than his father, and the fact that Middleton, 29, is the first "commoner" to marry a prince in close proximity to the throne in over 350 years, appear to have worked in the monarchy's favor.William, who is an air force search and rescue helicopter pilot, has invited colleagues who will join armed forces chiefs in the seats of Westminster Abbey.In a surprise walkabout on Thursday evening which was a break from tradition, the groom reached into the crowds waiting on the Mall, the avenue leading to Buckingham Palace, shaking hands and chatting happily with delighted members of the public.Some 8,000 reporters and support staff have descended on the capital to capture the occasion in words and images, and, while some question a British government estimate of a global audience of two billion, hundreds of millions are certain to tune in.A Daily Mail survey showed 51 percent of people believed the wedding would strengthen the monarchy in Britain, compared with 65 percent who said the marriage between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005 would weaken it.However, while the queen, 85, exercises limited power, and is largely a symbolic figurehead in Britain and its former colonies, critics question the privileges she and her family enjoy, particularly at a time when the economy is so weak.The monarchy officially costs the British taxpayer around 40 million pounds ($67 million) a year, while anti-royalists put the figure at closer to 180 million pounds.William faces a long wait for the throne, however -- his grandmother Queen Elizabeth shows little sign of slowing down at 85 and his father Charles is a fit and active 62-year-old.