From Bucklebury to Buckingham

How long is the journey from Bucklebury to Buckingham?  Some might answer 52 miles, I suggest closer to a decade! Both answers are correct in their own right.  We all know all too well the story of Prince William’s intentions towards our Kate blossoming from friend to admirer during a student-run fashion-show in March 2002.  But who knew then that this fundraising event would be the catalyst for an almost decade-long journey from Bucklebury to Buckingham?  And I question if they’ve yet to arrive at all?

If you’ve been following their story, you’ll know that their journey wasn’t always an easy one.  Wills and Kate have certainly had their share of speed bumps.  Not to mention a couple of on and off ramps over the course of their courtship.  But when it became evident that Kate would become Will’s partner on the road of life, the Royal family did what we expect of them… they began to consult Kate on how to fit in with the Mountbatten-Windsor’s and a society completely foreign to her own, thus ensuring the smoothest of journeys.  An adorable yet somewhat awkward teen from Bucklebury was not expected at the onset to know how to properly remove a jacket, exit a car or wave, so every care has been taken to assure as much hence forth.

It is well-understood that Katie has thus far received an abundance of what I refer to as T&D Training or Tact & Decorum from a very senior-royal-personage.  Katie’s tutors are not only esteemed peers of the realm, but they too have endured their share criticism from a public that yearns for normalcy in their Royals but attacks any flaw or misstep with a vengeance.  Katie’s more notable family advisors being Wills step-mum The Duchess of Cornwall and his Aunt Sophie, The Countess of Wessex.

Katie’s ongoing grace and confidence in every appearance as well as her top-tier performance on her wedding day is a testament to not only her instructors’ ability to guide, but her ability to follow!  From everyday etiquette to state-event protocol, Kate has endured and will continue to receive the best tutelage, often reserved for future Kings.  From this point further, whether she’s walking up stairs, shaking hands or drinking a cup of tea, Kate will be required to look every bit the Duchess she is while doing so.

Luckily, Kate has many years of practice ahead of her before she’ll take the throne alongside her bridegroom, but if history is any indicator of the level of public attention she can expect, than it’s fairly clear that the road she travels will be a much scrutinized one.  There are many miles ahead for our Duchy newlyweds and with just as many naysayers as well-wishers along the sidewalk to the throne, a well-packed suitcase of patience, acceptance and fortitude will come in handy… not to mention a respectable curtsey!  So… our dearest Kate from Bucklebury… I suggest you ‘Buckle Up’… it’s going to be a long drive from Bucklebury to Buckingham and your journey has just begun!

Guest Blogger – Kelly Rachelle Mathews