Updated: If you have gotten up at oh-dark-thirty to watch Prince William and Katherine Middleton tie the knot, here is a collection of useful and trivial links.
Before you tune in, you will need a bulletin. Here it is.
The language looks traditional to us and many think it is from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, but they are not. The liturgy is taken from what is known as “Series One” revisions which are derived from the proposed-but-rejected 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Most of the rites in that book were authorized in 1966.
The Rev. Rosie Harper gives us a preview:
Here is a video by the Archbishop of Canterbury as he shares his thoughts on the event and it’s meaning.
Speaking in a short film produced by Lambeth Palace, the Archbishop of Canterbury talks about the sense of hopefulness and generosity which lie at the heart of marriage, and what this also tells us about the ‘mystery’ and ‘delight’ which can be found in this life-time commitment. Dr Williams, who will be conducting the marriage ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Friday 29th, also describes the sense of privilege he feels about his own role in the royal wedding.
For more information and a transcript, go here.
Update: Here is the text of the sermon.
If you want something more accessible, here is a Lego version of the wedding.
If you want company, here is a Facebook Royal Wedding party.
This is the official website of the Royal Wedding, including many background stories and a live-streaming video.
Updated:
Episcopal News Service reminds us that Anglicans had some connection to all this.
NPR talks about how Americans have gotten into the event.
The Wall Street Journal carries an AP story of how Trinity Church, Wall Street, opened at 5 am so that people can watch the royal wedding in the the proper setting.
Mercurynews.com wonders if Americans really care as much about the Royal Wedding as the media thinks we do.
Special events are planned at Brit-themed businesses such as the Crown & Crumpet tea salon in San Francisco and the Crown pub and restaurant in Danville. Britannia Arms Almaden in San Jose will open its doors at 2 a.m. to show the ceremony, accompanied by a full English breakfast. Some places require reservations, so check first.
Even some churches are getting into the act. At St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Livermore, a Royal Wedding Holy Eucharist will be held Sunday. The liturgy will be from the Church of England’s “Common Worship,” and wedding cake will be served during coffee hour. “Optional to bring along a Union Jack flag and wave as we sing ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ and ‘God Save the Queen,'” a notice reads.
At All That Glitters, a high-end costume jewelry shop in Burlingame, the front window sparkles with pieces of owner Isabelle de Paz’s vintage tiara and wedding crown collection in honor of the nuptials. There’s even a frog prince with a crown, awaiting that magical smooch.
“It just feels good right now to think about something so fun and fairy-tale,” she said. “There’s so much bad going on in the world.”
Such fanciful fanfare certainly appealed to Americans during the wedding of Charles and Diana. But Friday will tell if William and Kate bear the same charismatic quality.
Religion News Service explores the connection between church and state that the wedding will exhibit.
When Prince William and Kate Middleton walk down the aisle at Westminster Abbey on Friday (April 29), Britain’s unique and historic ties between church and state will be on full display.
Some here think—even hope—it could also be the last powerful stroll for church and state in this increasingly secular country.
As the Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev. John Hall, and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams prepare to conduct and solemnize the wedding of the century, both Christians and prominent and powerful nonbelievers are raising their voices and demanding the disestablishment the Church of England that has dominated religious life here for 400 years.
In a special message issued for the royal nuptials, Williams underscored the historic ties between the church and state in England.
“Since about 1300,” he said, “the archbishops of Canterbury have had their London residence here in Lambeth Palace. The view from Lambeth Palace is straight across to the House of Parliament, Big Ben and, of course, Westminster Abbey.”