A Royal Sense of Community

The wedding of William and Catherine yesterday was, for me, significant for their clear awareness of their state responsibilities and their intent to do their best for their people and for each other. Indeed, the word “community” was used and inferred several times during the service, at their choice.

William of course has been trained from birth about royal duty but it seems that for him it is not just lip service: like his brother Harry he cares about the well-being of, for example, members of the military who fight and die or suffer for their country. His bride has not had the same upbringing but has shown already, with dignity, a respect for British sensitivities and altruism which is admirable.

There is much goodwill for them, and deservedly so, and I share the good wishes of millions for a loving and happy marriage together. With trust, affection, honour and freedom to be themselves, there is every reason to think this will be so. If, additionally, they are able to teach through example and practice about “we” and not “I”, as they are starting to do, they will achieve more than they could possibly realise as they start their new life together, today.