News of a royal engagement is a source of excitement and interest to people all over the world. The recent engagement of Prince William to his longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton, made headlines all the way across the great Atlantic, here in America. Due to the fact that Americans do not have a royal family, their interest in the family that stands at the head of the monarchy in Great Britain has always been strong. Now, with a wedding in the near future, news stations all over the country are preparing the world for the nuptials by releasing details about the royal love affair. ABC’s Bianna Golodryga, co-anchor of the weekend edition of Good Morning America, recently revealed details of the story from the perspective of those who know the couple best: their friends from the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland.
Described as “privileged and private” by Bianna Golodryga’s report, the University of Saint Andrews is an elite institution known for educating the children of the finest families in Britain. It is here that Prince William met Kate Middleton, and here that the couple began a friendship that would eventually blossom into something more. The University of Saint Andrews has, incidentally, a reputation as a matchmaker, as many students have met their future spouses while wandering its halls and sitting in its classrooms. Brian Lang, PhD, the former principle of the University of St. Andrews, commented on the ability of the couple to create a real relationship by recognizing the fact that the University provided a safe haven from paparazzi where William and Kate could truly get to know one another without the pressures of living in the spotlight.
Bianna Golodryga reports that the couple began their relationship in 2001, ten years ago, and that they have gone through a lot together since their friendship began. Jules Knight, a close friend of the royal couple, commented that they spent a lot of time together and things naturally took a more serious turn. While some people may wonder if Kate will be able to withstand the transition into life in the public eye, Knight believes that she should have no problem living as a member of the royal family or dealing the all of the pressures that it entails.
Bianna Golodryga’s report reminds everyone that William and Kate are normal people, despite the fact that they will one day be the King and Queen of England. As her report closed, Bianna Golodryga was able to instill the hope and awe into the audience that such a report should inspire into the hearts of all viewers who wish this couple well.