Love makes a marriage, even a Royal one. This is the simple and powerful message of the upcoming wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, one that’s relevant to Australia’s same-sex marriage debate.
Once royal weddings were about dynastic alliances. That began to change in the twentieth century, but still there were limits on who a royal married, famously illustrated by the abdication of Edward VIII to marry a divorcee.
As recently as the marriage of William’s father, Charles, to Lady Di, it was inconceivable that an heir to the throne would marry outside the aristocracy or have a relationship with his fiancé prior to the wedding.
Diana referred to Charles as “Sir” right up to their wedding day, highlighting the inequality in their relationship.
But now no-one raises an eyebrow at the fact that Kate Middleton is a “commoner”, that she and William have effectively been a de facto couple for several years, and that Kate will not vow to “obey” he husband.
Clearly, marriage is no longer about power, class or gender.
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