Feminist analysis of the royal wedding

Yes, Katie! I think the comment was as her parents arrived "Her mother must be so proud. She has taught her well."

Beta yes in reality love can cloud anyone's judgement, male or female, but it seems to be touted more as a "mysterious feminine charm" etc, I can't articulate this very well, but in situations like if a man cheats he couldn't help it because this beguiling woman was paying him attention, whereas if a woman cheats she's just a slut. And the notion that "bad boys" can be "tamed" by the right woman's love - all of these are just pervasive in the media/popular opinion, it seems, and it's frustrating.

my first post on this thread was about how beautiful it all was; it's interesting to imagine how much of the beauty you could still retain (architecture, music, True Lurve, trumpeters in groovy gold tabards) while making it a bit less regressively patriarchal.

I would have had a woman vicar conducting it, rings for both of them, and them coming up the aisle hand in hand as befits their status as grown-ups in love

I predict about 3.5 weeks grace until the speculation about her being pregnant begins. Because that's all she will be to some - a walking womb

I like being married. But I think it helps I married a feminist

Or worse that her mother had some scheme BertieBotts. I think it's totally a feminist thing to be annoyed about.

That and the ridiculous idea he fell in love with her after seeing her in a skimpy see-through dress. I find that insulting to both of them.

Women do have a mystical power over men.... and t'other way round.

Its called falling in love.

I hate the way in a lot of the commentary about Kate they keep saying things like "She played him well" or implying that she must have had some kind of master plan to 'bag her prince' from the day she arrived at university. Or how she plotted specifically, wearing the see-through dress in the fashion show etc, to make him fall in love with her. Because girls are clearly all scheming and have a mystical power over men which they must fear. Oh and probably she only wants him for the money

Don't know whether it's particularly a feminist thing to be annoyed about, but it's bothering me.

I am hopeful that she will be progressive and will effect some real change from within. She would have had bugger all chance if she'd said "Wills, I don't care what your family think - let's have a small civil ceremony/humanisst wedding".

I obviously don't expect v much but slow progress is better than no progress at all.

Well I think marriage is a lovely thing.

The two people involved today said the same words to each other and promised to be faithful unto each other forever more and through whatever life throws at them sharing all their worldy goods. That seems to me to be the complete anithesis of a patriachal institution.

Fou - does the groom go down with his parents too though?

I don't think it would make much difference whether bride and groom both went down with parents, or both with a supporter like best man/bridesmaid, or together - the key thing is that if it is not symmetrical it makes a statement about men and women being different.

I agree youngblowfish, in fact if you find a thread somewhere else on MN talking about anything but the dresses and being spiteful about Andrew's daughters' outfits, I'll be surprised.

Yup was in a prayer (thanks for the link I was hoping I had misheard).

O Lord, save thy servant and thy handmaid;
who put their trust in thee.

I found that offensive and just horrible

I don't think most brides are given away by their fathers, they are supported by them as they enter the church/venue. I've known brides go down isle with both parents. They certainly weren't "giving her away"

oh good point Youngblowfish!

This is the thread I had been waiting for!

I know it is far too much to expect the BBC to actually show some gender equality in the the way the commentary is structured, but TimeWasting picked up on a very interesting thing. All the important guest and historical commentary was done in a solemn voice by Mr Commentator. We were told who is the richest royal around and all kinds of important dates and events. Then, when it came to the frocks, two women were dissecting this 'great day for British fashion'. Quite a clear role division - historical facts, money, heritage and everything else that matters - Mr Commentator. Dresses - women. How utterly depressing.

she may have worked it out for herself by the time she gets married.

Oh, I missed the handmaid bit! Full Order of Service

I'll be sure to tell my daughter on her wedding day, that having her dad by her side as she walks up the aisle is creepy.
What utter rubbish.