“You’re British! Are you excited about the Queen being in Canberra?”
“No.”
If you’re one of the people who asked me this question in the lead up to the Royal visit this month, I’m very sorry for disappointing, and for (presumably) answering in a snappy sort of way.
To be honest, a “no”, in answer to that question, is probably the greatest understatement of the century. Frankly, I couldn’t give a damn – and I’m sure I’m not the only British exchange student to feel that way. Royal excitement, I’ve noticed, tends to sort of pass us by.
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited my home university last semester, and some people were excited, but most weren’t. Of those who were excited, most were international students, as far as I can remember. The only reason I knew about Her Maj’s visit was because of the sudden influx of elderly people topped with funny hats in the Students’ Union, and the bizarre appearance of the Secret Service on the roof. With guns. I kid you not.
Aside from the spies, the only thing that remotely interested me in this Royal visit was the fact that The University of Sheffield succeeded in getting the Queen to wear 3D glasses for a photo-op. For some reason, this made me smile a ridiculous amount.
I suppose, though, that in the aftermath of the Royal Wedding, it would be natural for people to expect me to be excited. But, I was in London the day before the wedding (BY ACCIDENT), and walking down the Mall to the palace, there were more Americans than Brits. It was kind of terrifying.
I will grudgingly admit that, like every other girl in the world, I did turn on the TV to watch Kate walk down the aisle – but, in my defence, I have spent five years as a Fashion Editor. I sort of needed to see the dress of the century.
No: I hate to disappoint, but the only time this Brit has ever been remotely interested in the monarchy was when Princess Diana was mentioned in an episode of ‘Spooks’. The Queen coming to Canberra doesn’t hold quite the same amount of fangirlish joy, I’m afraid.
Ask me about Obama’s visit, though, and you will be met by a whole lot more enthusiasm!
