Tuning in at dawn to pomp and circumstance

By Lee Ballantyne

BARRIE - I hadn't planned to tune in to the mislabelled “wedding of the century” on Friday, but I have changed my mind.

As I will be up anyway, dressed in my ratty robe, sipping a coffee, I might just as well turn on the telly and watch a bit of the pomp and circumstance as Prince William and Kate Middleton get hitched.

My bedmate declined my invitation to wake her early so she could share in the experience. I think her disdain for anything monarchist may be rooted in her pride of French ancestor Louis Hébert, an apothecary who was the first settler in Quebec in 1617.

My ancestors didn't show up for another 200 years or so, and since our origins are from Celts defending the highlands of Scotland, we tend to have a lot of reasons for keeping a wary eye on the royals.

I also have a selfish reason for watching the nuptials. I'm hoping to get a glimpse of an extremely distant cousin.

You may be surprised to learn there will be a Ballantyne among the wedding guests. I certainly was.

Sir Frederick Ballantyne, the governor general of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will be sitting down to some bubble and squeak with 1,900 other swells. St. Vincent is located between Grenada and St. Lucia, west of Barbados. Discovering that someone who may be a 15th cousin thrice removed is a Head of State makes me wonder if I would be welcome to drop in for a visit. Wouldn't hurt to ask.

One could certainly expect that Sir Fred, if he's given the chance, will invite the newlyweds to stop by if they're in the neighbourhood.

Kate is a commoner which seems to have encouraged ethnic ancestry researchers to find some historic family links, including being a distant cousin of George Washington. Sure she is. It wouldn't be as interesting if it turned out she were related to Millard Fillmore.

I have been wondering what the lovebirds call each other behind closed palace doors.

Catherine Elizabeth goes by Kate. It's unlikely anybody calls the groom Willy or Bill. His official title is His Royal Highness Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales. Kate will take the title of Her Royal Highness Princess William of Wales after she says I do.

I would like to think they affectionately call each other Cuddle Bear and Sugar Britches, but chances are it's something as simple as Prince and Princess.

If you haven't made any other plans, and that irritating mourning dove coos you awake just before dawn Friday, you might as well grab the remote. Most coverage begins at 4 a.m.

http://www.simcoe.com/community/barrieinnisfil/article/998694

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Will Kate Walk Down SVG's Isles?

NEW YORK, April 27, 2011 — /PRNewswire/ -- With just a few days left until the Royal wedding, Big Ben is not the only clock ticking away at the countdown. In fact, the names "Prince William & Kate Middleton" seem to be gracing the tips of just about everyone's tongues so frequently that it is hard to escape the ever-present "buzz" of the April 29 Royal wedding—and, better yet, to uncover one of the best-kept secrets...where the couple will honeymoon. As spectators worldwide wait with baited breath, Mustique remains a top destination that Will & Kate are predicted to cozy up on post-wedding. A tropical paradise that sits on a three-square mile in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Mustique is already a favorite Caribbean hideaway to the British pair.

According to the bookmakers' choice, all bets are on when it comes to Mustique as the happy couple's honeymoon hot spot:
Mustique: 11-4 Kenya: 3-1 Ibiza: 100-1

With its casual, unpretentious authenticity, friendly people and deep wealth of unspoiled natural attractions, SVG's collection of 32 islands and cays is a life-renewing experience. Though Mustique is known as the ultimate hideaway where everyday interruptions are forgotten, the Royal couple certainly won't fall short when it comes to adventure, romance, luxury, and change of scenery. In fact, honeymooning in Mustique offers the best of both worlds: the chance to enjoy the private island's tranquility and picture-perfect beaches, while still having the freedom to island hop and enjoy the distinctly different islands that make up SVG. From the lush greenery of the volcanic island of St. Vincent to sailing around the stunning turquoise waters of the Tobago Cays, Will & Kate won't be disappointed. And whether it's a day trip to Young Island to see where Johnny Depp stayed during the filming of "Pirates of the Caribbean" (room no. 5) or simply cooling off with a drink at Basil's Bar, it doesn't take a Royal couple to discover the charm and spirit of SVG.

For more information, visit www.DiscoverSVG.com and to learn SVG honeymoon tips leading up to the Royal couple's big day, follow along on Twitter: @DiscoverSVG.

SOURCE St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA)

PM in UK

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will be addressing the Vincentian Diaspora at a public meeting set to take place in High Wycombe.

On Wednesday, April 27, the Prime Minister will be the feature speaker at the event, which will be hosted by the High Commission for St. Vincent and the Grenadines in association with the Wycombe Multi-Cultural Association.

The venue is Bucks New University, High Wycombe Campus (The Gateway Building, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP11 2JZ).

Limited car parking is available on the campus. Visitors are asked to pull into a temporary 20 minute parking bay then proceed to reception to pay £2 for a parking permit. Escorts will then direct visitors to where they may park for the duration of the meeting.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm with light refreshments being served. For more information please call 020 7460 1256.

The Prime Minister will also be attending the Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday, April 29. His wife, Eloise, will accompany him.

Gonsalves is one of over 300 government officials who will attend the nuptials, scheduled to take place at Westminster Abbey.