It’s hard to recall an event that has rallied such pride and excitement across the board among Britons as the Royal wedding. It’s more inclusive than a World Cup football or rugby game. Perhaps the last occasion that inspired such pride was London being named the host city for the 2012 Olympics in 2005. Unfortunately that will always be a bitter sweet memory coming as it did the day before the July 7 atrocity- particulalry cruel timing for a nation that barely ever celebrates itself.
Shanghai appears to be leading the charge in China when it comes to Royal wedding celebration plans. Last Saturday, expat group, Brits Abroad, held a special Royal wedding themed, red, white and blue ball and tomorrow the group is hosting what is shaping up to be the best attended party in town, at O’Malley’s in Taojiang Lu. The group has well over 100 of its members attending, with many more expected. There have even been enquiries from expats in the nearby city Nanjing.
Meanwhile, local English language TV channel, ICS, is gearing up for a seven-hour long broadcast of Royal wedding coverage.
Brits Abroad president, Katy Gow (right) celebrates with friends
The Brits Abroad ball at the Fairmont Peace Hotel
Simon Drakeford enters into the spirit of things
Expat band Studio 188 performs