Before they say ‘I do’

Is it surprising that the world is watching with close attention as the Kate Middleton and Prince William nuptials approach closer? After all,it is a potent mix of youthful romance,glamour,money and royalty and we are all equally fascinated by all of them. The public’s obsession with the wedding — which borders on the mania that followed Prince William’s mother,Diana for many years,even after her death — has given TLC good reason to roll out a line of one-off shows,that started on April 24,in the run-up to the wedding on April 29. Beginning with Royally Astounding: 30 Defining Days of the Monarchy which gives a refresher course in the recent history of the British Royal family,it includes programmes on Prince Harry,who will be the next eligible bachelor in the family,another that explains the mind-boggling logistics that go into organising a wedding on this scale,and one on the Charles and Diana ‘fairytale’ wedding. Our special favourite is the one which,in a quirky and humorous twist,acknowledges the people who are so obsessed about the royal family that they collect souvenirs in the thousands. If you’re not enthralled by British woman Margaret’s collection of 10,000 royal commemorative plates and spoons,there isn’t much that will move you.