Royal nuptials

The following comments reflect the views of DW-WORLD.DE readers. DW-WORLD.DE reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness of content.

Will and Kate are cash cows for the memorabilia business

If someone collects teaspoons, like I do, these spoons are a must-not-miss; one each is enough of course. -- Janine, US

Tying the knot in style - 70 years of European royal weddings

No, not really, at least not when they are at 4:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. What's the big deal of seeing a couple of rich British people getting hitched? -- DC, US

Beware the guillotine as anti-monarchists prepare for the royal wedding

To the "republicans" I say: Her Majesty the Queen is by far the most suitable person in the UK to be the Head of the Country. Who would want Mrs. Thatcher or Mrs. Blair or Mrs. Gordon Brown or anyone else for that matter, to replace Her Majesty? Long may she reign. -- JK, UK

I think it is a total waste of money at taxpayers' expense. -- Vera, Germany

The British royal wedding is no big deal, because monarchism is the oldest, phased out, prohibited and most frowned upon concept by the British themselves. At one time they assassinated monarchism and dictatorship wherever they ruled in other parts of the world. Campaigning for monarchism and the royal wedding stands sharp in contrast, killing the very spirit and liberty of democracy and civil rights. Therefore the weddings of the teeming millions are more important now. -- Madhu, Philippines

It's time this group of middle class, self serving, media-hogging whingers and their tired, middle-aged university "lecturers" who support them grew up. The vast majority of the population just want to enjoy the day. Please remember that our Australian cousins have twice rejected a republic, because, as they see it, if you get rid of royalty you end up with more politicians and who in their right mind wants that? The head of the armed forces is the Queen whose children serve on the frontline unlike the dual nationality claimed by a certain ex-PM's children. Enough said. -- John, UK

From Facebook:

I see them as moving from direct political participation into the world of ideological or cultural symbolization, usually symbolizing or reflecting back to the European audience various semiotic aspects of their collective identities, iconically. They seem to be more necessary to the collective morale of their subjects than to the mundane, direct management of their respective states. -- Ricky

I personally think there is nothing wrong with monarchies and kingdoms as long as the royals are driven by the desire to serve their people and protect the integrity and identity of the civilization. Some queens and kings really have been assets for their people and world. I see monarchies and kingdoms as a good and healthy sign of civilization. It is a heritage that is worth protecting. -- Grace

Well, they are a relict of the past. But generally charming. Besides, the so-called yellow press would miss them dearly. -- Friedrich

Yes, they are an anachronism ... and so well-off! Is that fair, in relation to the "subjects"? -- Vanda

I agree, without a doubt, all that stuff of kings and queens is a circus. -- Carlos

I wouldn't watch the wedding for the world. The only one real wedding was with Princess Diana and Charles. Then the mess that came after it ... Diana will always be the real Princess! -- Jan

Compiled by Stuart Tiffen
Editor: Susan Houlton