Thursday, September 13, 2012

The hype over Will and Kate

Don't worry Kate, you're prettier than those orchids

Thousands of people gathered, shouting, waving and snapping photos. A mega star's arrival is about to take place. No, it's not Jackie Chan, Usain Bolt or some PRC pandas. There is more of a royal touch here. Enter the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton.

A few lucky ones got to shake the royal hands of the royal couple, others could only continue raising their heads in an effort to witness a pinch of British royalty. So, what's the big deal over two human beings whose greatest accomplishment so far was being born as and fated to be a member of the royal family?

Maybe it is due to the British roots that Singapore long had since Stamford Raffles landed here almost two centuries ago. Maybe it's got to do with the popularity of the English Premier League in the country. Or maybe it's just that William and Kate will probably not visit us again for the next twenty years?

The reason for their overwhelming popularity is probably not about royalty. When the Sultan of Johor visited Singapore, I don't remember seeing people holding placards of his face while shouting slogans.

It was hard for me to fathom about all the fuss but when you have so many people recognizing and welcoming you, it can only mean that you possess celebrity status or rather celebrity value in their eyes. Appearing in front of these people will only further enhance your legacy.

Precisely, Prince William is no ordinary celebrity like Justin Bieber where people will have a big reaction (be it positive or negative) when they hear his name or hit songs. And the Duchess is not the typical trend-setter who will make an occasional mistake; she fits perfectly in all her clothes, from colour to cutting to design.

No matter how Justin Bieber sings or what hairstyle he spots, he is just a celebrity, one who has a lot of glamour. Enter William and Kate and you have an extra touch of royalty which makes seeing them in real life all the more exceptional.

Supposing that the royal couple's stay in Singapore was not stated in detail as reported in the newspapers, less people would have turned up to catch a glimpse of them. However, this group of people will still find ways to read up from the media or internet.

Seeing a celebrity of a different sort is not something that one can get to experience every month or even every year.

Oh yeah, Bieber has been offered to join a hockey team on trial. Bet William will never get this chance in his life ever.

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