A Little Princess

The last time England saw the birth of an heir, I was there to watch as the events celebrating the then-Prince-of-Cambridge’s birth. From the entire city of London being lit up in blue, to the gun salute in Green Park, to queueing for half an hour to get a glimpse of the announcement, I was there and celebrating. This time around, I had to watch from afar, and through the very different lens of the American media. Though, thankfully, some Tumblr accounts kept me very well up-to-date.

I was so excited to see that the Duchess and her daughter were safe, and healthy, especially after watching her suffer through this pregnancy. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be to deal with the intrusive media while dealing with HG. I know I’m not British, but I feel like any birth as important as this can be celebrated. Plus, she will be the first Princess to benefit from the changed succession laws.

Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess, and Prince George on the newest addition to the family!

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The Soulmate

10 Women They Warned Me Against Becoming (5/10)

The Soulmate. Believing love is greater than your cynicism is dangerous. Love is weakness, it leads to all sorts of problems. You’re never going to find someone who actually enjoys you; just someone willing to put up with your presence until they croak. You’ll settle, but you’ll never be able to settle down. They always told me to be patient, that ‘someone’ would eventually find me, though I think we can agree in most cases, ‘eventually’ equals ‘not ever’. We’re called mad to believe in ‘happily ever after’. Ever after what? What exactly happens after the last page of faery tales? We don’t get to see the mistakes, the arguments, the battles, and the struggles. We simply assume all is fine and dandy, and paint that as our perfect ending. They tell me nothing will protect me, even if I think a good relationship is all I need to round out my perfectly boring life. “You’re no princess”, they sneer as I pass them. “You’ll never be lucky enough.”

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Strength of Diana

I think it was out of fear [their undermining tactics], because here was a strong woman doing her bit, and where was she getting her strength from to continue?

Today was extremely laid back for me. I spent the entirety either at the gym, watching films, or doing homework. In the midest of watching films, I came across the BBC Panorama interview with Lady Diana.

For those of you who do not know, I am a huge fan of Lady Diana. When I was younger, I was gifted the “Diana Bear” which was a purple teddy bear with an embroidered white rose on its left breast. At that age, I was not able to understand why there was a bear named after someone, nor who it was that seemed so important. As I’ve grown, I have learned more about Lady Diana, and I have come to admire her greatly. The work she did changed peoples lives, and her legacy is carried on in her sons. She also spoke openly about issues that were considered taboo subjects at the time, including AIDS, mental health, eating disorders, and many others.

I sat and watched the interview and was struck by her soft manner that still seemed to command the attention of the room. Her responses to the questions were thoughtful, and respectful. I was actually surprised at her answers to some questions that seemed especially probing, but she either simply turned the question on its head or brushed it off. To have the strength to face the world after everything she went through astounds and inspires me.

I certainly hope that I grow into some of the qualities of Diana – though I will never be in the same position as her. But perhaps I’ll still be able to make a change in the world without the scruitity of a nation (or world for that manner).

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