Enjoy the following video gives us a very well presented inside look at the real cost of the royal family to the United Kingdom, while offering a sympathetic nod to the continuance of the tradition of keeping up the royal family.  Let us know what you think about British royalty, and leave us a comment.

I am not certain that I agree with what is presented as the average US wedding cost in the graphic, or its corresponding value in the British currency.  In these difficult times with the global economy, I am certain people are finding ways to cut back on the expenses involved in their weddings. What have your experiences been with wedding costs?  How much did all of it end up costing you?  Please leave us your comments and thoughts, and enjoy reading the following:

The British Royal Family is one that is well-known for its proud application of tradition.  Many people though have a difficult time placing the family members onto the family tree, and since the year is coming to an end, I thought I would give you this helpful tool.

Of course this was created prior to the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, but it is clear where she is on the tree.  Now you shouldn’t have a problem when someone asks you who’s who of the British Royal Family.

Prince William and Kate Middleton

It was the royal wedding talked about all over the world.  We even woke up early to watch it here is the states.  It was beautiful and beyond lovely.  Held at the Westminster Abbey, the ceremony was very traditional.

Zara Philips and Mike Tindall

The 12th in line for the British throne, Zara Philips, married rugby player Mike Tindall in July.  The two are pretty well known for enjoying a drink or two, and even in the short amount of time they have been married, Tindall has been criticized for his partying ways.

Princess Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and Alexander Johannsmann

In June the Princess and Dutch commoner Alexander Johannsmann were married in Germany.

Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock

Prince Albert II of Monaco married an Olympic swimmer named Charlene Wittstock who is from South Africa in June of this year.  Now she is known as Princess Charlene.  The last Princess of Monaco was none other than Grace Kelly.

Duchess of Alba and Alfonso Diez

The Duchess of Alba, who holds more titles than any other noble married a man 25 years younger than her in Seville, Spain.  the man is Spanish civil servant Alfonso Diez.  He was forced to sign a contract so that he would not receive any of her fortune.  The two celebrated after the ceremony with some Flamenco dancing.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema

The king of Bhutan married the commoner Jetsun Pema in October of 2011.  After the ceremony she became the Queen of the small country.

It seems like some ladies are just as interested in finding out if Prince Harry will be choosing an American woman as a love interest while he is here visiting.  Watch the video below to see what I mean.  With all these ladies after his heart, we might just have to take a trip to Cali ourselves and see if one of us can’t catch his eye.

Unfortunately for me, I have never had any opportunity to meet anyone royal, or even close to it actually.  If I did someday get presented with the opportunity though, I would be so prepared it is scary.  I have read all that I could get a hold of on the subject of what to do when meeting royalty, and I have it down to a tee.  There are other people, however, that should never go meet royalty even if the opportunity presents itself, as they will just make a scene and a mockery of the crown.

Take for instance Mr. Bean.  Now I know he is a fictional character, but let’s be honest, there are some people out there who are just as awkward as Mr. Bean.  Actually, there are some people who could be even more awkward, and that could pose some serious issues when faced with a queen.  I do love a good Mr. Bean act.  Take a look at what you should never do when you are meeting royalty.  Thanks to Mr. Bean we all know what the most important things to remember beforehand are and what things we should never ever do.  I love this act.  Enjoy!

If you recall, Florence was dating Jenson Button the Formula One racing car diver.  The two split up years ago primarily because it was said that she was unable to tie Button down.  Maybe she has a knack for choosing love interests at the wrong point in their life?

The couple was said to have been becoming serious especially due to the fact that Harry was seen frequenting her London pad, and he even introduced her to his very close mates.  But even while Harry was taking a break and enjoying a holiday, partying it up with friends and scantily bikini clad women Florence was still back home in the UK.

A source ended up speaking the a British newspaper and said that basically Harry has other things on his mind right now, like his helicopter training.  And Harry does not want to have to be in a serious commitment when going through all of his training.  Which makes sense because I can’t imagine it would be too easy to learn to fly Apache helicopters.

This news just adds even more fuel to the idea of Prince Harry taking an interest in Pippa Middleton, but sources still say that it is not the case at all.

Well, for the time being at least we do know that Harry is indeed single.  I just wish he would take some time off from the helicopter training nonsense and look my way!  Only kidding, I think it is quite honorable and courageous that the Prince would be training for combat and a possible return to Afghanistan.  His love life may be in sorts, but Prince Harry is still a fine man, and with an older brother like William to look up to, why shouldn’t he be?

Aside from getting my royalty fix each day, I am a huge fan of StumbleUpon.  (I know can I get any nerdier–probably).  So I was stumbling and I found a wonderful infographic that compares the Royal Wedding and event to a wedding that is planned for a typical and average couple.  It is one of my favorite infographics that I have ever come across, so I hope that you forgive my ramblings and that it is much after the main event.  It is still quite interesting and fun to look at and compare just like looking back at some home video security clips.  Please enjoy it!

King John finally meets his match in the form of his own vassals who wring a Man Carta of rights (their rights) from him and the Parliament is in the wings. Initially after fits and starts a Parliamentary form of government with a King and some limits to his rule and a body that votes is the basis of the rights of Englishmen (some of them, that is). Still, the king no longer had divine right over all his subjects. Neither did the Parliament. An uneasy divide between King and the representatives of the people existed and when Cromwell tipped the balance, the people recalled their King to service.

The Parliament has had every combination of political idea represented, and the sessions have often resembled war. Prime Ministers have gone from one extreme to another. There have been Disraeli’s, Churchill’s and Brown’s and their governments have fallen overnight with votes of no confidence. How you can govern a country with such a changeable system is anyone’s guess. But the glue that has held the whole confusing and bewildering thing together has been His or Her Majesty. They have been a variety of leaders, fumblers and bumblers, geniuses and those with just average intelligence. They get divorced, get featured in the tabloids, make mistakes and still appear gracious. Her Majesty has her royal household and equerry and castles. But still the connection with a past that is part legend, part fact and entirely majestic is what keeps the wheels turning. Britain is still a somewhat United Kingdom with many of its former colonials and Commonwealth citizens now lending colors and tongues to the streets of London. But at the core and foundation is something they all can say with one voice: “God save the Queen”.

Think about it. William could be the next king of Jolly Old England. Wait a minute, remember 1776, we were trying to get away from these people. Well, times have changed and the Royals are welcome with open arms. So where did they go after arriving at LAX? They were taken to the posh area of town, Beverly Hills. Home to movie stars and diplomats. Now wouldn’t it have been nice if they could have stayed with us common folk. I would have polished the furniture, cooked spaghetti, garlic toast and a huge tossed salad. Yep, I’m Italian. Now doesn’t that sound better than the fancy food they probably had for dinner?

It has come to my attention that the people of the neiborhood in Beverly Hills, where the Royals are staying, were not very happy with the arrangement. Remember, these are the upper class, you know, my way or the highway kind of people. Too many cameras, too many film crews and way too many Royal watchers standing on the curbs of their street. Poor babies! I feel for them. What a horrible inconvience they have to indure for just a few days. Well, enough about the neighbors. Let’s get back to Willie and Kate. The marriage looks good. We all have observed a lot of body language. Looks to me like they are really in love.

Willie is a good guy, I think he is a keeper. Good for you Kate, you picked a winner. Now the fun starts. Guess who Kate has as a MOTHER-IN-LAW? CAMILLA of course. Can you guess what she is up to? Well, here is the scoop. Camilla is spreading the word among her very closest friends, that Kate has fertility problems which could prevent her from getting pregnant and therefore not supply an heir to the throne of England. Harry, maybe your gong to have to produce grandchildren big time. Remember a book titled MOMMY DEAREST? Here comes MOTHER-IN-LAW DEAREST.

I have also heard that Kate is a very strong willed girl with her own ideas of what her life should be like. Camilla, I think you have met your match. Hang in there Kate. On the second day, off they go to play Polo in beautiful Santa Barbara. As we all know William is an avid polo player. Now here is the big news of that polo game, Kate did not wear a hat. Every other woman that attended the polo match was wearing an elaborate English style hat. This of course was to show tribute to the English tradition of wearing their very special style of hat.

Remember what I said about Kate having her own ideas of what is proper? Kate, sooner or later your going to get a rap on the knuckles from the Queen herself and when it happens, remember that I told you so. They don’t fool around up there in that palace. Don’t worry, William loves you and he will have your back. Go for it kids, cruise the Santa Barbara coastline on a catamaran, ferry ride to the Channel Islands National Park, enjoy watching the whales, dolphins and sea lions. Have a wonderful time. California welcomes you, we are glad you are here.