The Wedding Planner: Give the coppers a break
(CBS) CBS News royals contributor Victoria Arbiter, reporting from London, will be giving CBSNews.com readers daily updates on plans for the April 29 royal wedding.
While April 29, 2011, promises to be a corker of a day for much of the United Kingdom, it's going to be a real stinker for many others in the workforce.
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There will be those slogging away in the palace kitchens, those setting up the porta-loos, and - the people I feel most sorry for - the Metropolitan Police Force.
The Bobbies, as they're known in England, get to attend some of the grandest events imaginable, from Trooping the Color to international state visits. They even manage to squeeze in the New Year's Eve celebrations in Trafalgar Square.
But they can't enjoy any of it! Instead, they have to stand with their backs to the pomp while they face the screaming masses yelling at them to duck because they "CAN'T SEEEEE!" or boorish oafs hurl abuse as to what a sorry lot they are.
All this before they've even got to the anti-monarchists waving sticks and ammonia-filled light bulbs in their faces.
The police seem to get very little respect these days and yet I don't think there are many of us who would charge head-on into the balaclava-covered throngs like they did during the heinous riots that London endured last weekend. Not only do the police bravely tackle yobs and hooligans but they manage to look so smart while they do so.
On Royal Wedding day, people will gasp with delight over the fine figure of the Household Cavalry. They'll gawp at the Grenadier Guards and positively fawn over the Royal Marines.
The police will simply have to deal with insults from the riff-raff. The fact is, we wouldn't be able to hold monumental events such as the Royal Wedding without a strong and sophisticated police presence. So if you do make it out to the Mall hoping for a glimpse of the joyful newlyweds, give a Copper a smile and let him know he's appreciated. You never know; he might just move out of the way in time for you to give William and Kate a right royal wave.
Until next time, royalphiles, keep calm and carry on.
Read more by The Wedding Planner:
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Let's show some royal wedding etiquette
Prince William's ex-girlfriends
Keep up with Victoria Arbiter on Twitter.
