Prince William Turns 30

Prince William Turns 30
Samir Hussein / WireImage / Getty Images

Scene from a Fairy Tale
On April 29, 2011, an estimated one million people lined the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of the horse-drawn carriage carrying Prince William and his bride from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace after their wedding. Surely William knew the spectacle afforded the public more than an afternoon of free entertainment and that it symbolized much more than the union of husband and wife. For the hundreds of millions of people around the world watching on TV and online, it was a reminder of monarchy's charm and unifying power. Economic woe grips Britain, and public distrust of politicians is multiplying by the day. But William and Kate managed to burnish the Windsor family name simply by sharing their joy with Britons.

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