What so Captures our Imagination in a Princess Story?

What is is about a princess story that so captures our imagination?

Have you been following all the media buzz this week over the royal wedding? Did you get up early to watch it?

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I have to admit, I did not watch it live. I haven’t slept-in for weeks and took advantage of a cloudy morning to sleep all the way until 8:45! Scandalous.

But the coverage has been everywhere. People have been preparing viewing parties for months.

As royal wedding coverage overtook every outlet, I began to wonder why we are so enamored of a princess story. While she was a relatively successful actress, an American commoner being chosen to become a princess is a real life, fairy-tale dream.

As I watched the replay of the wedding, the normal humanity of both the bride and groom really struck me. I could see nervousness in both their faces, Meghan’s deep breaths before entering the church and Harry’s shaky anticipation. I loved seeing how they both immediately relaxed when they saw each other.

Some of why we love this princess story is getting to be a part of the love story so clearly evident between Meghan and Harry.

My wedding day was similar. I was very excited, but nervous for how it would all go. My groom was terrified that he was going to ruin the wedding. I had to keep telling our minister/uncle that as long as he wanted to marry me, I didn’t care what else happened, but we were both pretty shaky until the last moment.

Walking down the aisle, I felt like such a goon, but I couldn’t stop smiling at my husband. In fact, I was almost giggling with joy. I wanted to race to him. After our own fairy tale proposal, finally getting to the wedding day felt surreal!

I loved reliving those sweet memories through this royal couple.

Every wedding is joyous, but a royal wedding is special. We like to imagine ourselves in the fairy tale. We vicariously live the joy of being chosen to live an idyllic, set-apart life as part of a prestigious, royal family.

Maybe you imagine a life that matters and leaves a legacy. We common folk sometimes feel like we don’t make a very large impact. We wonder what our legacy will be.

While we fantasize about the magic of being earthly royalty, we don’t always think about the responsibilities of their lives. For example, they always have to be camera ready, exhibiting the essence of class and sophistication at all times (think Kate’s leaving the hospital hours after giving birth). I would imagine the constant press coverage could be a drain at times.

I mean, Meghan may never be allowed to wear yoga pants again. Are there rules of decorum that govern yoga pants? 

On a more serious note, more than just marrying a man who happens to be a prince, Meghan married into a family with a history of flaws, foibles, responsibilities, and expectations.

At the very least, such a life set-apart is one of humble service. Even when it’s luxurious, it has it’s difficulties. Leaders are servants to their responsibilities. Because leadership is most evident in who we are and what we do, not a title we wear.

As Christians, we often forget that we are already children of the King and have all the privileges of being part of His royal family.

It’s not completely unlike how we come into Christianity, coming to Christ elated, joyful, bubbling over with excitement. Our new family, the Church, has plenty of foibles and flaws, but through them we learn what love really means. We are granted a new name and title. We even get crowns.

James 1:12 ESV / Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Because a life with Christ has its challenges.

Living in the world, but refusing to belong to it is hard. We have to guard our hearts and minds but be willing to get our hands dirty in the work of caring for the world around us.

The responsibility gets tiring. I don’t always want to be selfless. Some days, I want to wear my spiritual yoga pants and pitch a fit, demanding my way. I get tired of always trying to take the high road, always being the first to forgive, to apologize, to reach out, to be generous.

However, as a Christian, I am set apart from the world by my faith, and have to live in a way that my heart is presentable to the world at all times. Much like the royals represent the crown, I am always representing Christ.

I need to put on my heart for Him before anything else for the day.

The Bible compares the marriage relationship to that of Christ and His church. Although as members of that church, I like to picture each of us making that trek down the aisle to choose Christ, to be welcomed into the Royal Family of the King.

Like Meghan did, walking away from what used to define her, we give up our old lives.

We embrace the promises of our own princess story, but the new mission as well, to love others as God so loved us, and that takes embracing our new identity.

Maybe what we love so much about a fairy tale princess story is the promise of a happy ending. Aren’t we so blessed to know for sure ours has one too.