I disagree. You are dissembling. This would have been unimaginable even 10 years ago. It's definitely a sign of the times and a repudiation of the special relationship from the British side. On the other hand, Obama did it first, so certainly no one is calling foul on this side of the Atlantic.
Prince William is not the heir to the throne therefore it's not a State occasion so William and Catherine can practically chose who they want to be there. They want as they said in this time of recession to have a relatively small wedding in line with the feeling of the country. It's nothing to do with America or it's president.
I do like the way though you as an American is telling me as a Brit how things are done here, somewhat amusing. William knows the country wouldn't be happy if they had a lavish wedding when so many are having to tighten their belts and losing their jobs, it's how good sense, he also has a good sense of himself as a person rather than as a commodity. After the wedding they will be living in a cottage near his RAF base, they will be living to all intents and purposes as 'normal' a life as it's possible to in his position.
Ten years ago we weren't in recession, there was money for these big occasions, there simply isn't now so to keep it low key but still make it special is the challenge for the couple. Looking back and seeing insult in the way things are being done now is simply silly.
If Obama had been invited and had gone people would still be on his back for expensive flights, entourage, leaving the country etc. Have you thought too that William may not want his wedding upstaged by heads of state especially the American one turning up with their huge entourages? What's wrong with him and Catherine wanting as personal a wedding as they can get?
This is a sign of the times, a sign of resession, hardship and tightening our belts, it's not a British repudiation of the 'special relationship. Try this for size instead and don't tell me the Brits repudiate the Americans again.
the American were coming to get a British Marine for casevac to hosptial, they were shot down and in the horrendous fire British Marines rushed to save the crew. they had no firefighting equipment suitable for this fire so doused themselves in water and went in the burning wreck. It took half an hour to get one American out, I saw him interviewed on television and he said they wouldn't give up on him as they struggled to free him, he said they just kept saying hang on, you're getting out.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wor...s-tell-of-Black-Hawk-Down-rescue-mission.html
In bad times there is no USA or UK only 'us'. Don't make more of this no invite thing than there is, it's William and Catherine's wedding not a political event. Either be happy for them or ignore it.
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