It’s not all roses on the big day

We don’t often get to see a big pageant and tonight many New Zealanders will be enjoying watching the Royal Wedding. It is unfortunate, therefore, that in trying to make the event go smoothly British authorities have exceeded their mandate in a couple of ways.

Firstly, it is reported that

the Police have conducted “pre-emptive” arrests

of people they think might be engaged in protests today. One man is being held “on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.” If British democracy can’t handle a few protests something is wrong.

Secondly,

Clarence House prevented the Chaser Group from getting TV footage

for a satirical commentary for the Australian TV. Democracy is not Clarence House’s strong point. It has invited to the wedding

a motley bunch

of Middle Eastern Sheikhs and Emirs whose monarchies are far from “constitutional”. Some of these monarchs, like those from Oman and Saudi Arabia,  are currently responsible for

shooting

and

arresting

demonstrators. Perhaps Clarence House thinks the fellowship of monarchs, those who inherit their positions, is more important than democracy.