William and Kate - 'My Part in their union' by Eamonn Holmes
Eamonn Holmes, who it has been announced will head up Sky's live coverage of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, shares his thoughts on the big day and what it means to him.
So many people are saying to each other “What are you doing for the Royal Wedding ?” or “Where are you watching it?” When the question comes in my direction, I hesitate before saying “I’m going to be there!” I think I hesitate because I’m trying to convince myself that is indeed the case. That I heard the request correctly from the Head of Sky News. And as it happens –I did.
Such a grand responsibility was never in my career plan but like so many things, now that it has come along, I will take the role on to the best of my ability. Maybe it’s an age thing. With maturing years as a broadcaster probably comes trust from the viewer based experience. Landing such a role would never have come about without the five years I have spent anchoring on Sky News. Thankfully my Sunrise programme continues to prove popular. A breakfast show in Britain but in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia it’s seen as daytime, lunchtime, afternoon or even an evening show. For an increasing amount of Brits abroad Sky News is what they tune in to to keep abreast of the home front. But that reach will multiply by many many times when it comes to Friday April 29th and the Royal nuptials. Sky News prides itself on being new, being innovative and they will pull out all the stops to make this a Royal Wedding to remember. People know what they get with Sky News.
Of course as an event it will have pomp, ceremony, and solemnity – but I get the feeling the overall experience will be one of happiness and joy. The last time we were collectively as one like this must have been when William’s mum and dad married. As a young 22 year old TV anchor in Belfast at the time, I got the day off as all coverage was handed over to the broadcasting big guns. Thirty years later – who would have thought that I would be anchoring for Sky News?
I am newly married myself, having tied the knot with my long term love and fellow TV presenter Ruth Langsford last summer at The Elvetham Hotel in Hampshire, on what turned out to be the hottest June day in memory. I think I will take some of that experience with me as I commentate – how quickly the day goes, how beautiful the bride will look, how tiring yet exhilarating it will all be, and how William, if he is human will worry as much about making that speech as all us grooms do!
Kate, or Katherine as I will have to call her on the day, and William seem like a lovely match. He is strong, polite, handsome and approachable. She is mannerly, elegant and beautiful. But most of all they are young and in love.
I hope they get the weather they deserve, I hope they get the goodwill they deserve, I hope they get the happy loving life they deserve, but on top of that I hope I can give them and that TV audience the presentation they deserve!