By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Shelley Palmer is setting her alarm clock for 5 a.m. Friday.
The Rowan-Cabarrus Community College English instructor is one of an estimated 2 billion people who are planning to watch the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton live.
Palmer watched Prince Charles and Diana say “I do” three decades ago at the age of 6 and doesn’t plan to miss this royal wedding, despite the early air time.
“I remember it so vividly,” she said. “I am so excited to see the pomp and circumstance of Friday’s ceremony.”
Palmer said she’s fascinated by royal traditions in England.
“It seems so yesteryear, but the English people are so patriotic with their excitement and Union Jacks,” she said.
Sisters Megan, 13, and Mallory Braun, 9, are also looking forward to the wedding.
Megan will be waking up to see it live, and Mallory is planning to watch a taped version later in the day.
“I’m waking up at 4 a.m. to watch this piece of history,” Megan said. “This is what my kids will be hearing about one day.”
Mallory has her “royal ring” shined and ready to go. She’ll be donning a replica of Middleton’s 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring, originally given to Diana by Prince Charles.
Ingrid Hinman said she’ll probably just watch a rerun of the wedding.
“I thought about it, but you just have to get up too early,” she said. “I don’t think it’s worth it.”
But her friend Nan Dahlstrom said she doesn’t want to miss it live.
“I’m going to try to wake up for it,” she said.
Viewing party
Salisbury resident Cyncie Staats will be hosting a “Royal Wedding Viewing Party” in honor of the nuptials Friday at her Confederate Avenue home.
“I just remember watching Diana and Charles be married and thinking, ‘I wish I was with friends now because we could be talking about it,’ ” she said. “I thought, boy, this would be a great time to get everybody together.”
Staats found Union Jack invitations online and invited about 50 people to watch the wedding with her.
About 40 of her friends are expected to attend the party at 10 a.m. Friday.
Staats said thanks to modern technology she doesn’t have to host the party at 5 a.m.
Each lady is expected to arrive wearing a hat in honor of the occasion.
Martha Owens said she made her own hat for the party using brown and white feathers to recreate one of the classic headpieces worn my Middleton.
“I’m going to wear it like she does on the side of her head,” Owens said. “I can’t wait to go.”
Staats is planning to serve a variety of British treats including tea, tomato tartlets and shortbread.
Those with a sweet tooth will be able to enjoy cupcakes topped with crowns.
“This is a fun excuse to throw a party,” Staats said.
Dying to see the dress
The one thing everyone seems to have in common is they’re all dying to see the dress.
Salisbury resident Becky Boulware said she’s excited to see what Middleton will wear down the aisle.
“I’m going to get up at 5 a.m. so I won’t miss it,” she said.
Owens said although she’s excited about the pomp and circumstance of event, the dress is still the most fascinating part.
“From what I understand, she’s going to have more than one,” she said.
The Braun sisters are eagerly waiting to see Middleton’s attire, but Megan said the cake has also piqued her interested. And, she said, Mallory’s looking forward to watching William and Kate’s first dance.
Although Palmer admits she’s most excited about the dress, she is also looking forward to the modern day spin on the royal wedding traditions.
“I think it will be very different from the festivities in 1981,” she said. “I’m thinking less ‘over the top’ and more simply stated elegance and polish,” she said.
None of the women have much longer to wait. By this time tomorrow the news will be abuzz with recaps of the royal wedding.
“I’ve gotten more and more excited each day this week,” Palmer said. “It seems crazy and a little bit silly even, but I can’t wait for Friday morning to get here.”
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.