I got the 7.12 train into London from Egham on Thursday morning and got myself to Westminster for roughly 8am. The atmosphere was one of understated busyness. Breakfast television from the UK, US, Canada and everywhere hogged the especially-created media platforms outside Westminster Abbey for the next day’s events. The faithful campers were beginning to wake and enthusiastically talking to various TV crews. Immediately I spotted Carol Kirkwood from BBC Breakfast on pavement level and Sian Williams up on the platforms. I spent a while gauging the situation trying to work out how easy it might be to skulk around where all the media lot were but not a chance, mate. It looked like Sian was totally out of reach up on her platform. A feeling I’m very used to when I’ve gone to outside broadcasts to try and meet my idols. I did however have access to Carol, as did many others (!)
Sian looked even more miniature than I remembered when I had seen her last time. Smart and composed she looked great as ever. I was fascinated with simply watching how she interacted with interviewees and what she did between broadcasting. And on a hideously aesthetic level, her hair is gorgeous, bright, blonde and beautiful.
I chatted with several of the friendly campers to pass the time and ponder whether I should attempt to ask Carol for a quick photograph – being on my own I thought that might be a little awkward. I deliberately went by myself to avoid boring any of my friends, none of whom would have found my passion at all interesting. Throughout the morning I met predominantly Americans and Australians all of whom were very friendly. Why can’t the British be so full of compliments? I must have been told at least five times that I was beautiful which did my non-existent confidence marvels. I asked them how long they’d been there and what part of the wedding they were looking forward too, essentially pretending I was a journalist. I wish I could have been working on it if only in a small way.
Eventually, as I saw the time pass 9.15am, I knew Carol would be making a move soon and as she looked free I took my chance. I don’t know why I always feel the need to justify my need for a picture with whoever my unfortunate victim is, I just do. “Carol, I am THE biggest Breakfast fan, please could I have a picture?” “Of course” she replied with that smile which I was never always convinced was very real, but she definitely is that jolly in real life which was nicely reassuring. We faffed with my BlackBerry trying to find someone to take a picture and she told me I was looking very glamorous which was sweet of her (I adore all these media luvvies and their compliments.)
Main excitement over for the morning, I helped out some kind of Thai/Japanese/Chinese journalist out with what the cheers from the crowd had been for early. It transpired that Harry and Kate had been to the Abbey for last minute rehearsals again. I tried to explain this to said journalist through the medium of Twitter. It was also amusing the note that the small the news organisation/country, the smaller patch of pavement they claimed, some even resorting to the main road.
As the Breakfast shift ended, Sian left and it wasn’t long before I could see Louise Minchin appear up on the platform for what I assume was a shift on the News Channel. It was a weird feeling, the people I watch on the News Channel nearly every day are suddenly right in front of me and no one is bothered apart from me. Louise must have disappeared shortly before the 1pm news. I was beginning to weaken for lack of food but I didn’t want to leave my little patch of pavement in case something happened. I was checking my phone every few minutes for texts or tweets and it was then I saw Louise tweet that “@maitlis is in charge now ... ”. At this moment I was perched in a small stairwell just behind the media platform and couldn’t see any of the broadcasters from where I was but it was then that it registered with me that Emily Maitlis was literally a few feet from where I was sat - breathing the same slightly dusty air and everything.
Almost cautiously I edged towards somewhere where I could get a view of the platform, not really knowing what to expect, and there above all the now rammed pavements of Westminster Abbey was Emily, her unmistakable glossy blonde hair, silver/grey jacket, fitted black trousers and naturally huge diva sunglasses which covered nearly the whole of her face when she wasn’t on camera. I had never seen her in the flesh before. It all happened so quickly I didn’t quite know how to react. In fact, I had no reaction. It was almost like it was too much to process for my brain so I decided not to try and process it at all. The streets were so busy at this point it took about 20 minutes to walk one block along the media platform but I made this journey several times just so I could have a good stare. If I was to sum up her image in one word it would be glossy, like her hair, but I think “expensive” would also fit the bill – just like every element that goes into her appearance is nothing but the best. When she wore her sunglasses she looked like such a bloody diva and reasons like this are why I love her.
Once I had worked out what I felt a little bit more, I took obligatory photographs and pondered whether I should leave. I was happy just sat in her shadow but, like I mentioned earlier, very weak. So I caved and went home, glad that I had finally seen my idol in the flesh yet knowing she still remained far away. I was momentarily gutted to discover later on in the day that she had gone to mingle with the crowds but I told myself that even if I had stayed I would never have had the confidence to go up to her by myself. The prospect is still far too scary. The only way I can explain it is when you respect someone so much you really don’t want to have to put them out by having to deal with the likes of you, lowly you, who’s normal and not perfect like they are. ... So yeah, I’d never have gone up to her by myself, besides, there had been many more positives from the day that I shouldn't have let myself dwell on the negatives too much. That was the way I had to look at it.
(I'll do Friday asap!)
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