The Royal Wedding

I awoke at 4:30 am in order to watch the Royal Wedding. My first Royal Wedding, up until a few years ago I couldn't have cared less about the Royal family.

How times have changed, thanks to Princes William and Harry. They are amazing young men. Social aware and able to grasp the magnitude of being in the public eye 24/7. They are still able to have private moments and moments of pure spontaneity. Like yesterday when they emerged from the gates of Windsor Castle to greet the masses waiting outside.

Royal weddings are about tradition, pomp and circumstance. This one was, with a lot of breaks from tradition. From her walking down the aisle halfway and Prince Charles escorting her the rest of the way. The veil, having Harry lift it up. The open air carriage ride through Windsor, the first kiss on the steps. The only political figure in attendance former British Prime Minister John Major.

The Princes have modernized the Royal family and good on them. What sold me on the royal family was Harry's admission of mental health issues in the years following Diana's death. The brothers along with Kate created Heads Together to promote and provide practical tools and support in dealing with mental health issues. They gave expanded their awareness with Kate creating Mentally Healthy Schools to support children's well being. Harry creating Military Mental Health to improve and bring attention to mental health issues in the armed forces.

The stigma of mental health is real and it stops people from opening up for fear of prejudice and judgement and getting help. Every time, we talk about our experiences with mental health we break down the stigma. We see more and more people opening up about their mental health story. I am pleased I opened up about my depression. I am a better person for it and if it helps one person then job well done. Your story is important so share away.