At the beginning of the 20th century, the British Empire was vast, with the royal family the nominal rulers of one-quarter of the world's population and almost a quarter of Earth's total land area. The empire was gradually dismantled, but a version of it still exists as the Commonwealth of Nations headed by Queen Elizabeth.
And member nations are at the top of the wedding invite list. More than 20 representatives of Commonwealth countries will be attending, including Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
"The wedding will test invisible ties with Commonwealth realms that both sides have all but forgotten exist," says an OpEd in The Guardian. "Many predictions have been made in Britain about William and Kate's ability (or otherwise) to renew the monarchy here, but the task, if they chose to take it, is more pressing abroad."
