nadateturbe
I'm not talking about weddings I'm talking about royal weddings and visits. Reporters say things like "just what the country needs to cheer us up.. . a royal wedding." As if its some magical medicine to make us forget our problems. Why do they have this effect I wonder.
I'd suggest it's because they represent hope for the future and as weddings are a celebration, for many people feeling included in that by being able to spectate either in person on the street, or on TV, gives them a reason to feel hopeful and celebratory too. As for visits, it's a change of routine - many charities and organisations do thankless things and to be 'noticed' by the press that usually accompanies a royal visit often gives them a profile and donation boost. Plus, as stated by grandmajet above, someone external taking the time and trouble to learn about what a place does and being able to validate it makes a difference. It brings people together and most don't see that as a bad thing. It doesn't have to or need to be that way for anyone who doesn't feel the same.