Waity Katie Gets Her Datey

It came as a shock to no one, yet the news sent media outlets (and supporters of the British monarchy) into a feeding frenzy.

The bait? The highly digestible news that Waity Katie has finally been given a wedding date - and a ring - by her long-time beau, Prince William.

Princess Diana's engagement ring, no less.

I suppose this is a big deal, and an important moment in British history and all that. But honestly, I just can't get up the energy to care.

Don't get me wrong, I love the kids. I think they make a very aesthetically pleasing couple and would rather see their profiles on Commonwealth currency than, say, old Charles. And while we're on that topic - I do hope they beat old Charlie to the crown, and have a blast ruling. Can't you just picture the pair of them mixing it up in the throne room with Harry and Chelse? Hectic.

But it must be said - even in the early moments of the story breaking, it felt like old news. Let's face it: the utter predictability and lack of scandal with which this couple have conducted their public life pointed to only one conclusion - eventual marriage. William himself was even quoted at one point saying he wouldn't marry until he was at least 28. It's no surprise that he's popped the question to Kate in his 28th year.

The media has spent the past 8 years canvassing this story up to pussy's bow and back. Now that the anticipated outcome has actually been reached, there's really nothing new to talk about, except the usual discussion of wedding plans, costs and the dress make etc. Even the vague speculations on whether it's appropriate for William to give Katie his mother's ring (which is, of course, a ridiculous question) seem hackneyed and old hat.

In fact, it's my belief that the only refreshing part of this fairytale is Katie herself. She presents as a poised, unselfconscious young woman from a working-class family with no pretensions to pomp and grandeur (except for marrying the heir to the British throne) and whose status as a commoner seems to be embraced by the public and royals alike.

If William, Harry and Denmark's Fredrick are anything to go by, the new generation of princes like their princesses common and without pretension (clever boys!).

And now that Katie has ensnared a ring and date out of her prince, and the scent of scandal remains as elusive as the crown on Chuck's head, a fresh topic must be introduced. My bet is that a new wave of Diana-esque nostalgia will ensue, with endless comparisons being made between the young pair and William's parents.

Good luck to you, Katie and William. And while I don't really give a fig about your wedding, I do hope you have what your predecessors never had - a long and happy marriage.