WHEN the Brits get things right, they really get it right.
The Westminster system of government; the defeat of fascism (with a little help from friends); the invention of cricket and rugby; James Bond; pomp and circumstance.
And a Royal Wedding that had even the most ardent republicans still glued to their TV screens.
It was a glorious occasion where the whole world could share a taste of a fairytale, where the joyous love between two young people was vividly coloured by the fact it was a future king marrying a commoner who will become his queen.
The Brits indeed carried it off in style. The immaculate cars and carriages, the uniforms and titles, the horses and pageantry, the Abbey and palace, the occasionally odd but endearing Windsor family and, of course, The Dress and The Kiss.
Wills and Kate, ably assisted by the cheekily cheerful Prince Harry and Kate's attractive sister Pippa, did their parents proud - radiantly happy, dignified and poised.
They also gave us something to smile about, a feel-good window in a year where people have grown weary of tragedy ranging from natural disasters to war casualties.
It was indeed a royal wedding, but also very much a wedding for the people.
Which of course brings us to the future.
The whole republican argument has largely fizzled in recent times, despite sporadic attempts by anti-monarchists to revive it. The public appears content with the status quo.
Sentiment can of course change. A long-held view of many is that the eventual passing of the Queen and the coronation of Charles will kick-start a new campaign.
Don't necessarily bet on it.
Wills and Kate have breathed new life into Australians' casual fondness for a benign monarchy that does not interfere in our legal affairs.
Just as Diana was one of the best things for the crusty royal family in some time, her eldest son and his new wife have turbo-charged the monarchy's public image.
Kate appears to come from sensible stock and the couple's long courtship gave her ample time to understand what she is letting herself in for, which is just as well.
The pressure on the happy couple will be immense. Kate will be a magazine cover girl for years to come, with every new hairdo, fashion style, friendship, gaffe, cause, diet and more analysed, dissected, praised, criticised and discussed. She will be a paparazzi target, a role model and a gossip magnet.
Her ability to cope with such scrutiny and live in the bubble that is modern royalty will be crucial in maintaining the present warmness many Australians feel towards the monarchy. We wish them both well.
For the moment the world should give them some space to enjoy their honeymoon and adjust to married life.
Then, no doubt, everyone will be looking for the first signs of a baby bump.
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