No matter how hard I tried, it was hard to avoid the hysteria regarding the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton. They seemed to find something to mention about it in the news in almost every bulletin, their faces are plastered on everything from biscuit tins to tea towels and we keep being endlessly reminded that at least 2 Billion people tuned in to watch the event on TV. Yes, Kate Middleton is the Princess Diana of the new millennium.

Although I’m not that interested in the marriage of a complete stranger, the fact that this clearly meant so much to so many made me reflect a little bit. I found it strange how Prince William works even though he doesn’t have to. Having graduated from the army, William works shifts as a helicopter rescue pilot and even sleeps on site when on duty. Not only does he work, but both he and many of his family members take part in many charitable activities and programmes. William showed his dedication to one of his mothers favourite charities by sleeping rough on the streets of London during the winter.

In addition, although the royals were well known for spending many evenings in upmarket London nightclubs, there were surprisingly few shocking revelations of them being involved in debauched and demeaning activities. In fact, the marriage is a good example of this with the Queen agreeing to the marriage despite the huge class differences between them. Various other features from the wedding also achieved the desired aim of showing a family that was – though royalty – still trying to be in touch with the people. Inviting guests from society at large including a Bengali girl who suffered from a massive stroke (and for some reason ended up being rejected by her family), a petrol station owner and a publican to sit with the Emir of Qatar, the King of Spain and the Prime Minister of Australia was at least a token gesture.

Meanwhile, the children of Muslim royals get Michael Jackson to perform for their birthday, a gold-plated Rolls Royce and their pick of American beauty queens for their bedroom – and that’s just the Brunei royal family! This is not just a difference in class and taste, but a difference in respect for their people. Whilst the British monarchy is older and more venerable than most others, they also hold considerably less political power and consequently make more of an effort to engage in public duties to justify their existence. Say what you want about the Queen, but at 85 years old she could be excused for putting her feet up and buying more items to add to the crown jewels. Instead she maintains a packed schedule with events such as opening new hospital wards to making visits to primary schools.

So as the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge fly off on their honeymoon, I guess what I reflect most on is why more Muslims seem to feel an affinity to them and their lives than to any Muslim royal?