Whether the Republicans like it or not, this is going to be a Big Event.
Frankly, I don't begrudge about GBP1 per tax-payer head for something that will life spirits and raise the profile of the RAF and expunge purile celebs from the front pages of the media. Although that may be ironic, Wills and Kate (God willing!) will still be celebs in 40 years time. (Wills, please bring back proper ceremonial dress fro the RAF - perhaps with a proper Cap, field service as headwear, like the calvary, and reintroduce gold stripe on Mess overalls and spurs and...).
I'm working overseas and the level of interest is surprisingly high. Most people assume that Flt t Wales isn't really a proper SAR pilot and I have deelight in disbusing them of this notion.
WP