Royalty and the Pre Nup

(Posted on 01/04/11)

It sounds a bit strange to hear these two sentiments together: royalty and the pre-nuptial agreement. Everyone wants to know, did they or didn't they? The "they" we refer to, of course, is William and Kate, who will marry in less than a month. The two beautiful young people have remained quite contemporary in their courtship; they did, after all, live together for awhile. Still, there exists the reality of happily ever after not happening for the two love birds. Not that we're cynical, mind you; it's just that we like to consider ourselves realists. One can't help but wonder what the Queen's mindset is on such maters. Distasteful though they are, many legal eagles can't help but wonder about the logistics behind the pomp and circumstance.

That said, there are reasons other than those with a financial basis. A pre-nup can provide a foundation on everything from morals clauses to expectations during a divorce, should that ever happen. In the royal family, confidentiality has always been (and always will be) top priority - and for good reason.

Kate comes from an established family; one who built its own business and is the epitome of a modern success story. Let's not forget her gorgeous engagement ring, however. It was Princess Diana's treasured sapphire heirloom. Certainly if the couple don't want to consider the unpleasant combination of finances and romance, there should at least be other provisions put into place should they find themselves splitting the royal sheets. And what about all those labels the media has placed on the lovely Kate Middleton? There have been no bones in certain circles of the fact she is a mere "commoner" and not only that, but she's the first one to marry into the royal family since the 1660s. That certainly throws a new spin on the dynamics, yes?

While no one likes to combine their anticipation for the most glorious day in their life with the frustrations and devastation that divorce brings, it doesn't lessen the need to include a healthy dose of legal advice - whether you're royalty or not.