America – often thought of as the land of opportunity, a society that likes to think of itself as classless, a country that has welcomed the poor with open arms and huddled masses, escaping tyranny and persecution. So why, oh why does ‘The Land of the Free’ have such a fascination with Royalty and Britain’s Class System. To put it bluntly, why exactly do Americans love a bit of posh?
It was, after all, the oppression of a British monarchy that they fought a revolution over, and yet nearly two hundred and fifty years later they are prepared to queue for hours and travel unimagined distances to welcome back the Future King William, and his ‘princess’ Kate.
Such is the American fascination with our royal family that they generate as much TV air time and column inches of press as the closest thing to American Royalty the Obama’s.
Perhaps the American love affair with their British heritage was rekindled by Princess Diana. She truly was a fairytale princess in the eyes of the American public. She captivated the then President Reagan, and became a friend of the Hollywood A – list, who next to her melted into insignificance. Her tragic death only heightened her popularity, and the myth of Royalty became cemented by her two sons whose lives have been meticulously documented as they grew from boys to men.
The Queen, her castles, and the historic nature of royalty and the respect it endures in Britain seem to have rubbed of on its distant cousins across the sea, who sometimes treat our Royal family as if it were their own.
And it’s a love affair that has permeated down through Britain’s Class System. The TV series Downton Abbey is welcomed with as much anticipation as any home grown TV programme. Lord and Lady Grantham and their aristocratic brood, although only actors are treated with the same difference and respect as any authentic ennobled family.
America unquestionably loves Britain’s Class System, and if it were to be put to a vote as to whether they would welcome their own Royal family or even a branch of our own, it would certainly give freedom and independence a close run for its money.
Here in the UK we have our own love affair with royalty, but ours is far more selective. We can extend our unqualified respect and loyalty to the queen and the immediate Royal Family. Beyond that we become far more cynical. In America they are far less discerning and pushy princesses and wayward butlers are received with open arms, in the highest circles.
Our own love of the brusque tones of a native New Yorker is matched by their own passion for a posh plummy accent. That British stiff upper-class tone, mastered to perfection by current Hollywood favourites Keira Knightley and Dominic Cumberbatch, is much in demand for the more serious film roles.
Whilst Hollywood and its cast of homegrown stars may excel in producing many genres of movies, it turns to Old England for its period dramas. Nobody can do gravitas like a former Shakespearian player. It’s the Old Etonian or the ‘Oxbridge’ graduate they turn to in order to carry a costume drama.
Here we may resent the posh boys and the class system. In the U.S they positively welcome it. Being Posh lends itself to so many roles. From the ‘Expert’ to the ‘Baddie’ or the ‘Evil Genius'; having a plummy accent is a welcome addition to any cast. The ‘titled’ Lord or Lady is always a symbol for wealth and power, and the ennobling of an actor with a ‘Sir’ or ‘Dame’ only adds to their box office appeal.
Producers such as the Weinstein’s recognise the attraction of a British based storyline when you’re hunting for award winning opportunities. Multi Oscar winner The King’s Speech, and the current much heralded Imitation Game, rely heavily on the clichéd ‘Englishness’ of its cast.
It’s hard to believe that once upon a time being considered posh was a negative attribute. Now it’s positively encouraged. Being royal, well-educated or just plain posh is becoming a valuable asset. Having been Made in Chelsea may not be a guarantee to success, but it certainly helps especially if your trying to make it in America.
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