Why did the matrimonials between the sixth-in-line to the British throne and an American actress prompt so much interest?
Amid the evils of the world, faced with threats from climate change, technological transformation, growing authoritarianism and societal dislocation, such an occasion is an almighty distraction.
When every person, every family, every relationship has its strains and worries, doses of positive escapism are most welcome.
It is not as if Prince Harry will ever be king.
It is not as if the Royal Family has much real power.
Great Britain itself is not particularly great these days, being a shadow of that era when a quarter of the world map was daubed red.
It is not as if Meghan Markle is among the highest royalty of Hollywood, even if she had suited herself up and done well.
But here was match made in Hollywood heaven.
Prince Charming, with a ready smile and war record to boot, met a mixed-race beauty from across the Atlantic, a Cinderella. Her family’s dysfunction simply added colour to the tapestry, to the drama unfolding.
The American commoner captured the heart of and tamed the socialite and once wayward prince.
The British royalty saga has taken another plot twist.
Here, so it would seem, is a 21st century fairy tale. And are not most people suckers for fairy tales?
The wedding, in one way too, was part redemption after the tragedy of Diana Spencer, her alienation from Prince Charles and her car-crash death in Paris.
Her boys, William and Harry, were taken into the bosom of British motherhood, a sense of ownership and interest that spread, in part through the focus of women’s magazines, to these shores.
The royals, with the William/Harry generation leading the way, is cleverly modernising while retaining the best of the old.
That must be the way for most institutions as they refresh to combat new challenges.
That was the way with the wedding.
While pomp and pageantry were guaranteed against a majestic castle backdrop, innovation provided a contemporary edge, even if elements of the service did not entirely triumph.
Without doubt, the presence of A-plus list actors and other mega celebrities added glamour, while the absence of state leaders was a blessed relief.
We are social creatures who have evolved to take notice of what those at the top are doing, what they are wearing and how everyone fits in.
Many feed, therefore, on a diet of celebrity.
We are also tribal, and like to join to support of events. For some, following the royals is like supporting their favourite sporting team.
When the extra special fixture comes along, many more of us are drawn in.
Part of us, as well, has the capacity for idealism, to believe in romantic love, to respond to high hopes and worthy words.
A wedding, especially one so grand, plays to that tendency.
Emperors knew, as the Roman Empire declined, "circuses" could keep the populace placated and happy.
Festivals and staged events have always been part of human history, and the weekend wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was celebration and celebrities writ large.
